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Why is My Car Ignition Locked? There are many reasons why the ignition of your car could be locked. The key could be dirty or may have a damaged wafer inside it. You can fix it by sliding the key into and out of the cylinder many times. Another possibility is that the pins in the lock cylinder are stuck. You can employ a small tackhammer to gently tap on the cylinder to loosen them. Check the Battery If the car is in Park or neutral, but doesn't come on when the key is inserted into the ignition, there might be a problem with the shifter switch on the transmission. You can fix it by moving the gear shifter up or down to put the car into the gear. If it's still not turning, the problem may be with the neutral safety switch, or the transmission shifter cable. This can be easily solved by a mechanic or by an auto locksmith in your area. The ignition cylinder may also be worn out. Over time, the ignition and the key will wear out, causing them to become difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant like silicon lock grease can address this problem, allowing the wafers to slide into the proper position. The key can become clogged with lint from your pockets and adhesive from tape that is used to hold packages together. This stops the key from sliding into the ignition. Clean the key with a cloth or a cleaner such as Triflow, to solve this issue. You could also try a spare key to determine if the problem is with the ignition or the key. While the key is in ignition, you can tap it with a a small piece of hammer. This will cause a slight vibration that might be enough to loosen the wafers inside the ignition, allowing them to slide into position. You must be cautious not to damage either the ignition cylinder or the key. If none of the suggestions above work, you should contact a locksmith to test it out. The key may be damaged inside the ignition cylinder, or it might be the time to replace it all. Locksmiths can make a replacement key if the issue is the key. If the ignition cylinder is the issue then you'll need to bring the car to a repair shop in order for it to be replaced. Luckily, these problems are usually very easy to fix. Check the steering wheel A common issue that can hinder the ignition from turning is the steering wheel being locked. This can happen if the driver has a mistake and engages it while exiting or enter the vehicle and is usually caused by pulling on the wheel while balancing themselves against it with their hands. It could also happen if an individual in the back seat accidentally engages it as they exit the car. Luckily it's a simple fix that doesn't require a trip an expert locksmith or mechanic. First, make sure the gear shift is in either Park or neutral. If it's not you can gently pull or push the gear shifter until it moves to one of these positions. You should also activate the handbrake or press the brake prior to turning the key. If the wheel is not locked, a quick inspection of the steering column should reveal if the key is engaged with the lock cylinder. A small “Lock label is typically located in the lower part of the ignition circle. You can easily disable this by gently moving the key or pulling it with moderate force. It is important not to use too much force as this could damage the key or even break off a wafer inside the lock cylinder. A spare key can be used to disengage the lock. This could mean that the original key has damaged and no more able to engage the wafers that make up the lock cylinder. car ignition key replacement from Karl Chevrolet Webster City can create a new key if this is the case. If the new key still won't engage, a quick spray of penetrating oil could help. Apply a small amount around the ignition, and inserted keyhole, then gently tap or jiggle it until it starts to work. If this doesn't work, you may need to consult a specialist in your local dealership for cars. They will be able to provide you with a new key and can also replace the ignition cylinder, if required. Check the Key It could be that your key may be damaged if it doesn't turn in the ignition. You can clean any foreign material (lint from packing tape or adhesive) from the key. You can also try rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone on the key to see if it aids. If the pins in the lock aren't moving properly when you insert your key, it is possible that they are stuck. You can test a spare key by gently sliding it out of the ignition once you have insert it. This should let you hear and feel if the internal lock pins move, which they ought to. If you can't hear or feel any movement, you can apply lubrication using graphite powder. You can buy graphite in small tubes that can be put into the keyhole. This should allow the pins to slide into position when you insert the key and prevent them from becoming stuck. It is possible that your key has become worn out or damaged and isn't able to work with the pins within the ignition cylinder. This may cause the ignition cylinder to not turn and stop you from starting your vehicle. If this is the case you'll need take your car to an auto locksmith or repair shop for repair. If you can turn your car with an extra key and you've ruled out issues with the steering wheel or battery it could be because the ignition cylinder has worn out. You can try to loosen the lock cylinder using the sharp end of a screwdriver or handle of the hammer (not the head). A gentle tap on the cylinder will usually free it which allows you to turn your key and start your vehicle. If this does nothing then you'll need your lock's cylinder replaced by a mechanic. Check the Ignition Socket The ignition socket is where your key slides into and out of place when you insert it. It is often filled with debris or is the result of wear and wear and tear. Try putting some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition to make things move along. You can also use a small hammer to very gently tap the inside of the ignition cylinder to try to loosen or reset the pins that could be out of alignment. Be cautious not to overdo it, or you could cause serious damage to the ignition switch. It is essential to ensure whether your car's transmission is set to park or neutral before you attempt this. A lot of newer cars come with the ability to stop the steering wheel from turning when it is not in park or neutral, which can prevent the key from turning into the ignition. If you have tried these steps and your key still won't turn, it is possible that the ignition housing needs to be replaced. It is important to remember that different vehicles will require different procedures when replacing the ignition cylinder. This usually involves removing the plastic covering that covers the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll need adjust the tilt-wheel in its lowest position. Then, remove any fasteners that hold it in place. After removing the cover you'll need to take off the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. Then, you will need to compare the new ignition cylinder you purchased with the one that was removed to ensure that they're identical. After this, you can install the new ignition cylinder the same manner as the old one. Sometimes, despite all of our best efforts, the ignition can be damaged and require replacement. It is recommended that if this happens you contact a Tempe Locksmith. A locksmith can help you determine the correct replacement and ensure it is installed correctly so that your car can begin again.