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11 Methods To Totally Defeat Your Car Ignition Lock
Why is My Car Ignition Locked?

There are a variety of reasons the ignition of your car could be locked. The key might be dirty or have a broken wafer inside it. This can be repaired by sliding the key in and out of the cylinder multiple times.

The pins on the lock cylinder could also be stuck. You can use a small tack hammer to gently tap the cylinder to loosen them.

Check the Battery

The transmission shifter switch may be malfunctioning if the car is in Park, neutral or won't start when the key is turned on. It is possible to fix the issue by shifting the gear shifter upwards or downward to get the car into the gear.

If it's not turning, the problem may be with the neutral safety switch, or the transmission shifter cable. A mechanic or an auto locksmith can easily fix these problems.

The ignition cylinder could also wear out. Over time, the ignition and the key may wear out, causing them to become difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant, such as silicon lock lubricant can solve this issue by allowing the silicon wafers to slide into the place.

The key can become clogged by lint from your pockets and adhesive from tape that is used to hold packages together. This stops the key from sliding into the ignition. You can clean the key with a cloth or a cleaner like Triflow to resolve this issue. You may also try a spare key in order to determine if the issue is the ignition or the key.

When the key is in ignition you can tap it with an hammer that is small. This can cause a small vibration that might cause enough friction to loosen the wafers within the ignition which will allow them to slide in place. However, you must be careful not to scratch the key or the ignition cylinder.

If none of the suggestions above work, you should contact a locksmith to test it out. It could be that the key is damaged in the ignition, or it may be time to replace the entire thing. If the problem is with the key, a locksmith will be able to create a new one for you. If the problem is related to the ignition cylinder, your car will need to be brought into a repair shop to have it replaced. Luckily, these issues are generally easy to fix.

Make sure you check the steering Wheel

A steering wheel that is locked may cause the ignition to not turn. It can happen if drivers accidentally engage the steering wheel while they exit or get into the vehicle. This usually happens by yanking the wheel while holding it against their body. It can also happen when a passenger in the back seat is unable to stop it when they exit the car.


This is a quick fix that doesn't require an appointment with a locksmith or mechanic. First, ensure that the gear shift is in either Park or neutral. If it's not, gently push or pull the gear shifter until it moves to one of these positions. You must also turn on the handbrake or press the brake prior to turning the key.

If the wheel isn't locked, taking a look at the steering column will tell whether the key is engaged with the lock. This is usually identified by a small "Lock" label in the lower area of the ignition circle. You can easily disengage this by gently jiggling or pulling the keys with moderate force. It is essential not to use too much force as it could damage the key or even tear a wafer from the lock cylinder.

Another thing to try is to use a spare key to see if it can disengage the lock. This could indicate that the original key has damaged and no longer able to engage the wafers that make up the lock cylinder. If this is the case then a professional at Karl Chevrolet Webster City will be able to make an alternative key.

If the key still doesn't engage after spraying penetrating lubricant it may help. Apply a small amount of oil around the ignition and the keyhole that you have inserted, and then tap or jiggle it until it starts to work. If this does not work, you'll likely need to see a specialist at your local auto dealership. They can provide you with a new key and can also replace the ignition cylinder, if required.

Check the Key

If you're unable to get your key to turn the ignition, it's likely that there is something wrong with your key. You can try getting rid of any foreign material that is on the key (lint or adhesive from packing tape, etc). It is also possible to rub alcohol or Goo Gone on the key to see if it aids.

It's possible that the internal lock pins are not moving properly when you insert the key. You can test the spare key by gently removing it of the ignition after you put it in. You should be in a position to feel and hear the pins moving within. If you don't feel any movement, you could lubricate them with graphite powder. You can buy graphite in small tubes which can be sprinkled into the keyhole. This should help the pins to slide into position when you insert the key and keep them from becoming stuck.

A more serious issue is that it has damaged or worn, making it unable to engage the internal pins in the ignition cylinder. This may cause the cylinder of ignition to stop turning and stop you from starting your car. If this is the case you'll need take your vehicle to repair or locksmith shop for service.

If you are able to turn your car with an extra key and you've eliminated any issues with the steering wheel or battery It could be that the ignition cylinder has worn out. You can attempt to loosen the lock cylinder using the blunt end of a screwdriver, or the handle of an hammer (not the head). Sometimes, gently tapping the cylinder will release it and allow you to turn your car key. If this does nothing then you'll need your lock's cylinder replaced by a mechanic.

Check the Ignition Socket

The ignition socket is the place where your key slides in and out when inserted. It can get clogged up with debris, or simply wear and tear. Try spraying some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition to help things move along.

You can also use the small hammer and tap very gently on the inside of the ignition to loosen or reset the pins that are not aligned. Be careful not to overdo it or you could cause major damage to the ignition switch.

It is important to check that your car's gearbox is set to neutral or park before you attempt this. A majority of modern cars have an option to lock the steering wheel when it is not in neutral or park. This can prevent the ignition key from turning.

If you have tried all of these steps and your key still won't turn, it is possible that the ignition housing has to be replaced. car ignition lock is important to remember that different vehicles will require different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder.

Generally speaking, this involves taking off the plastic cover that covers the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll need to adjust the tilt-wheel to its lowest position. Then, remove any fasteners that hold it in the position.

Once the cover has been removed, you will need to remove the old ignition cylinder from the steering column. Then, you'll need to compare the new ignition cylinder that you purchased with the one you removed to confirm that they are the same. After this is completed, you can install the new ignition cylinder in the same manner as the old one.

Sometimes, despite all of our best efforts, the ignition may be damaged and require replacement. If this happens, it's advised to contact a Tempe Locksmith for assistance. A locksmith can assist you in choosing the appropriate replacement and then install it correctly, so that your car can be started again.

Homepage: https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/car-ignition-lock-repair-near-me/