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Why is My Car Ignition Locked? There are a variety of reasons your ignition in your car may be locked. The key could be dirty or have a broken wafer in it. It is possible to fix this by sliding the key into and out of the cylinder several times. The pins on the lock cylinder could also be stuck. You could tap the cylinder lightly using a small tack hammer. Check the Battery The transmission shifter switch may be malfunctioning when the car is in Park neutral, or doesn't start when the key is turned on. You can fix this by moving the gear shifter up or down to get the car into gear. If the car still won't turn, the problem could be due to the neutral safety cable, or the transmission shifter. A mechanic or a local auto locksmith can easily fix these problems. The ignition cylinder could also wear out. Over time, the ignition and the key will wear out, which causes them to become difficult to insert or remove. A lubricant such as silicon lock grease could solve this issue, letting the wafers slide into place. The key may become blocked by lint from your pockets and adhesive from tape that is used to keep packages in place. This prevents the key from sliding into the ignition. To resolve this issue you can try cleaning the key using the help of a cloth or a cleaner, such as Triflow. You should also make use of a spare key to see if the problem is with the key or the ignition. When the key is in the ignition, you can tap it with a an hammer that is small. This will cause a small vibration that could be enough to loosen the ignition's wafers and allow them to slide into the right position. However, you should be cautious not to harm the key or the ignition cylinder. If none of the above works, you must 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 issue is with the key the locksmith can make a new one for you. If the cylinder for the ignition is the cause then you'll need to take the car to a repair shop in order for it to be replaced. These problems are usually 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 as they exit or enter the vehicle. This is typically caused by yanking the wheel and holding it against their body. It could also happen if a passenger in the rear seat has a mishap and engages the brakes while they exit the vehicle. Fortunately it's a simple fix that does not require a trip to an expert locksmith or mechanic. First, check that the gear shift is either in neutral or Park. If it's not, push or pull the shifter slowly until it moves into one of these positions. It's also crucial to press the brake or activate the handbrake prior to trying to turn the key. If the wheel is not locked, a quick inspection of the steering column will confirm that the key is engaged with the lock cylinder. This is usually identified by a small “Lock” label in the lower portion of the ignition circle. It is possible to disengage the lock by gently jiggling it or pulling it down with moderate force. It is important to not apply too much pressure, as this could cause damage to the key, or damage a wafer inside the lock cylinder. A spare key can also be used to disengage the lock. This could mean that the key is worn and cannot engage the wafers within the lock cylinder. If this is the case the locksmith at Karl Chevrolet Webster City will be able to make a replacement key. If the key does not engage after spraying the penetrating lubricant it could aid. Just apply a small amount around the ignition, and the keyhole that you have inserted, and then gently tap or jiggle it until it starts to work. If this doesn't help you, it's possible to speak with a specialist at your local car dealership. They can provide you with a replacement key and can also replace the ignition cylinder if needed. Check the Key It is possible that your key is damaged if it doesn't turn in the ignition. You can get rid of any foreign material (lint from packing tape or adhesive) from the key. You may also try the key with rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone to see if it helps. It is possible that the lock pins inside are not moving properly when you insert the key. You can test the spare key by gently sliding it out of the ignition after you put it in. You should be in a position to feel and hear the pins moving within. If not, you could apply lubrication to the pins using powdered graphite. You can buy graphite in small tubes that can be applied directly to the keyhole. This will allow the pins to slide into place when you insert the key, and prevent them from becoming stuck. A more serious problem with your key may be that it is damaged or worn and is unable to engage the internal pins in the ignition cylinder. This can cause the ignition cylinder to stop turning, which will prevent you from starting your car. If this is the case, you will need to bring your car to repair or locksmith shop for service. If you're able to turn your car on with a spare key, and you have ruled out any problems with the steering wheel or battery it could be because the ignition cylinder is worn out. You can attempt to loosen the lock cylinder by using the sharp end of a screwdriver or handle of a hammer (not the head). Tapping the cylinder gently will usually free it, allowing you to turn your key and start your car. If this does not work then you'll need to replace the lock cylinder by an expert mechanic. Check the Ignition Socket The ignition socket is where your key slides in and out when inserted. It is often covered in debris or simply a result of regular wear and wear and tear. Try spraying some silicon lock lubricant (like WD-40) into the ignition to help things move forward. You can also use a small hammer to very gently tap the inside of the ignition cylinder in an attempt to loosen or reset the pins which may be out of alignment. Be careful not to overdo this or you could cause significant damage to the ignition switch. Before you try this, make sure the gearbox of your car is either in park or neutral. A lot of newer cars come with a system that can stop the steering wheel from turning when it is not in neutral or park, which can prevent the key from being turned in the ignition. If you have done all of the above and still cannot get your key to rotate it is most likely that the ignition cylinder housing requires replacement. Different vehicles have different procedures for replacing the ignition cylinder, therefore it is crucial to follow the correct procedures. Generally speaking, this involves removal of the plastic cover which is placed over the steering column and ignition assembly. To remove it, you'll need to adjust the tilt-wheel in its lowest position. Then unscrew any fasteners that hold it in the position. Once the cover is removed, you'll have to remove the old ignition cylinder off the steering column. Then, you'll have to check the new ignition cylinder you purchased with the one that was removed to make sure that they are identical. After this step is completed the new ignition cylinder is able to be installed in the same way that the old one was removed. It is possible that even with our best efforts, an ignition could be damaged and need to be replaced. It is recommended that if this happens, you call an Tempe Locksmith. locksmith ignition replacement cost can assist you in choosing the appropriate replacement and then install it correctly, so that your car can be started again.