Why is My Car Ignition Locked There are many reasons why your ignition might be stuck The key might be dirty or have a broken wafer in it This can be repaired by sliding the key into and out of the cylinder multiple times Another possibility is that the pins in the lock cylinder have become stuck You can tap the cylinder lightly with a small tack-hammer Check the Battery The shifter switch on the transmission may be malfunctioning if the car is in Park neutral, or doesn't start when the key is switched on You can fix it by moving the gear shifter up or down to get the car into gear If it's not turning, the problem could be related to the neutral safety switch or transmission shifter cable A mechanic or local auto locksmith can easily solve these problems It's also possible that the ignition cylinder has worn out Over time the ignition as well as the key can wear out making them difficult to insert or remove A lubricant such as silicon lock lubricant, can solve this issue by allowing the silicon wafers to slide into place The key could get clogged with lint from your pockets as well as adhesive from tape that is used to keep packages in place This prevents the key from sliding into the ignition You can clean the key with a cloth or a cleaner like Triflow, to solve this issue You could also try a spare key to determine if the problem is the ignition or the key While the key is in ignition you can tap it using a the hammer with a small amount This will cause a slight vibration that may be enough to loosen the wafers in the ignition and allow them to slide into position However, you should be careful not to damage the ignition key or cylinder If all of the above options are unsuccessful, it's time to contact a locksmith or automotive mechanic to examine the issue It could be that the key has been damaged inside the ignition or it could be time to replace the whole thing Locksmiths can make an alternative key in the event that the issue is the key If the problem is related to the ignition cylinder, the vehicle must be taken to a repair shop to get it replaced These problems are usually easy to solve Check the Steering Wheel A steering wheel that is locked can cause the ignition to stop turning It can happen if a driver accidentally engages the steering wheel as they exit or enter the vehicle This is usually caused by yanking the wheel while resting it against their body It could also happen when a passenger in the rear seat is unable to stop the vehicle and engages the brakes when they exit the vehicle This is a straightforward fix that doesn't require going to the mechanic or locksmith First, check that the gear shift is in either Park or Neutral If it's not, push or pull the shifter slowly until it changes into one of these positions You must also turn on the handbrake or press the brake before 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 A small "Lock label is typically located in the lower area of the ignition circle It is possible to disengage this by gently jiggling or pulling the keys with moderate force It is crucial not to apply too much pressure since this can damage the key or break a wafer within the lock cylinder A spare key may also be used to deactivate the lock This could mean that the key is worn out and cannot engage the wafers within the lock cylinder A professional from Karl Chevrolet Webster City can create a new key if this is the case If the new key still isn't engaging, a quick spray of oil that penetrates can help Apply a small amount penetrating oil around the ignition and keyhole Then, jiggle the key or tap it lightly to make sure it is working If this doesn't work, you may need to consult a specialist in your local car dealership They can provide you with a replacement key and replace the ignition cylinder, if required Check the Key It could be that your key has been damaged if it will not 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 rubbing alcohol on the key or Goo Gone to see if it helps It is possible that the lock pins inside aren't working properly when you insert the key You can test an extra key by gently removing it of the ignition after having put it in This should let you be able to feel and hear if internal lock pins move as they ought to If you don't hear or feel any movement, you can grease them with graphite https//wwwg28carkeyscouk/car-ignition-lock-repair-near-me/ can buy graphite in small tubes that can be applied directly to the keyhole This should help the pins slide into place when you insert the key, and prevent them from becoming stuck It is possible that your key has become worn out or damaged and is unable to engage with the pins in the ignition cylinder This could cause the ignition cylinder to not turn and stop you from starting your vehicle If this is the case you'll need to take your car to an auto locksmith or repair shop for repair If you can turn your car on with a spare key and you have ruled out any issues with the steering wheel or battery it could be that the ignition cylinder has been worn out Try to open the lock with the blunt screwdriver or handle of a small hammer Don't use the head Gently tapping on the cylinder will usually free it, allowing you to turn your key and start your vehicle If this does not work it is necessary to have the lock cylinder replaced by a mechanic Check the Ignition Socket The ignition socket is the place your key slides in and out of position when it is inserted It could get blocked with dust, or simply wear and wear and tear Try putting some silicon lock lubricant like WD-40 into the ignition to help things move forward You can also use the small hammer and tap gently on the inside of the ignition in order to loosen or reset the pins that are out of alignment Be very cautious not to overdo it or you could cause serious damage to the ignition switch It is crucial to confirm whether your car's transmission is set to neutral or park before you attempt this A majority of modern cars have an option to lock the steering wheel if it is not in neutral or park This could prevent the ignition key from being turned If you've done all of the above and still not able to get your key to turn, it is likely that the housing of your ignition cylinder needs replacement It is important to note that different vehicles have different procedures when replacing the ignition cylinder This typically involves removing the plastic cover that covers the steering column and the ignition assembly To remove it, you'll need adjust the tilt-wheel to its lowest position Then, remove any fasteners that are holding it in the position After removing the cover you'll have to remove the old ignition cylinder from the steering column Then, you'll need to check the new ignition cylinder you purchased with the one you removed to ensure that they are the same After this, you can install the new ignition cylinder the same manner as the previous one It is possible that despite our best efforts, the ignition could be damaged and require to be replaced If this happens, it is recommended that you contact an Tempe Locksmith for assistance A locksmith can assist you determine the correct replacement and then install it properly so that your car can start again