Have you ever been in a situation when your key won’t turn in ignition? It’s the worst-case situation, and it always seems to occur at the worst possible time. You get into your automobile and insert your key, but the key will not turn the ignition. What do you think you should do next?
Wafers are used in ignition cylinders, and these wafers bend, crack, and break with time. There are generally some warning signals, but most people willfully disregard them until it’s too late.
You’ve saved yourself some money and effort if you found this post and your key is stuck in the ignition! Take your vehicle to the Automotive locksmith in Melrose Park. Before it’s too late, they can fix the car’s ignition. The wisest course of action is to keep things simple. Simple solutions to the problem of a key that won’t spin in your ignition are provided below. Some seemingly simple solutions might become tough, so keep a watch for anything that makes your required repair more difficult.
Lubricate the Lock
A jammed keyway in the ignition cylinder is a common reason a car key won’t turn in the ignition. It’s possible that simply lubricating the lock will solve your problem. You may argue that WD40 is the ideal example for lubrication of any kind.
The best lubricant for locks is a long-standing topic, so at the risk of igniting a firestorm, I’ll throw my two cents in. You want something that won’t accumulate dust, filth, and particles over time, which will cause the lock’s internal components to jam to a greater extent.
You can use WD40 as long as you plan on replacing the ignition cylinder once you effectively twist the key. It doesn’t matter if it becomes gunked up even more over time if you’re planning to replace it anyhow.
- Spray the lubricant into the ignition cylinder’s keyway.
- Wipe any overspray or dripping from the keyhole away.
- Place the key in the slot and rotate it.
- Move the key if that doesn’t work.
If this doesn’t work, try adding more lubrication and repeating the process.
Damaged Key
If the ignition key won’t turn, the problem is with the key you’re using, and resolving that specific defect is the only way to solve the problem. Even if the key is damaged, there is still hope. You can usually repair a broken key. This isn’t usually the case, but it does happen occasionally.
The most crucial step in this procedure is determining why your automobile key isn’t working. It will help you to see how you can solve several problems with some techniques.
To determine if an alternative key will work, use a backup car key. You can compare it with the key that won’t work. Examine the key’s blades for signs of wear. Check for strains, bends, and cracks.
It’s not difficult to fix the key; all you have to know is what’s missing. You can check out Rekey lock in Chicago if you need assistance. If the problem isn’t apparent, assume there’s a problem with the circuits.
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Change the Ignition Cylinder
If your key isn’t the issue, a defective ignition cylinder could be the cause of your vehicle key not turning in the ignition. It’s unlikely that you’ll need to replace the entire ignition system. You won’t even need to change the ignition switch unless your automobile doesn’t start after the key is eventually turned.
Replacing the ignition cylinder does not have to be challenging. Make sure you’re getting the right product for your vehicle’s model number. Keep in mind that you will receive an ignition key that is distinct from your old key due to this procedure. To resolve this problem, rekeying will be required.
Your key should now be in the accessory position. On your ignition system, look for the locking pin and drag it down with the appropriate tool. Remove the old ignition cylinder. The ignition cylinder may need to be shaken loose or you will have to take it out of its casing. If you can’t get the key to the accessory position, things can get a bit complicated. If the key does not spin in the ignition, you may need to disassemble the steering column, which will no longer be an easy fix.
Bump the Ignition Cylinder Lightly
You could be capable of solving your problem with a hammer by lightly bumping the ignition assembly. Its purpose is to jolt the lock’s internal components back into place.
Springs can become dislodged, and other minor pieces of the lock’s inside can become jammed. If lubrication fails to unstick or get things moving properly, you can shake everything briefly into positions to turn the key correctly. You don’t have to use a hammer to do the job. It might be anything that causes a significant vibration when you apply it to the cylinder. The goal is to move the interior of the lock more than you could with your key.
Insert your car key into the ignition. Press the key with a hammer or other object.
If that doesn’t work, try tapping the ignition cylinder with your tool.
Be careful not to apply too much power in this process, as you can damage your key or the ignition.
Replace the Key
When something goes wrong with your automobile key, the simplest plan is to replace it. You can always duplicate a broken key. There is a way, no matter how the key is damaged, whether you do it yourself or hire a locksmith. Locksmiths are less expensive than dealerships when it comes to replacing automobile keys. Once the transponder keys have been replaced, they will need to be reprogrammed.