Car Ignition Lock Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters

Why Your Car's Ignition Lock Isn't Working An ignition lock is a security measure that prevents your car from starting until you have the original key. It's activated by using the steering wheel as a support when getting into or out of your car or pressing it while parking. It can be triggered also through theft or vandalism. If you're having difficulty turning your key, a few simple fixes may help: The ignition switch is the ignition The ignition switch is an essential element of your car. It's among the first parts that you switch on when you start your car, and it also activates the majority of other systems. If it's not working it can lead to many issues. The primary reason that the ignition switch on your car can fail is because of wear and tear. This is a possibility with time, especially when your keychain is weighted down by extra items. You can prevent this by having separate sets of keys for your house and car, and also by making it easier to reduce the weight on your keychain. The other cause is mechanical problems. If the ignition cylinder gets disaligned, it could make it difficult to remove or insert your key. If this is the case, you will need to replace it. Your ignition switch could also be malfunctioning due to an electrical issue. In this scenario you may smell smoke or a burning smell when you try to start your vehicle. It's important that you replace it as soon as you can to avoid any further damage. Another reason you might not be able to start your car is that the ignition switch is stuck in the ON position. This is a security feature that prevents anyone from taking your key and starting the engine. This usually indicates that you're applying too much pressure to the ignition switch, or that the key isn't working properly. In the latter case, you can lubricate the lock to see if it improves. This will remove any dirt particles that may be preventing the key from turning, so you can try again. You can also try a silicone-based lubricant that will prevent dirt from building up within the lock. If you're still having issues try wiggle your key and inserting it again. The lock is a cylinder A car's ignition lock cylinder is the part that mechanically controls that allows the key to be inserted to start the vehicle. The pins inside the cylinder can move up and down allowing the key to be inserted and turned. The pins are held in place by wafer tumblers. As time passes the tumblers can fail or break, preventing the key from turning. The cylinder may eventually fail and cause a dead car battery and other problems. Cylinder locks are the most well-known type of car lock. The outer shell is made of cylindrical hole that houses the plug. The shell that covers the outer is typically made of steel, whereas the plug is often made of bronze or brass. Cylinder locks can be found with a variety of different pins, which permit them to lock or unlock in various ways. Some come with additional security features like a snap line or additional pins that guard against bumping locks and other kinds of lock picking. While it is possible to finesse a difficult lock cylinder with graphite or WD-40, these solutions typically don't last for very long. A more reliable solution is to buy a brand new ignition lock cylinder. You can do this by taking the old cylinder for your ignition lock from your vehicle and replacing it with a brand new one. New keys will be needed to replace the cylinder. Standard systems usually cost less than $300 to replace an ignition lock cylinder. Certain vehicles come with electronic locks that are more expensive to replace. It is important that the procedure to replace an ignition cylinder is performed by an authorized professional. This is because it involves removal of components that could interfere with the supplemental restraint system (airbags). In order to replace the battery you'll need to unplug the battery cable that is negative. This is essential to avoid an airbag from being accidentally deployed. It is also recommended to turn off any airbag system if your vehicle is equipped with it. You must follow all factory instructions. After installing the new ignition lock cylinder, you'll need to reset your anti-theft code. repair ignition lock cylinder will help prevent your vehicle from being taken and may require the use of a specific tool. The crucial If you turn your ignition key but it fails to start your car, it could be an indication that your ignition lock isn’t functioning properly. This is a small but vital component that ensures that only the correct key is used to operate your vehicle. It's a small mechanical component that works with an electrical component. This allows your vehicle to be started. As time passes the key could wear out or damage the wafer tumblers in the lock cylinder. This could make it difficult to turn. While replacing your key is typically the best solution, you can also attempt some basic troubleshooting methods to fix your car ignition problem at home. First, ensure that your key is in the proper position on the shifter and that the indicator on the shifter is pointed at the P (Park) slot. If not, it could stop the car from starting. It is possible to speak with your dealer to determine what's causing the problem. Another method is to press the key in the ignition switch, but be careful not to apply too excessive force or pressure. This could cause tiny damage to the wafer tumblers, which is stopping it from turning. If this doesn't work, you can try lubricating the lock cylinder with an oil based on silicone to get it moving again. You can locate these kinds of lubricants at the local auto parts store, but ensure that you are using an excellent one that stops dirt from accumulating and causing more problems in the future. If all else fails, you will need to remove the ignition and replace it with a new one. This is an easy procedure that DIYers can easily follow with the aid of online guides or auto repair manuals. If you've been recently arrested for a DUI or DWI the state you live in might require you to install an ignition interlock device (IID). These devices are designed to prevent drunken driving by making drivers breathe into a tube prior starting their car. The device is installed by a certified provider, like Intoxalock or LifeSafer. The wiring In many automobiles the ignition switch as well as lock cylinder are connected by wires. When you insert your key into the ignition the current flows through these wires, and it activates all of the electrical systems in your vehicle. If the electrical system isn't functioning or the switch is stuck in the on position, it may be due to a wire being disconnected. If you cannot find the cause of the problem, you may need to get a new ignition switch or cylinder. Interlock devices for ignition A breathalyzer is an ignition interlock device that has to be fitted into your vehicle to comply with an enforceable or criminal requirement. Ignition interlocks identify alcohol use disorders in drivers by analyzing their breath prior to when the engine of the vehicle can be started. If the IID determines that the driver's alcohol consumption is greater than the allowed limit the warning horn will sound and the lights will flash so that the vehicle is stopped and the driver is able to take a second test. Ignition interlocks are an excellent device for people suffering from drinking disorders because they require the user to blow into a mouthpiece prior beginning the car. They are small and discrete which means they can be concealed away from the view of others to avoid attracting attention. The cost of the ignition interlocks is $60-90 per month. They are not bought outright. The ignition switch as well as the ignition cylinder work together to regulate all of the electrical components in your vehicle. If any of these components are damaged or worn out, the ignition will not start. If you are experiencing any of these problems, it is important to get them fixed in the shortest time possible. If you're unable to get your car to start, try putting the key in Park or neutral, and then turning it. If that doesn't work, you may need to unplug the battery and then remove the airbag to access the ignition switch. This is typically a simple task, but it will require the use of a steering wheel puller or a GM key removal kit and both can be rented from AutoZone's loan-a-tool program for free.