What to do, Ignition Cylinder Problems
Ignition Cylinder problems are common, and sometimes these problems can ruin someone’s day to the point that it can cause them to not be able to make it to work on time or sometimes even at all.
If you ever find yourself in a situation where your key won’t turn in the ignition of your vehicle then there are a number of issues that might be the cause of this problem. While some of these issues are specific to certain makes, models, years and vehicles, this problem can exit for anyone just looking to go out and drive their vehicle.
The issue can be the key, for example sometimes just having something attached to your key can stop it from working all together. Or if the key is bent that can cause more problems. The ignition cylinder can be the other problem stopping your key from working in the first place.
Sometimes it’s even user error, and the problem can be fixed within minutes. So, you should go through each example and make sure that the problem is fixed, because without the ignition cylinder working you can’t drive anywhere.
Make Sure your Vehicle is in Park when ever your turn your ignition:
One common mistake made by drivers is actually a pretty simple error that can be solved just by looking down at your transmission. If you are driving with an automatic transmission then the car is can start only if the vehicle is in park or neutral. Starting a car while in drive can result in your vehicle lurching forward, and it won’t start no matter what you do.
This can actually cause damage to your vehicle if you continually make this mistake, and can even occur the first time. Check for your shift lever to be in park or neutral. Then attempt to turn the key again and turn your vehicle on.
Check your Key for Damage or if there’s anything on your Key.
If your key won’t turn when you insert it into the ignition then the problem may exist, because there is damage to the key. This results in the key not being able to engage the correct pins to the depth necessary to spin the cylinder.
There are several different solutions to fixing a broken key. One solution is to go to a locksmith to purchase a new key altogether, because locksmiths can just make a new ignition key for you, or your local car dealership can assist you and make life a lot easier.
Of course, sometimes you don’t want to pay up the money, and if you’re in this situation then purchasing a new key might not be the best solution. If you don’t want to spend the money, and you believe you can fix the problem on your own then here are some solutions for you that can help you out.
If the key is definitely bent, then using a wooden or rubber mallet can un bend the key and get it back towards it’s straight position so you can be on the road again. Sometimes there are just things stuck to your key. So, examine it so it can engage the pins in the ignition cylinder. If you use your key to open up packages then there’s a chance that there might be tape stuck to your key. The thinnest layer of anything can disrupt the process and affect your key.
Check to See of the Steering Wheel is Locked:
If you apply any pressure to the steering wheel whenever your car is off then it might lock the wheel in place with the steering pin. Having your wheel locked is a scary thing to occur at first, but once you calm down and realize that the problem can be solved, then the problem will cease to exist. A locked steering wheel will not allow the ignition to engage.
To get your steering wheel to work again requires a patient process of wiggling the wheel back in forth while turning the key. Insert the key into the ignition and attempt to turn it while wiggling the key back and forth, and the problem might be solved within minutes, and this headache will never exist again.
Another way to unlock a locked steering wheel is to wiggle the key back and forth while simultaneously wiggling the wheel. If wiggling the key works this just mean that the teeth on the key are worn out. This is not a problem with the ignition cylinder and can actually only be solved if you purchase a new key.
Canned Air Can Clean the Ignition Port:
Believe it or not, but the problems with your ignition cylinder can actually exist, because your ignition cylinder is dirty. So, in order to get it clean, and not damage it anymore is by simply using canned air to take out any debris that might be caught in the ignition cylinder. You can purchase canned air from a local retail, gas station or office supply store.
The next step is just simply taking the air and inserting into the key hole. Spraying the canned air into the key hole in short spurts will take out whatever’s in your car.
Damage can be caused to your ignition cylinder if you spray the entire can into the key hole, because the cylinder is not made for that. Wear eye protection when using canned air to clean the key hole to ensure to debris gets into your eyes.
Replacing your ignition Cylinder:
This could be the last thing that you do if you don’t think anything else will work. There are several different places you can take your car to have the ignition cylinder replaced. This is a last resort, and careful planning should be thought out before going down this road.
Your ignition cylinder let’s your engines know to turn on, so making sure that there are no problems with your ignition cylinder can and will save you a lot of money before things get worse.