The Most Common Car Ignition Lock Debate It's Not As Black And White As You Might Think

Why Your Car's Ignition Lock Isn't Working The ignition lock is a security feature that stops you from getting your car started unless you have the original key. It is activated by using the steering wheel as a support when getting into or out of your car or touching it while you are parked. It could also be caused by vandalism or theft. You can repair your key if you're having trouble turning it. The ignition switch The ignition switch is a small piece of your car that's vital to driving it. G28 Car Keys 's among the first things you do on your vehicle, and it activates almost all other systems within the car as well. When it fails it can lead to many issues. The primary reason why the ignition switch in your car could fail is because of wear and wear and tear. This could happen over time, especially when you have other items on your keychain which weigh it down. You can avoid this by having separate sets of keys for your home and car, and by decreasing the weight of your keychain. Mechanical problems are another reason. If the ignition cylinder becomes incorrectly aligned, it will make it difficult to insert or remove your key. If this is the case you'll have to replace it. Your ignition switch might be malfunctioning due to an electrical issue. In this instance, you might notice smoke or a burning odor when you try to start your car. It is essential to replace it as soon as you can to prevent further damage. The ignition switch may be stuck in the ON position. This is a security feature that prevents anyone from taking out your key and then 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 apply lubrication to the lock to see if it improves. This will remove any dirt particles that could hinder the key from turning, and you can try again. You can also try a silicone-based lubricant, which will keep dirt from accumulating inside the lock. If you're still having issues, try wiggling your key and then inserting it again. The lock is a cylinder The ignition lock cylinder in automobiles is the mechanical component that keys are inserted in order to start the vehicle. The cylinder has pins that move upwards and downwards to allow the key in and out. It also has wafer tumblers to keep the pins in their place. Over time the tumblers may become worn out or break, preventing the key from turning. In the end, the cylinder could fail completely, leading to an unresponsive battery and other problems in the vehicle's starting. Cylinder locks are the most well-known type of car lock. They consist of an outer shell with a cylindrical hole inside which the plug is placed. The outer shell is usually made of steel, whereas the plug is usually made of brass or bronze. Cylinder locks can be found with a variety of different pins, which allow them to lock or unlock in a variety of ways. Some cylinder locks have additional security measures, like snap-line pins or additional pins to protect against lock bumping. It is possible to fine-tune a difficult lock using graphite, however these methods don't last for very long. It is recommended to replace the ignition lock cylinder. You can do this by taking off the old cylinder for your ignition lock from your vehicle and replacing it with a new one. A new cylinder will also require new keys. Standard systems usually cost less than $300 to replace the ignition lock cylinder. Some vehicles have electronic locks which are more expensive to replace. The process of replacing the ignition cylinder must be handled by an experienced professional certified. This is due to removing components that could affect the supplemental restraint system (airbags). In order to replace the battery for the replacement, you'll have to disconnect the battery cable that is negative. This is necessary to prevent the airbag from accidentally being deployed. It is also recommended to turn off the airbag system, when it's equipped with one. You must follow all factory instructions. You'll need reset the anti-theft code after installing the new ignition lock. This will prevent your car being taken. It may require a special tool. The key If you turn your ignition key but it doesn't start your car, this could indicate that your ignition lock isn’t working. This tiny but crucial component ensures that only the correct key is used to operate your vehicle. It's a small mechanical component that is used in conjunction with an electrical component. This allows your vehicle to start. As time passes the key can wear out or cause damage to the wafer tumblers inside the lock cylinder. This can cause it to be difficult to turn. While replacing your key is typically the best solution but you can also try some basic troubleshooting to help resolve the ignition issue of your car at home. Make sure that your key is in the correct position and that the indicator is pointed to the P (Park slot) on the shifter. If it's not, this could prevent the engine from beginning and a quick check with your dealer might be required to determine what's causing the issue. You can also jiggle the ignition key, but don't apply too much force or pressure. This can free up any slight destruction to the wafer tumblers that's hindering it from turning. If this doesn't work, you can try lubricating the lock cylinder with a silicone-based lubricant to get it moving again. These lubricants can be found at your local auto parts shop. But, it is important to use a high-quality lubricant to stop dirt from building up. This could cause problems later on. If all else fails then you'll have to take out the ignition cylinder and replace it with a new one. This is a fairly easy process that many DIYers can follow with the aid of online guides or an auto repair manual. If you've been recently arrested for the crime of DUI or DWI, your state might require you to install an ignition interlock device (IID). These devices are designed to stop drunk driving by requiring the driver to breathe into a tube before they can start their car. The device must be installed by an approved service provider, such as Intoxalock or LifeSafer. The wiring In many vehicles, the ignition switch and lock cylinder are connected via wires. When you insert your key into the ignition the current flows through these wires, and it activates all the electrical systems in your vehicle. If the electrical system isn't working or the switch is stuck in the on position, it could be due to a wire being disconnected. If you can't find the issue, it could be necessary to replace the ignition switch or the cylinder. Ignition Interlock Devices A breathalyzer is an ignition interlock device that must be fitted into your vehicle in order to meet the law or a criminal obligation. Ignition interlocks identify alcohol use impairment in drivers by analyzing their breath before the engine of the vehicle is started. If the IID determines the driver's alcohol level is higher than the permitted limit the alarm will sound, and/or the lights will flash to indicate that the vehicle can be stopped and the driver can take a second test. Ignition interlocks are an excellent tool for people with drinking disorders because they require the user to blow into a mouthpiece prior starting the vehicle. They are small and discreet and can be hidden to keep them from being noticed. Interlocks for ignition are leaseable, not bought outright and cost ranges from $60-90 a month. The ignition switch and ignition cylinder regulate all electrical components inside your vehicle. If any of these parts are damaged or worn out, the ignition will not start. If you're experiencing one or more of these issues, it's essential to have them fixed as soon as you can. If you're having difficulty starting your vehicle, try placing the key into neutral or park and then turning it. If this doesn't work, you might need to take off the airbag and then disconnect the battery to gain access to the ignition switch. This is a relatively simple task that can be done using a steering-wheel puller, or GM key removal tool that you can borrow from AutoZone's loan-a-tool program for free.