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Why Your Car's Ignition Lock Isn't Working The ignition lock is a safety feature that prevents you from starting your car unless have the original key. It activates when you use the wheel for support while getting into or out of your vehicle or even touch it while parked. It can also be triggered by vandalism or theft. If you're having trouble turning your key, a few simple fixes may aid: The ignition switch The ignition switch is a vital part of your vehicle. ignition key replacement cost of the first components you turn on when you start your car, and it also activates the majority of other systems. If it's not working it can lead to a lot of problems. Wear and tear is the main reason for a car ignition switch failing. This can happen with time, particularly when your keychain is weighted down by additional items. You can prevent this from happening by having a separate set of keys for your home and car, and by making it easier to reduce the weight on your keychain. Another cause is mechanical problems. It can be difficult to insert or remove the key if the cylinder for ignition is misaligned. If this is the situation, you will need to replace it. The ignition switch may be malfunctioning due an electrical issue. You may notice an unpleasant smell or burning when you attempt to start your vehicle. If you do it is important to get it replaced as soon as you can to avoid further damage. Another reason why you may be unable to start your car is because the ignition switch is stuck in the ON position. This is a safety feature that stops someone from taking the car key and re-starting it. This typically means that you are applying too much pressure on the ignition switch, or the key isn't working properly. In this case, you can lubricate the lock to see if it improves. This will remove any dirt particles hindering the key from turning. Then, you can try again. You can also apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help to prevent dirt from building up inside the lock. If you still have trouble try wiggle the key before inserting it again. The lock the cylinder The ignition lock cylinder on automobiles is the mechanical component in which keys are placed to allow the vehicle to start the car. The cylinder is made up of pins that move upwards and downwards to allow the key to enter and turn. The pins are held in place by wafer tumblers. As time passes the tumblers could wear out or even break and stop the key from turning. The cylinder may fail which could result in a dead battery in your car and other issues. The most popular type is the cylindrical lock. The outer shell is made of cylindrical hole which houses the plug. The shell that covers the outside of the cylinder lock is usually made of steel. The plug is usually brass or bronze. Cylinder locks are available with a variety of pins that allow them to lock or unlock in a variety of ways. Some come with additional security features such as a snap line or additional pins that protect against lock bumping and other types of lock picking. Although it is possible to finesse a difficult lock cylinder using graphite or WD-40 these solutions typically don't last for very long. It is better to replace the ignition lock cylinder. You can do this by taking the old ignition lock cylinder from your car and replacing it with a brand new one. A new cylinder may require new keys. The cost of replacing the ignition lock cylinder is typically less than $300 for systems that are standard. Certain vehicles come with electronic locks, which are more expensive to replace. The process of replacing the ignition cylinder should always be handled by an experienced professional certified. This is because it involves the removal of any components that may interfere with the supplemental restraint system (airbags). To perform the replacement for the replacement, you'll have to disconnect the negative battery cable. This is important to prevent an accidental airbag deployment. You will also want to disable the airbag system, if your vehicle is equipped with it. It is essential to follow all factory repair instructions. After installing the new ignition lock cylinder, you'll need to reset your anti-theft code. This will stop your car from being stolen. It could require a special tool. The most important If your key turns but fails to start the vehicle, it could be an indication that your ignition lock isn't working. This is a small but vital component that ensures only the right key is used to operate your vehicle. It's a small mechanical part that is used in conjunction with an electrical component. This allows your vehicle to be started. As time passes the key could wear out or cause damage to the wafer tumblers inside the lock cylinder. This can cause it to be difficult to turn. You can solve the ignition issue in your car with a few simple troubleshooting techniques. Make sure that your key is in its correct position and that the indicator is pointed towards the P (Park slot) on the shifter. If it's not, this could stop the engine from starting and a quick check with your dealer might be necessary to figure out the root of the problem. Another step you can take is to move the key in the ignition switch, but be careful not to apply too much force or pressure. This will help eliminate any minor damage to the tumblings of the wafer which prevents it from rotating. If this doesn't work, you can try lubricating the lock cylinder with an lubricant made of silicone to get it moving again. You can find these types of lubricants at your local auto parts retailer, but you must ensure that you are using an excellent one that stops dirt from building up and causing more problems in the future. If all else fails then you'll have to take out the ignition cylinder and replace it with a new one. This is an easy procedure that DIYers can do with the help of online guides or auto repair manuals. If you've recently been arrested for the crime of DUI or DWI or DWI, your state may require you to install an ignition interlock device (IID). These devices are intended to stop drunk driving by forcing drivers to breathe into a tube prior getting their car started. The device should be installed by a company that is approved, such as Intoxalock and LifeSafer. The wiring In many vehicles the lock cylinder as well as the ignition switch are connected with wires. When you put your key in the ignition and a current is emitted through these wires and triggers 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 could be due to a wire that is disconnected. If you cannot find the root of the issue you might need to get a new ignition switch or the cylinder. Interlock devices for ignition A breathalyzer is an ignition interlock device that needs to be installed into your vehicle in order to meet the law or a criminal requirement. Ignition interlocks are made to detect alcohol use disorder by analyzing the breath of drivers before the vehicle's engine is able to start. If the IID detects that the driver's BAC exceeds the permitted limit the horn will sound and/or flash lights, so that the driver is able to pull over and retest. Ignition Interlocks are a great option for people suffering from an alcohol-related disorder, since they require the user to blow into a mouthpiece before getting the car started. They are small and discreet and can be easily hidden away from the view of others to avoid attracting attention. The cost of ignition interlocks is $60-90 per month. They are not purchased in bulk. The ignition switch and the ignition cylinder are connected to control all of the electrical parts in your vehicle. The ignition will not function if any of these components are damaged or worn. If you are experiencing any of these problems it is essential to fix them as soon as you can. If you're unable to get your car to start, try putting the key in Park or neutral and then turning it. If this doesn't work you might have to remove the airbag, and then disconnect the battery to access the ignition switch. This is a simple task that can be completed using a steering wheel puller or GM key removal tool that you can lease from AutoZone’s free loan-a-tool service.