The key does not turn in the ignition: repair, replacement, advice

Sometimes even the smallest malfunctions in a car can interfere with quiet movement. Sometimes because of them, and at all have to give up the trip. One of these problems can be attributed to problems with the ignition lock. Like any car device, it is also subject to wear and tear and can have various damages. If the key does not turn in the ignition switch - what should I do? The answer is from our today's article.

Causes of this failure

There are several reasons that can lead to the key jamming in the lock. They are:

1. Activation of the anti-theft lock in the steering column of the car.
2. Catch inside the element.
3. The larva of the ignition lock is worn out.
4. Curvature of the key and wear of the mechanism.
5. Freezing of movable parts of the lock.

So, let's look at the above-mentioned breakdowns and how to eliminate them in more detail.

Anti-theft lock

Almost all modern cars are equipped with an anti-theft mechanism, such as locking the steering wheel. This can happen if the ignition key is pulled out of the lock and manipulated with the steering wheel. At the time of locking the locking mechanism it happens that there are problems with the ignition on and starting the engine. As advised by motorists, in the event of trouble, you should not panic. It is enough only at the moment of trying to turn the key in the ignition lock at the same time with your left hand, try to twist the steering wheel in one direction or another, and the lock will open, after which you can start the engine.

Clogged mechanism

Basically, the blockage of the lock is due to the prolonged use of the car in a dusty area. Or trite with the passage of a large period of time. Various materials that are used to lubricate the secret of the lock, can serve as a magnet for collecting dust and other foreign parts. Repair of the ignition lock in this case is quite simple and does not require the process of removal and additional disassembly of the mechanism. It is only necessary to clean the lock with a tool such as WD-40. Applying a special aerosol nozzle, partially shove it into the secret and flush the inside of the lock.

Wear of internal parts

After a certain time, the latch of the ignition lock can also become worthless. This is due to frequent contact of the details of the mechanism and the key. As a result, the metal surfaces are erased and the gaps between them are enlarged. But first of all it is necessary to pay attention to the state of the key itself. It is also subject to wear and tear - the characteristic teeth become more rounded, its width decreases. In this case, it should be compared with a spare key, and if there are serious changes in the form, a duplicate should be made. In case of defects in the mechanism secret, it is necessary to repair the ignition or replace it completely with a new one. As a rule, the symptoms of the fact that the element may soon become wedged are the same. This is a periodic wedging of the key, which increases with time.

Key lock and keyhole

The curvature of the key can also be the cause of this type of failure. Opening the frozen door locks and car trunk (in the event that all locks are opened with one ignition key) and using the key for other purposes will inevitably lead to its curvature and deformation of the work area. After that, the key does not turn in the ignition lock or even can not enter the keyhole at all . Eliminates this factor by aligning the blade with a conventional hammer tap.

If the problem lies in the secret of the lock, namely the excessive wear of its lamellas, then there is nothing to do without dismantling and dismantling the mechanism. As a rule, it is very difficult and troublesome to repair a secret, most often it is completely replaced. But what to do when I locked the ignition lock somewhere far from home, and it's impossible to replace the unusable parts? In this case, you can remove the secret from the lock case and remove all the springs and lamellas from it. This process will allow you to start the machine even with a conventional screwdriver, which is quite enough to get to the nearest parts store or repair service.

Freezing of the lock. Advice for seasoned motorists

This is a rare problem, but still we will consider it. During the period of using the machine in winter, condensation may collect in the lock. And when the car cools down in the parking lot, it freezes, binding the mobile elements.

And if the key does not turn in the ignition, do not worry once more and immediately disassemble it. Experienced drivers advise to start a few "reanimation" operations. Turn on the warm-up staffed cigarette lighter, and when it is heated, bring it to the end of the lock to the hole - this can help. Another way - the working key plate should be heated from the source of an open flame (matches, a lighter) and inserted into the lock. After waiting a few seconds, you can try to turn the key. If the first time nothing happens, then the warm-up operation should be repeated. When there is a source of electricity, you can use a conventional household hair dryer to warm up.

In no case is it recommended to warm the keyhole with fluids that quickly freeze, because you can only exacerbate the problem.

To lubricate the components of the locking mechanism, you can use brake fluid, silicone grease, spindle and motor oils, for example a conventional WD-shoe. In the future, this will reduce the friction and wear of the secret, as well as prevent the freezing of the slats of the secret.

How to remove the ignition switch

Next, consider how to dismantle the lock, using the example of the VAZ-2108. This repair process does not apply to complex works and it can be carried out independently at home. This will require a standard set of tools and a little personal time.

The ignition lock (VAZ "eight") is on the right side of the steering column.

Step-by-step removal process

The first thing to do is to de-energize the electrical equipment of the car by removing the negative terminal from the battery. Then you need to remove the plastic decorative cover of the shaft of the steering mechanism by unscrewing all connecting screws with a curved screwdriver. After loosening the fastening, the casing is split into two halves and can be easily removed.

After that, you can remove the front panel of the lock. Before removing the ignition switch, disconnect the plug with the power wires and the plug of the safety relay.

Then you can proceed with the removal of the castle itself. First, insert the ignition key into it and turn it to the value "0", disabling the locking of the anti-theft device. Then unscrew the bolts securing the lock and remove the device.

If the reason for the removal is that the key does not turn in the ignition lock, you can try to repair and replace its damaged areas or completely replace it with a new device.

The lock must be installed in the reverse order to removal.

Price of issue

In the event that you can not repair the broken lock, you need to purchase and install a new one. If you contact the official service for help, its employees will install a new original lock in a short time and in good quality. If you decide to replace the ignition lock with the SRT, the price of the service will be about 1000 rubles.

If you are going to do it yourself, then first you need to buy a spare parts store in the parts store that is suitable for the car brand. Depending on this, the cost of the device will vary. As a rule, the details of imported manufacturers have a higher cost (from 2 thousand rubles) than domestic (up to 1 thousand). As for the same VAZ, the price of the product can be from 300 to 700 rubles. Everything depends on the model and modification of the car of this production.

To prevent damage to the ignition lock in the future and increase its service life, it is desirable to periodically lubricate the movable elements and parts of the lock. It is enough only by means of a medical syringe to give a few drops of motor oil to the lock well, and problems with that will not disturb you for a long time.

So, we found out the main reasons why the key is wedged in the lock. And they told us how to solve this problem with our own hands.