Sometimes even the smallest malfunctions in the car can interfere with quiet movement. Sometimes, because of them, you have to refuse a trip at all. One of these problems may include problems with the ignition switch. 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? We learn the answer from our article today.
The causes of this failure
There are several reasons that can lead to the key jamming in the lock. They are:
- The operation of the anti-theft lock in the steering column of the car.
- Blockage inside the element.
- Ignition larva worn.
- Key warp and mechanism wear.
- Freezing of moving parts of the castle.
So, let's look at the above failures and how to fix them in more detail.
Anti-theft lock
Almost all modern cars are equipped with such an anti-theft mechanism as steering wheel lock.
This can happen if the ignition key is pulled out of the lock and manipulated with the steering wheel. At the moment of locking the locking mechanism, it happens that there are problems with the ignition on and the engine starting. As motorists advise, in the event of a trouble you should not panic. It is enough only at the moment of trying to turn the key in the ignition at the same time with your left hand to try to turn the steering wheel in one direction or another, and the lock will open, after which you can start the engine.
Clogged mechanism
Mostly the clogging of the castle occurs due to the long-term operation of a car in a dusty area. Or corny with the passage of a large period of time. Various materials that are used to lubricate the secret of the castle 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 removal process and additional disassembly of the mechanism. All you need is to clean the lock with a tool such as WD-40.
Using a special aerosol nozzle, partially shove it in secret and wash the inside of the castle.
Deterioration of internal parts
After a certain time, the ignition lock cylinder can also become unusable. This is due to the frequent contact of the parts of the mechanism and the key. As a result, metal surfaces are erased and the gaps between them increase.
But first of all, you need to pay attention to the state of the key itself. It is also subject to wear - 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 switch or completely replace it with a new one. As a rule, the symptoms that the element may soon wedge are the same. This is a periodic wedging of the key, which becomes more frequent over time.
Key lock and keyhole
Curving a key can also cause this type of breakdown. Opening frozen door locks and the trunk of a car (if all the locks are opened with the same ignition key) and using the key for other purposes will inevitably lead to its distortion and deformation of the working area. After that, the key does not turn in the ignition switch or even cannot enter the keyhole at all . This factor is eliminated by leveling the key blade with the usual tapping of a hammer.
If the problem lies in the secret of the castle, namely in the excessive wear of its lamellas, then you can not do without dismantling and disassembling the mechanism. As a rule, repairing a secret is very difficult and troublesome, most often it is completely replaced. But what to do when the ignition lock is jammed somewhere far from home, and it is not possible to replace unsuitable parts? In this case, you can remove the secret from the lock case and remove all springs and lamellas from it. This process will allow you to start the car even with an ordinary screwdriver, which is enough to get to the nearest parts store or repair service.
Freezing the castle. Tips of experienced motorists
This is a rare problem, but still we will consider it. During the use of the machine in winter, condensation may collect in the castle. And when the car cools down in the parking lot, it freezes, fettering the movable elements.
And if the key does not turn in the ignition, do not worry again and immediately disassemble it. Experienced drivers are advised to start with a few "resuscitation" operations. Turn on the regular cigarette lighter for warming, and when it is heated, bring it with the end part to the castle well - this can help. Another way - the key's working plate needs to be heated from an open flame source (matches, lighter) and inserted into the lock. After waiting a few seconds, you can try to turn the key. If nothing happens the first time, then the heating operation should be repeated. When there is a source of electricity, you can use a regular household hair dryer to warm up.
In no case is it recommended to heat the keyhole with liquids that quickly freeze, because you can only aggravate the problem.
To lubricate the elements of the locking mechanism, you can use brake fluid, silicone greases, spindle and motor oils, for example ordinary WD-shku. In the future, this will weaken the friction and wear of the secret, as well as prevent freezing of the lamellas of the secret.
How to remove the ignition switch
Next, we consider how to dismantle the lock, using the example of a VAZ-2108 car. This repair process does not apply to complex work and can be carried out independently at home. To do this, you need a standard set of tools and some personal time.
The ignition switch (VAZ "eight") is located on the right side of the steering column.
Phased withdrawal process
First of all, it is necessary 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 casing of the steering shaft by unscrewing all the connecting screws with a curly screwdriver. After loosening the mount, the casing is divided 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 for connecting the safety relay from it.
Next, you can begin to remove the castle itself.
First, insert the ignition key into it and turn it to the value “0”, thereby disabling the anti-theft device lock. Then we unscrew the lock fastening bolts and remove the device.
If the reason for the removal was that the key does not turn in the ignition, you can try to repair and replace its damaged sections or completely replace it with a new device.
The lock should be installed in the reverse order of removal.
Issue price
In the event that it is still impossible to repair a broken lock, you need to purchase and install a new one.
If you contact the official service department for help, its employees will install a new original lock in a short time and with high quality. If you decide to replace the ignition switch with the service station, the price of the service will be about 1000 rubles.
If you are going to do it yourself, then first you need to purchase a lock in the spare parts store that is suitable for the brand of the car. Depending on this, the cost of the device will vary. As a rule, parts of imported manufacturers have a higher cost (from 2 thousand rubles) than domestic ones (up to 1 thousand). As for the same VAZ, the price of the product can be from 300 to 700 rubles.
It all depends on the model and modification of the car of this production.
To prevent further damage to the ignition switch and increase its service life, it is advisable to periodically lubricate the moving elements and parts of the lock. It is enough to use a medical syringe to apply a few drops of engine oil to the castle borehole, and problems with it will not bother you for a long time.
So, we found out the main reasons why the key wedges in the lock. And they told how to fix this problem with your own hands.