If your car key won’t turn in the ignition, it could be due to several reasons, including a locked steering wheel, a faulty ignition cylinder, a worn or damaged key, or other issues with the ignition switch or transmission.
Today at the garage, a car left for 3 months refused to turn using the key, and the ignition switch looked rusty, so I tried gently wiggling the steering wheel and key, and also lubricating the lock. So I thought I should share with you guys the way i go about it.
Well, today I will be giving the reasons why your car key won’t turn the ignition switch and an easy fix for it.
Let’s begin!
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How Does an Ignition Key Work?
For most modern cars, ignition keys are symmetrical in their shape so that drivers can insert them into the ignition either way round for greater ease. When the key is turned in its slot, a set of tumblers in the ignition is forced into a specific arrangement, enabling the key to rotate. The circuit then provides power to the starter motor, typically through a computer chip, which ultimately starts the engine by allowing the current to flow through the ignition system.
Reasons Why the Key Won’t Turn the Ignition Switch
1. Locked Steering Wheel:
The cause of this issue might be due to the steering wheel lock mechanism being engaged, preventing the key from turning. To fix this, gently turn the steering wheel from side to side while simultaneously trying to turn the key.
2. Faulty Ignition Cylinder:
The ignition cylinder (where the key goes) can wear out, get damaged, or have debris inside. To fix this, Inspect the cylinder for obstructions, try wiggling the key, and consider lubricating it with a silicone-based lubricant.
3. Worn or Damaged Key:
Keys can wear down over time or get bent or damaged, making them difficult to turn. You should inspect the key for wear and tear and consider getting a new key if necessary.
4. Other Issues:
The ignition switch itself could be faulty, or the transmission might not be in park (for automatic vehicles). So, ensure the transmission is in park or neutral, check for any visible issues with the ignition switch, and consider professional help if the problem persists.
Unfortunately, our cars often decide to give up on us when we need them the most. One of the most common inconveniences is when the ignition key doesn’t turn. If this happens to you, the best thing to do is stay calm in order to avoid causing further damage. Here are 5 simple ways to fix an ignition key that won’t turn, from purchasing a car key replacement to checking the steering wheel.
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5 Easy Ways To Fix An Ignition Key That Won’t Turn
1. Try Turning The Steering Wheel
The problem may not be with your ignition key at all – the steering wheel locking may be the thing causing issues.
Many steering wheels are designed to lock once the key has been removed from the ignition cylinder, resulting in the wheel sticking in one position. Try gently turning the steering wheel from right to left while simultaneously turning the key carefully in the ignition. If this fails, try rocking the wheel instead, all while wiggling the key gently. Once the key turns, the steering wheel will unlock itself.
2. Wiggle The Key In The Ignition
Without touching the steering wheel, you can also try to gently wiggle the key inside the lock, in order to help enable the current to flow. Be careful when doing this – don’t apply too much force or pressure as this could result in further damage. By jiggling the key in the ignition, you may be able to free any slight destruction caused to the lock wafers that’s resulting in the key not turning.
3. Try Lubricating The Lock
The issue may be with the lock itself, as opposed to the key. Try to lubricate the lock – this will help to release any dirt particles that are preventing the key from turning. A silicone-based lubricant is recommended, as these lubricants prevent dirt from building up and causing the same issue in the future.
Spray the lubricant into the lock, wiping away any excess that leaks out. Then, insert your key and turn it. If the key doesn’t turn, you can try gently wiggling it like in the previous step. Try adding more lubricant if this is still not successful. Debris in the lock may not be the problem if this step doesn’t work after several minutes.
4. Check The Gear Shift Or Battery
A simple solution to getting the ignition key to turn may be as easy as checking the gear shift. In automatic cars, the ignition key won’t turn in the lock if it’s not parked or in neutral. Gently move the gear shift from side to side to check its fully in position before trying to turn the key.
It’s also worth checking if the battery is dead in your car, as cars with more modern and innovative ignition systems won’t enable the driver to turn the key if the battery has gone. Although a dead car battery can be a frustrating issue, it’s also a very simple one to solve.
5. Get A New Car Key
If the above ways of fixing your ignition key don’t work for you, it may mean the key itself is broken. This problem can be fixed by getting either a car key replacement or your existing key repaired. It’s always a good idea to have a spare car key cut so you can keep it on hand as an extra, just in case.
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Conclusion
A key that refuses to turn in the ignition can be frustrating, especially if you’re in a hurry. But in most cases, the cause is something simple, like a locked steering wheel, a worn-out key, or dirt inside the ignition cylinder.
By identifying the reason early, you can apply the right fix, whether it’s wiggling the steering wheel, lubricating the lock, replacing a worn key, or seeking professional help for a damaged ignition switch. Staying calm, diagnosing carefully, and maintaining your ignition system can save you both time and expensive repairs.
FAQs
Why won’t my car key turn in the ignition?
Common causes include a locked steering wheel, a worn or bent key, dirt/debris in the ignition, or a damaged ignition cylinder.
Can a dead battery cause the key not to turn?
Yes. In some modern cars, the ignition lock may not release if the battery is dead because of electronic steering lock systems.
How can I unlock a steering wheel?
Gently turn the steering wheel left and right while turning the key, avoid forcing it, as this can damage the ignition.
Can I use WD-40 or lubricants to fix the problem?
A graphite-based lubricant is recommended for ignition locks. Avoid heavy oils that attract dirt.
What should I do if my key is bent or worn?
Have a new key cut from the original code or replace it with a spare key.
When should I replace the ignition switch?
If the ignition cylinder is damaged, worn out, or fails to turn even after trying all simple fixes, replacement may be necessary.