Fix an Ignition Key That Won't Turn

There are few things more immediately frustrating than your car key not turning in the ignition. If you can’t turn the key, you can’t start the car and get where you need to go. Luckily, there aren’t many parts at play here and it should be relatively easy to diagnose why your key isn’t turning. With a little luck, you’ll be back on the road in no time.

Steps

Releasing the Steering Wheel and Starting the Car

  1. Turn the steering wheel slightly. If your steering wheel is locked, it may be pushing against the lock pin and making it difficult to turn the key. This being the case, the wheel will only have give in one direction. You should turn it slightly in that direction (just enough so that it feels springy) and hold it in place.[1]
    • There is no need to rock the wheel.[2]
  2. Make sure your vehicle is in park or neutral. This is the ideal way to start your vehicle, especially if you are driving an automatic. Many vehicle’s won’t start at all if you are in any other gear.
  3. Put your foot on the brake. Again, many vehicles will not start if the brake is not engaged.
  4. Turn the key. Now that the pressure is off of the lock pin, the key should turn normally.

Cleaning the Key and Lock Cylinder

  1. Choose the right cleaner. For some vehicles it is considered okay to use electrical contact cleaner in your ignition. However, if your model has a high security key, it is not safe to do so. If you are unsure what kind of key you have do not use electrical contact cleaner.[2] Instead, try using compressed air.[3]
  2. Spray directly into the lock cylinder. Spraying small amounts at a time is the best method here.[2][3] Whether you are using compressed air or electrical contact cleaner, you shouldn’t blast it into your cylinder all at once.
  3. Slide your key in and out. This will help remove any dirt, lint, or other debris stuck in your cylinder.[2] Do this several times in between puffs of air or electrical contact cleaner to clear out your cylinder and clean you key.
  4. Turn your key. Once you have sprayed out the cylinder and put the key in and out several times, try turning it. You should never force the key to turn, as this can damage the key and the cylinder.

Correcting Your Key and Cylinder

  1. Pull the key back slightly. With the key inserted into the ignition, pull it back about 1/16” of an inch and try turning it.
  2. Wiggle the key in the ignition. Slightly wiggle the key around while you attempt to turn it. If this works or if pulling the key out slightly works, then your key is likely worn. You will need to have a replacement key cut as soon as possible.[2]
  3. Have a code key cut. This is not the same as copying your key. A code key is where the locksmith or dealership cuts a key that exactly matches your key when it was new. If the code key fixes your problem, then you had a bad key. If it does not you likely have a bad cylinder.[2]
    • If you have a spare key that is rarely or never used, you can try this in place of a code key.
    • If you have a second key that is used often, it is likely worn similarly to your first key. It would be a good idea to have a code key cut in this case.
  4. Replace your cylinder. If the code or spare key fixed the problem, then your cylinder is likely fine. Since an unused spare or a code key is the same as the original key in pristine condition, if they do not work then the problem is in your cylinder. In this case, you either need to replace your cylinder yourself or take it to a repair shop.

Tips

  • In most cases, being unable to turn the ignition key is not a sign of damage. Usually, it is just an anti-theft mechanism that is built into your steering wheel that locks it in the wrong place.

Warnings

  • Do not force the key. This can lead to damage on the key and the ignition cylinder.[2]

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a2649/4252619/
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 http://www.asap-locksmith-buffalo-ny.com/asap-how-to-unlock-car-steering-wheel.html
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 http://ezautoremote.com/2013/08/ignition-wont-turn-key-several-reason-why-this-happens/

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