Many times the key not turning in the ignition becomes a problem, due to which the key does not turn in the vehicle’s ignition switch system and the ignition system is unable to start. In many cases, the steering wheel stops locking or may get stuck in the locking position. As a result, driving the vehicle becomes impossible.
Car Key Won’t Turn in Ignition – Causes
In fact, there may be many reasons why the key does not turn in the ignition. After examining these reasons, work should be done to solve this problem. In this post, you will learn in detail about the causes and solutions for the key not turning in the ignition, so that you can make possible efforts to fix it.
#1. Bent or Worn Key
Often, vehicles’ ignition switches and keys become worn over time from constant use, causing the key to bend or wear out, causing the ignition lock to not work properly.
Since a worn key cannot properly engage with the teeth of the ignition lock, the key may stop turning or get stuck in the ignition.
#2. Dirt or Debris in The Ignition Switch
Often, when a vehicle’s ignition switch is used for a long time, dirt and debris accumulates in it, causing the ignition lock switch to jam.
This can cause the key to not turn or get stuck in the ignition. However, metal shavings rubbing against the ignition switch and key teeth can also cause the key to not turn in the ignition.
#3. Lack of Lubrication
Sometimes in vehicles, when debris or water gets inside, the ignition lock switch can become rusty, and there is a lack of lubrication between the lock and the teeth of the key, causing the key to not engage properly with the ignition lock.
This can cause the key to not turn in the ignition or the key to be difficult to turn and get stuck.
#4. Ignition Switch Lock Failure
The ignition switch has a cylinder that the key turns. The teeth in the ignition switch cylinder correspond to the teeth of the key, allowing the ignition switch lock to only work with the key selected.
But sometimes the teeth of the ignition switch cylinder become worn or have an internal defect, causing the key to not turn or get stuck in the ignition.
#5. Steering Lock Engaged
Often, the key will not turn in the ignition even when the steering lock is engaged in vehicles. Due to the position of the steering wheel lock, the ignition lock gets stuck and maintains constant pressure on the steering wheel lock, resulting in the key not turning in the ignition.
If the key is turned with excessive force in this position, the key and the ignition switch lock may also be damaged.
#6. Mismatched Key
In many cases, when there are more than one key in the keychain, an overlooked or mismatched key is placed in the ignition switch. For this reason, the mismatched key does not connect to the ignition switch lock, and the key will not turn in the ignition.
In most cases, a misplaced key will not go into the ignition switch, even if the worn key goes into the ignition switch lock, the key cannot turn the ignition.
#7. Gear Shifter Not in Neutral or Parked Mode
Often, in vehicles with automatic transmission, the key will not turn in the ignition even if the gear shift lever is not in the parked mode or neutral position. This is done for safety purposes in automatic transmission vehicles.
How To Fix An Ignition Key That Won’t Turn
If your car key won’t turn in the ignition, here are some things you can try to fix it.
#1. Check The Key
- Analysis: If your car key won’t turn in the ignition, check the key for signs of damage, such as bending or excessive wear.
- Solution: If the key is damaged, you should get a replacement key from your vehicle manufacturer.
#2. Lubricate The Ignition
- Analysis: Over time, water and debris can accumulate or dry out in the ignition cylinder, making it difficult for the key to turn.
- Solution: So on a regular basis, apply a small amount of lubricant to the key, insert it into the ignition and turn the key back and forth slowly.
#3. Unlock The Steering Wheel Lock
- Analysis: Sometimes, the steering wheel may lock, causing the key to not turn.
- Solution: In this case, try turning the steering wheel in both directions while trying to turn the key. This action will relieve the pressure on the steering wheel lock mechanism and allow the key to turn.
#4. Check For Battery and Electrical Problems
- Analysis: In some cases, electrical problems or a weak battery can impede the functioning of the ignition system. So in this case, make sure the battery is fully charged and the wiring connections are secure.
- Solution: If the battery is in good condition, but the key still fails to turn in the ignition, you should contact a professional to inspect the electrical system.
#5. Ignition Switch Problems
- Analysis: In many cases, the key is fine, but the ignition switch may be faulty or damaged.
- Solution: If you have tried all the other procedures and the key still won’t turn, the ignition switch should be diagnosed and repaired by a qualified mechanic or locksmith.
#6. Move The Gear Shifter Lever
- nalysis: Often, in automatic transmission vehicles, the gear shifter lever is not in PARK or NEUTRAL mode, and the key will not turn in the ignition.
- Solution: So you must move the gear shifter selector in an attempt to turn the key.
What To Do When Key Won’t Turn in Ignition?
When your key won’t turn in the ignition, turn the steering wheel slightly while trying to turn the key. This is because the steering wheel may be locked, which will prevent the key from turning in the ignition. Also, make sure the vehicle is in park or neutral mode and the clutch is properly engaged for manual transmissions.
If the problem persists, lubricate the ignition lock cylinder and turn the key. If you don’t get success even after all these procedures, contact a professional locksmith or mechanic so that the problem can be resolved properly.
Steering Wheel Is Not Locked But Key Is Not Turning
If your vehicle’s steering wheel is not locked but the key is still not turning, slowly turn the steering wheel left and right while trying to turn the key. Sometimes, the steering wheel can put pressure on the ignition lock, making it difficult to turn the key.
If the key is still not turning, your vehicle’s ignition cylinder or key may be damaged, so contact a professional or locksmith to diagnose and fix the problem.
Steering Wheel Is Locked And Key Won’t Turn
If your steering wheel is locked and the key won’t turn, it’s probably due to a common problem in which the steering wheel locks up when turned too far to one side.
To fix this, slowly turn the steering wheel back and forth while trying to turn the key in the ignition. Make sure the car is in “park,”
if you have an automatic transmission, because the key won’t turn if it’s not fully in place. Also, inspect your key for any wear or damage and use a spare key if available.
Sometimes, the ignition cylinder can get stuck, so applying a small amount of graphite lubricant can help – just avoid using oil-based lubricants as they tend to attract dirt.
If none of these steps work, check your vehicle’s battery, as a weak or dead battery can sometimes prevent the key from turning. Finally, if the ignition cylinder or steering lock is damaged, it may need professional repair or replacement.
Conclusion
If your key won’t turn in ignition, it’s often a sign of a locked steering wheel, a faulty gear shift, or common problems like a worn or mismatched key. Simple solutions, such as gently turning the steering wheel, checking the gear shift position, or using a spare key, can solve the problem in many cases.
However, if these steps don’t work, the problem may be more serious, such as a faulty ignition cylinder or battery problem, and may require professional assistance to prevent further damage. Regular maintenance and key inspection can help avoid such situations in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to remove a key stuck in the ignition?
If the key is stuck in your vehicle’s ignition, you should try to slowly turn the steering wheel in any direction to release it, allowing you to remove the key from the ignition.
What to do when the battery dies and the key is stuck in the ignition?
In this case, you should try to jump-start your vehicle with another battery. With this, you should use the manual release feature. If the key still won’t come out of the ignition, you should contact the roadside helpline or call a locksmith.
Why is my key not turning in the ignition?
In most cases, the reason why the key won’t turn in the ignition is due to the gear shifter lever not being in the park or neutral position.