You get in the car, put the key in the ignition, and it will not turn. No crank, no click, just a key that refuses to move. It is a common problem, and in most cases it has a simple cause. Before you force anything, work through the list below. Forcing a stuck key is the fastest way to turn a minor issue into a broken key or a damaged ignition cylinder.
1. The steering wheel lock is engaged
This is the most common reason by far. When a car is switched off and the steering wheel is turned, a pin locks the column. That pin also holds the ignition cylinder in place. The fix is to gently turn the steering wheel left and right while you turn the key at the same time. You will usually feel the wheel release and the key turn. It takes light pressure, not strength.
2. The car is not fully in Park
Most automatic vehicles will not let the key turn or come out unless the shifter is fully in Park. If the shifter is slightly off, the ignition can stay locked. Press the brake, move the shifter firmly into Park, and try again. On some vehicles, Neutral also works for starting.
3. The key is worn
Keys wear down over years of use, and so do the wafers inside the ignition. A worn key can stop lining up the wafers correctly. Look closely at the cuts on your key. If they look rounded or smooth compared with a spare, try the spare. If the spare works, the original key is the problem, and a new key cut to the correct code is the usual answer, not a copy of the worn one.
4. The key is bent or damaged
A key that has been used as a pry bar, sat on, or dropped can bend slightly. Even a small bend can stop it from turning. Do not try to straighten it and keep using it, because a weakened key is more likely to snap inside the cylinder.
5. Dirt or debris in the cylinder
Dust and debris can build up in an ignition over time. A small amount of dry lubricant made for locks can help. Avoid oily sprays, which attract dirt and can make the problem worse over time. If lubricating does not help, the cylinder may be worn.
6. The ignition cylinder is failing
If none of the above works, and especially if the key has been getting harder to turn for a while, the ignition cylinder itself may be worn or damaged. Signs include a key that only turns when jiggled, a key that turns but the car does not respond, or a key that gets stuck in the ignition. A failing cylinder can often be repaired or replaced, and new keys can be made to match.
7. A battery or electrical issue
If the key turns but nothing happens, the problem is probably not the lock at all. A dead battery, loose battery terminal or starter problem will look like an ignition problem but needs a different fix. Check whether the dashboard lights come on when the key is turned.
What not to do
- Do not use pliers or a tool for leverage on the key.
- Do not hammer the key into the cylinder.
- Do not spray cooking oil or general purpose lubricant into the ignition.
- Do not keep forcing a key that only works sometimes. It will eventually stop working at the worst moment.
Push-button start vehicles
Cars with push-button start do not have a traditional ignition cylinder, but they have similar issues. A weak fob battery, a steering lock, or a shifter that is not fully in Park can all prevent starting. Most of these cars have a backup spot where the fob can still be read if its battery is dead; your owner's manual shows where.
Getting it fixed
If the simple fixes do not work, an automotive locksmith can usually diagnose the problem where the car is parked, which helps when the car cannot be driven. Choice City Locksmith offers ignition repair in Fort Collins and across Northern Colorado, including worn ignition cylinders and replacement keys. Phone (970) 803-1100.
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