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QuestionWhat causes a key not to turn in the ignition?
Duston MaynesDuston Maynes is an Automotive Repair Specialist at RepairSmith. Duston specializes in leading a team that handles a variety of automotive repairs including replacing spark plugs, front and rear brake pads, fuel pumps, car batteries, alternators, timing belts, and starter motors. Duston holds an Associate’s degree in Automotive/Diesel Technology from The Universal Technical Institute of Arizona and is a Certified Diagnostic Technician and Automobile Mechanics Technician through BMW STEP. RepairSmith received The 2020 Big Innovation Award by Business Intelligence Group and The Startup of the Year by the American Business Awards. RepairSmith was also included in Built in LA’s 50 Startups to Watch and The Business Intelligence Group’s 52 Names Leading the Way in Customer Service. RepairSmith offers in-home services to provide car owners convenient and complete auto repair everywhere.
Automotive Repair SpecialistThe key might be incorrect, the key tumbler might be binding, or the vehicle might not be in park. Sometimes, the parking lock has pressure for steering—shaking your steering wheel while trying to turn the key at the same time can free it up. -
QuestionWhat do I do if my ignition key is getting hard to turn?
wikiHow Staff EditorThis answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Staff Answer
wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerIf you've noticed the key is slowly getting harder and harder to turn, it could indicate your ignition cylinder needs to be greased or replaced. This isn't a DIY job though, so take the vehicle to a mechanic. -
QuestionI have a Honda CRV from 2005. I can barely get my key to go in my ignition and I still cant get it to turn. What can I do?
wikiHow Staff EditorThis answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Staff Answer
wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerThe key should slide in with ease. If you have to force it into place, you're going to either damage the key or the ignition cylinder, so don't keep doing that. It sounds like your ignition cylinder is seriously damaged (or you're using the wrong key). Take the vehicle to a mechanic. -
QuestionThe key turns the car on, however it won’t move into the lock position to remove it upon turning the car off. What can I do?
wikiHow Staff EditorThis answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Staff Answer
wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerTry moving the key slightly forward (like a fraction of an inch) before pulling it out. Sometimes, the ignition cylinder gets slightly turned when you start the car. You'll need to get this fixed soon. If this still doesn't work, your key might be bent. In any case, you'll still need to visit a mechanic. -
QuestionDo 2005 Honda Accords have a key hole on the passenger side?
Community AnswerYes, 2005 Accords have a key hole on the passenger side. -
QuestionHow do I get my key out of the ignition if it's stuck?
Community AnswerUnderneath the key cylinder there may be a button to press to release the key or a small hole where a screwdriver or smaller tool can fit inside and push upwards to release the key. -
QuestionHonda Accord key won't come out of switch, what should I do?
Glenn LetteerCommunity AnswerThis is a very common and known issue with Honda. Your key is not the issue, it is the wafers in the ignition. The wafers have small points on them which ride along the grooves of the key. When these points become worn, the wafers fall off of the key causing the issue you are describing. Good news. You do not need to replace your ignition. Bad news. You need to have your ignition cylinder rebuilt. This means it will be disassembled and all of the wafers and springs will be replaced. This generally costs around $205. -
QuestionMy ignition turns, but I have to jiggle it to make contact. What could be wrong?
Community AnswerThe way keys work is that they shift little pins up and when they are aligned correctly, you can turn it. In your case, it might be because the pins are a little messed up and they aren't aligned close enough that you can turn it easily. Call your usual car service people and ask them if they'd mind checking it out for you. -
QuestionI have a KIA 2008 that is having problems with the ignition. I had a new ignition switch fitted. When turning the key, the dashboard lights up. It starts when I turn it to third position, however, when I release the key it cuts out altogether. It seems like the key is getting stuck somewhere. What do you suggest?
Community AnswerIt seems as though the new ignition in your vehicle was not installed properly. I would return to the repair facility you had it done by and request that they inspect the installation to resolve the issue. -
QuestionMy Ford Escort key is in the locked position. Can someone tell me how to get it unstuck?
Glenn LetteerCommunity AnswerDepending on the year, make, and model, it sounds like a "10-cut". The Ford 10-cut has a sidebar in the ignition; at times, the spring cap cover will come loose and cause the sidebar to stick. If this is the case, your only option is to replace the ignition.
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QuestionHow can I fix a key that won't come out of the ignition?
Community AnswerWiggle the steering wheel from left to right while trying to remove the key, and make sure your car is out of gear, or in park.
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QuestionMy key will not turn all the way off but I can still take the key out with the car still on. What is wrong?
Community AnswerThe ignition cylinder is likely severely worn. You will need to have it replaced in order to get it to function properly.
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QuestionWhat is wrong if my key just turns around and doesn't start the car?
Community AnswerIf they key turns and the vehicle doesn't start, it may be a power issue. If the lights also fail to come on, your problem is likely a dead battery. If the lights do come on, it may be an issue with the starter itself.
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QuestionKey snapped in ignition barrel, what is the best fix solution?
Community AnswerUse pliers and remove it to repair it. If you're in a pickle and need to drive, try pressing a coin on either side of the broken key and turning to start.
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QuestionWhen using ignition graphite, should I use the tube or spray?
Community AnswerGraphite will likely not fix it. You probably have a bad lock cylinder or a key that is worn or miscut. The ignition cylinder is usually not particularly expensive or difficult to replace.
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QuestionHow do I fix an ignition key that is stuck in the ignition?
Community AnswerTry spraying a little WD40 in along side of the key. Sometimes it will free up the pins in the lock.
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QuestionWhat do I do if my ignition key won't turn after getting a new one?
Community AnswerThe new key might not be cut right. Does your old key work? If so, get another key made someplace else.
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QuestionIf the key was put in backwards, how do I get the key out?
Community AnswerTry pulling it out with a pair of vice grips. However, there is a high risk that you'll damage the pins in the lock, so it might be best to get a professional locksmith or car mechanic to remove the key for you.
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QuestionI have a problem with my ignition. The lights come on but the the ignition won't turn. How can I fix this?
Community AnswerMake sure the vehicle is in park if its automatic transmission. Also, in a lot of cars/trucks, you must depress the brake pedal with the gear lever in park to start or to move the gear select lever if the conveyance is not running.
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