Missed an important event because your car key won’t turn — or worse, broke inside the ignition cylinder?
Then, you know how frustrating this situation can be when you’re in a rush.
But don’t worry!
We’ll provide eight helpful fixes to help you resolve this ignition problem and get moving. We’ll also explore the reasons why your key won’t turn in the ignition and share tips to avoid this from happening in the future.
This Article Contains:
- 5 Critical Reasons Why Your Key Won’t Turn in the Ignition
- 8 Effective Fixes to Make Your Key Turn in the Ignition
- How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Car Key Issue?
- 3 FAQs about Car Keys
5 Critical Reasons Why Your Key Won’t Turn in the Ignition
Common issues that stop your key from turning in the ignition include:
- Malfunctioning anti-theft feature: In cars with an advanced safety feature, the steering wheel lock automatically activates when you remove the key. But sometimes, this locking mechanism can malfunction, causing the steering wheel to stay stuck.
- Car isn’t in park or neutral gear: If you own an automatic transmission car, you must put it in neutral or park gear before turning it off and removing your key. If you accidentally turn off the engine without shifting the gear selector, your key might get stuck.
- Clogged lock cylinder: If your key has dust or grime buildup, it can accumulate in the ignition lock cylinder. Excess grime can make it difficult for the key to align with the internal pins, preventing it from turning.
- Damaged or bent key: The sharp edges of your car’s current key can wear out due to regular use or rough handling, causing it to crack and bend. As a result, when this damaged key is inserted in the ignition, it may fail to fit and turn properly.
- Faulty components: Ignition parts like spring-loaded pins or wafers can wear over time and lose their alignment, making it difficult for the key to turn. Additionally, if the car battery is dying, the steering lock won’t disengage when you insert the key, causing it to stay stuck.
Note: This problem can also occur if you accidentally use the wrong key or the key of another vehicle instead of your car’s original key.
Now that you know why your car key won’t turn, let’s see what you can do to resolve it.
8 Effective Fixes to Make Your Key Turn in the Ignition
Refer to these eight useful solutions to keep your key turning smoothly:
1. Remove and Reinsert the Key a Few Times
Pull the key out 1/16 inch and reinsert it into the ignition. You may have a slightly worn-out key that needs to be reinserted a few times before it works. But if the key doesn’t turn, there might be a problem with the ignition lock cylinder.
2. Clean the Key
If your key’s grooves are dirty from daily use, it won’t fit well in the ignition cylinder. Clean the key with warm, soapy water, and use an old toothbrush to remove any fine dust particles. Once clean and dry, try inserting the key again — it may just do the trick!
3. Use a New or Spare Key
Instead of using a severely worn key, use the spare key provided by your car’s manufacturer.
A new key has sharper edges and aligns well with the cuts of the ignition wafers (unique sets of cuts inside the ignition cylinder that line up with a correct key).
Note: If you don’t have a spare key, buy a new one or call an automotive locksmith. You’ll have to provide the locksmith with your car’s manual, which contains a 5-digit key code (an alphanumeric code that defines the pattern of the original key).
4. Jiggle or Shimmy the Key in the Ignition
If the key’s edges are too worn to engage the wafers or pins in the ignition, try wiggling it slightly in an upward and downward motion. This allows the worn key to contact the pins from different angles, increasing the chances of your key turning in the ignition.
But don’t apply too much force, as the worn-out key could easily break.
5. Turn the Locked Steering Wheel
If the wheel is stuck due to an anti-theft system malfunction, try turning the locked steering wheel gently from left to right while simultaneously rotating the key.
You can also jerk the steering wheel slightly to release it from the locked position. This helps turn off the locking mechanism, allowing your key to turn.
6. Lubricate the Lock Cylinder
If the key cylinder is filled with dirt, you can clean it with a silicone-based lubricant spray (WD 40 is a popular lubricant for this job).
Here’s how:
Attach the lubricant can’s straw to its nozzle, spray a small amount inside the key cylinder, and wipe away the excess leaking lubricant. After 30 seconds, reinsert your key and turn it.
If the key is still stuck, the ignition cylinder may be faulty and need a replacement.
7. Inspect the Gear Shifter (Automatic Transmission Cars Only)
An automatic car with a safety feature stays in the locked position if it’s not in park or neutral mode. So, when you turn off the engine, ensure your gearshift is in the appropriate mode.
8. Replace the Weak Battery
In some modern vehicles, the ignition system won’t allow your key to turn if the battery is weak, causing the steering wheel lock to stay engaged. This makes it difficult to turn the car key.
Call a mechanic to replace your car battery if you notice flickering or dim dashboard lights.
Wondering how much all this will cost?
Keep reading.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Car Key Issue?
Here are your estimated costs for resolving this ignition problem:
- New key: $25 to $250, depending on the correct key type (traditional or transponder)
- Key programming (for transponder keys): Approximately $150
- Car battery replacement: $185 to $400 (depending on the battery type)
- Lock cylinder replacement: $310 to $380
Want to know more?
Check out these common car key-related queries.
3 FAQs about Car Keys
Here are the answers to all your questions about a car’s ignition key:
1. How Does an Ignition Key Work in a Car?
To start the car, you must insert the key into the lock cylinder, which is mounted on the steering column and located inside the ignition switch assembly.
When the key enters the cylinder, it interacts with tumblers or wafers that allow it to rotate. Your key usually rotates through three positions: OFF, ACC (accessories), and ON (Run or Start).
Once it reaches the ‘ON’ position, the ignition system circuit closes and provides power to the starter motor. The starter motor cranks the engine, triggering the spark plugs to burn the fuel and start the vehicle.
2. What to Do if Your Key Breaks in the Ignition?
If your key breaks inside the ignition, you can:
- Use tools: Remove the broken key using tools like tweezers, needle-nose pliers, or a key extractor.
- Call a professional locksmith: If the broken key remains inaccessible despite using the tools, contact automotive locksmith services. Hiring a professional locksmith will cost around $50 to $100 per hour.
If these don’t help, visit a dealership for further assistance.
3. How to Care for Your Car Keys?
Follow these tips to take better care of your current key:
- Store the key in a safe place (avoid extreme hot or cold temperatures)
- Keep the keychain light to reduce strain on the ignition
- Clean the key regularly with a soft cloth to remove dirt and debris
Keep Your Key Turning Smoothly with AutoNation Mobile Service
Keys are crucial for starting your car, but if they don’t turn in the ignition, you’ll be left stranded.
Whether it’s a dying battery or a malfunctioning steering lock, professional mechanics at AutoNation Mobile Service can inspect and resolve all key-related problems right from your driveway.
We’re a mobile auto repair service offering online bookings and upfront pricing. All our services, including an ignition switch, gear shifter, and steering column repair, come with a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty.
Contact us to resolve your key issue or any other car problem.