Have you gone out to the car in the morning only to find out you can’t get the key to turn in the ignition? It’s one situation that’s sure to confuse and aggravate even the most patient person.
Your first instinct when the key won’t turn in the ignition is to shove it harder, but that’s never the right thing to do. Instead, you should identify what the problem is.
In this article, I will go over all the things that might be causing the key not to turn. I also walk through a few simple fixes for the most common issues.
Causes of Key Won’t Turn in Ignition
The most frequent cause of a key not turning in the ignition is a locked steering wheel. Of course, there is also the chance that the car is not in Park, or the key itself is not functioning, and finally there is also the possibility that the ignition lock cylinder is broken.
Below is a more elaborate breakdown of the common reasons the key simply will not turn in the ignition lock.
#1. Locked Steering Wheel.
When you pull the key out of the ignition, the steering wheel can be and often gets locked. The steering wheel will not turn in a locked position.
While this is designed to deter theft, it can be really annoying when you are trying to have the key turned.
This only occurs with a physical key setup. If you have a newer vehicle that uses an electronic key, you will not have this problem. If your steering wheel does get stuck, the problem is probably larger than a simple key solution anyway.
#2. Not in Park.
Most vehicles have a safety feature that keeps you from starting the vehicle in Drive or Reverse. This will only be an issue if the vehicle has a automatic transmission.
If you have a manual transmission, then this safety feature does not exist, but older vehicles did not always include the “key only turns when in Park” configuration either.
#3. Key Issues.
Is the key old and worn? If it has been bent or deformed in any way, the cylinder pins will not fall accordingly to turn the key as it will not recognize it when you place the key inside.
Most times the keys stay close enough to the original to get in the ignition cylinder so you may not know the issue at all.
There is also the possibility that dirt of some sort or other contaminants on the key are causing the cylinder to misinterpret its shape. If you keep the key in your pocket or purse where dirt and dust can accumulate, you need to check its condition.
Lastly, you could have grabbed the incorrect key. If you have a multitude of keys, you could have mistakenly grabbed one that looks the same but does not belong to this car.
#4. Broken Ignition Lock Cylinder.
If the key is not the issue, the ignition lock cylinder could be the problem. Some sort of debris could be blocking the keyhole. To think about it, even the slightest change internally could halt the teeth of the key from being aligned where it needs to.
In some cases, you may find a quick fix to the problem without needing a professional service. At worst, you will need to have the ignition lock cylinder replaced.
#5. Dead Car Battery.
Newer cars are now using electronic ignition systems. The system needs the power of the car battery to get it started. If the battery is dead, it may not register the key in the ignition system.
These newer vehicles need the electrical power to turn the key. If nothing is flowing, then the key will not turn and cannot crank the engine.
How To Fix A Key That Won’t Turn in Ignition
#1. Turn the Steering Wheel.
If the key is stuck in the ignition because the steering wheel is locked, simply turn the wheel back and forth. While moving the wheel, try turning the key again.
That small motion helps relieve the pressure on the ignitions lock. Once it’s released, you should be able to use your key again.
#2. Check the Gear.
Check the gear shifter location. If it’s not in Park or Neutral, you will need to get it into one of those positions and try turning the key again.
Sometimes, it can appear to be in the right position, so please move it out of Park, and then back to Park.
#3. Examine the Key.
Make sure you have the correct key. You may have accidentally grabbed your spouse’s key on the way out the door. Also, check the key condition. If it appears bent or worn, try another key.
Another option is to clean the key if it appears dirty or full of buildup. Rubbing alcohol will do the trick and really make the key look new again. It helps to have a lint-free cloth, because if there is anything on the cloth, it can get stuck to the keys while you’re cleaning them.
If you could determine that the key is at fault, you will want to get a new key made. For a new key cut, you can call the dealership. Lock smiths can’t always cut keys depending on what kind.
#4. Clean/Lubricate Ignition Cylinder.
If your key is stuck in the ignition, it’s wise to use WD-40 lubrication if you don’t see any broken components. You can spray it into the ignition cylinder (not too much) to loosen everything up. Wiggle the key slightly to spread the lubrication if it is sticky.
If something is trapped or obstructing the ignition cylinder, a quick spray of compressed air will usually clear the debris. In the case of using any kinds of cleaner or lubricant, be careful not to get something that will lead to a greater buildup of residue.
Worst case scenario is you have broken parts in the ignition cylinder and will have to replace the ignition cylinder. If you’re not familiar with it, a mechanic will need to complete this task.
#5. Check Battery.
If your battery is dead or the alternator (if part of your situation), you’ll definitely have other signs of a bad battery. Your headlights and interior lights as well as accessories should not power on because of that either.
If it’s a dead battery, you could try your portable battery charger to jump-start it. If that fails, then you’ll need either a replacement battery or to check the alternator it could be bad too.