Car worked fine last night. Key won’t turn in ignition this morning. Black looking liquid on key when taken out. Chimes sometimes.
I left the window cracked last night after driving. This morning I tried to start it but the key won't turn in the ignition. Chimes sometimes depending on how the key is sitting. Black residue is left on key after the key is pulled out of the ignition. Can't get the key to turn past the midpoint of lock position and ACC. Tried jiggling the key and the steering wheel. Also checked and make sure the car is in park.
My car has 204000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. There is a rubbery stick substance that is inside the ignition switch to protect the key as it is inserted. What seems to happen is the ignition switch got hot and melted the rubbery stick substance. The fix to this is replacing the ignition switch for it to got hot and failed. Also, check the wiring to the ignition for any loose or damaged wires. If you need further assistance with the ignition switch, then seek out a technician, such as one from YourMechanic to help resolve this problem for you.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
Reasons a Hyundai Sonata Key Won`t Turn. The most common reasons a Hyundai Sonata key won`t turn are a binding steering column/lock, an ignition switch issue, or a problem with the ignition key. Search our network of RepairPal Certified shops near you to speak with a technician about your issue.
Try gently turning the steering wheel from right to left, while simultaneously turning the key carefully in the ignition. If this fails, try rocking the wheel instead, all while wiggling the key gently.
Your Key is Dirty
Tape, glue, and other debris can cause your car key to get stuck in the ignition and can also make it difficult to turn the key to start the car. If this is your issue, pull the key out carefully while wiggling the steering wheel to release the tumblers and, hopefully, pull the debris out too.
Use a portable jump starter or use another car to jumpstart your vehicle. Either with a portable jump starter or with a jumper cable connected to another car. It`s pretty easy to jumpstart your vehicle. All you have to do is connect to identify the ignition coil and the battery.
How can I tell if my ignition switch is failing? A bad ignition switch will have problems with starting the engine, keeping it running, or engaging other systems when the key is turned. You might also have issues turning the key.
If your key is at the “on” position and fails, then your vehicle will start and then stall. Either way, this could indicate an issue with your ignition switch. If you turn the key and you don`t hear any noise, that is a sign that something is wrong. When you turn your key, you should hear your car start.
Dead Battery
To work correctly, the ignition mechanism is powered by the battery. If the battery fails, the ignition will automatically get locked up. Then you won`t be able to pull the key out of the ignition.
If the car`s battery is dead, you will often notice that the key won`t turn. This isn`t unusual in higher end vehicles, which frequently use more complex electronic ignition systems. Check the life of your battery to verify this.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Car worked fine last night. Key won’t turn in ignition this morning. Black looking liquid on key when taken out. Chimes sometimes.
ANSWER : Hello and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. There is a rubbery stick substance that is inside the ignition switch to protect the key as it is inserted. What seems to happen is the ignition switch got hot and melted the rubbery stick substance. The fix to this is replacing the ignition switch for it to got hot and failed. Also, check the wiring to the ignition for any loose or damaged wires. If you need further assistance with the ignition switch, then seek out a technician, such as one from YourMechanic to help resolve this problem for you.
Put key in ignition. Lights and everything come on for a second, then went off as I turned the key. Now no power, key stuck
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. This sounds like your battery cable connections are corroded or loose at the battery. Try to see if the battery connections are loose by wiggling them and see if power returns. If power returns, then have the cables removed, cleaned, and reconnected to test the battery. Hope this helps and best of luck!
Engine turned off but inside of car still on, now engine won’t turn back on.
ANSWER : Hi there. The symptoms you’re describing with your boyfriend’s 2002 Grand Cherokee appear to be related to a broken or worn out ignition switch or relay. The ignition switch on the inside of the steering column is attached to multiple electronic connections that send signals to a relay box; which in turn, sends the signal to the individual components. The issue could be related to the ignition switch, the relay, or any of the components in between. If you want to have the fault pinpointed in person, I would have this starting issue inspected by a trained professional to ensure that the correct repair is made.
Car was working fine before but now bothing turns on at all, and no noise. Key remote also won’t un/lock car at all
ANSWER : Give the shifter a good wiggle forwards and backwards. If it starts after doing that, you may have issues with the shifter interlock or the shifter cable itself. If the shifter cable is loose or worn, it may not be allowing the shifter to be fully in park and causing issues with the ignition. If this does nothing to get the vehicle to start, then the ignition switch and/or ignition lock cylinder themselves may be at fault. The ignition lock cylinder car wear over time, as can the key(s). Try another key if you have one. If that doesn’t help, a new ignition with new keys may be the answer.
Car won’t turn over. No lights come on when I turn it. Can’t even lock my doorsvor push the seat up or back.
ANSWER : Your probably correct, it sounds as though your battery is done. But it also sounds like you have charging system issues. I’m not sure that fixing your battery and charging system will solve the problem with the car shutting off, but it’s possible that it will and it’s a darned good place to start. By contacting Your Mechanic, you can have a technician come to your home or office to check out your car and help you figure out what to do next.
Okay so when I turn my lights on at night my brake lights do not work, when I don’t have my lights on they work fine.
ANSWER : Hi there. Based on your inquiry, it’s highly probable that you have a damaged light switch or some electrical fault inside the turn signal relay. However, it’s also possible that the brake switch above the brake pedal could also be the source of your problem. Due to the fact that multiple electrical components might be causing this issue, it’s a smart idea to first have a professional mobile mechanic complete a brake lights are not working inspection, so they can determine what’s causing all of these issues and recommend the right repairs.
When I put my key in the ignition I cant turn it at all.
ANSWER : Hello. If your vehicle is producing these symptoms intermittently then it may be possible that there is some sort of issue with the anti theft system. If your remote is not working I would first check to make sure that the battery is good, or that the unit is functioning. There are certain cases where a fault with the remote will cause unusual behavior with the anti theft system. Other possibilities are sensor or wiring issues, or a problem with the anti theft module or computer. It may also be possible that the issue is with the ignition cylinder or switch themselves. In most cases you should be able to deactivate the system by inserting the key into the driver door and unlocking it manually. If this does not work then there may be an issue that needs to be repaired. As these sorts of issues can sometimes be difficult to diagnose I would recommend having a professional technician, such as one from YourMechanic, come to your location to diagnose what may be causing your anti theft system malfunctions](https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/electrical-components-are-not-working-inspection).
car sat for 14 days, key stuck in ignition won’t turn over, new battery doesn’t help
ANSWER : Many different items can cause the vehicle to not start. With the key stuck in the ignition it is possible there is a ignition switch or key cylinder fault. For the no start, the most common causes are the ignition switch, battery, starter, fuel pump or battery cable. I recommend having a qualified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, come to your home or office to inspect your no-start condition and make the correct repair.
