Ignition cylinder won’t turn

The ignition cylinder will not turn when I put the key in it. I am able to turn on the car if I keep the key in the ignition and do not take it out.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
The most likely cause is the key cylinder failing. In most circumstances, the ignition switch and key cylinder are replaced as a unit as they cannot be separated. A qualified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, will be able to diagnose your ignition issue and replace your ignition cylinder assembly if necessary.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

The most common reasons a Saturn SL2 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.
Worn ignition switch contacts, temperature problems, or broken springs can all cause the ignition switch to fail, preventing you from starting your car. On the road, poor ignition switch contacts could shut the engine off while driving, which could be dangerous.
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. In this situation, the best thing to do is to wait for the battery to start itself or for a new battery to be fitted.
If nothing happens when you turn the ignition key to the “Start” position, it means that the starter motor doesn`t turn over the engine. Most commonly this could be caused by a low battery; read above How to check the battery.
The ignition relay is one of the most important electronic relays found on modern vehicles. It is usually located in the fuse and relay panel beneath the hood, and is responsible for providing power to the vehicle`s ignition system, and some of the fuel system`s components.
Silicone spray or powdered graphite are the most easily found lubricants, or Master Lock 2300D or 2305 lock lubricant should help the lock work more smoothly.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Key won’t turn after installing new ignition cylinder and ignition lock. Need help polishing things off.
ANSWER : Hi there:

This problem tends to occur when an aftermarket ignition cylinder is used for the replacement project. The inner lock housing sometimes doesn’t always fit flush to OEM steering columns, which can create the symptoms you’re experiencing.

Here are the directions on how to replace an ignition cylinder article, you should check out. The best option is to remove the old one, and start from scratch. Verify that you’re using an OEM replacement cylinder; as aftermarket parts typically cause more hassle than help in this case.

If you need assistance with fixing this issue, consider YourMechanic, as one of our mobile technicians can come to your home to diagnose the issue with your key firsthand for an accurate repair.

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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.

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Key turns freely in the ignition but won’t start the vehicle. Accessory power remains on unless the battery is disconnected.
ANSWER : The ignition switch or linkage to the switch is broken. The ignition switch needs to have the small linkage from the back side of the key lock cylinder to turn the switch to start and run the vehicle.

Have the ignition switch removed and inspect the linkage and switch to see if one or both switch and linkage needs replaced. If you need assistance with this, one of our mobile technicians would be happy to come to your location to diagnose the issue with your ignition and make the necessary repairs.

You will need a trained mechanic to work on the steering column of the vehicle with air bags due to the air bag system will need to be deactivated before service on the column switches.

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Cruise control turns on at idle, but when the car reaches 10 mph the cruise turns off and won’t turn back until idle again.
ANSWER : Hi there. Check all of the grounds to the vehicle and see if there is any wires that are damaged from the taillight short. A loose ground will cause multiple problems with the electrical system and some or multiple components will not work. If you need further assistance with your electrical issues, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

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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.

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Everything turns on, but when I turn my key, the car won’t turn on
ANSWER : Hi there. There are a few things that instantly come to mind that could be causing your starting issues. If you can activate all of your accessories but nothing happens when you turn the key forward, the cause is most likely going to be a battery that has lost cranking amps, a broken starter, or a faulty ignition cylinder relay. In order to determine the exact part that is damaged, and to avoid spending extra money on unnecessary parts or repairs, you may want to contact a professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who can diagnose your starting problem for you.

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installed ignition lock cylinder on a 2000 Toyota 4runner. tried to crank it and it would start, immediately turns off. problem?
ANSWER : Hello. If the key is not just turning and not catching then it may not be aligned with the ignition switch. If it is not aligned or if the ignition switch has failed then this will occur. Most of the time it is due to the ignition switch being broken internally so it needs to be removed and inspected for binding or internal looseness. If you need some help with this, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to you to [diagnose what is keeping the vehicle from starting] https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-not-starting-inspection

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Does a new ignition lock cylinder include new keys?
ANSWER : The new lock cylinder does come with new keys but you would have to use the original key to open the doors or have all of the lock cylinders on the doors and trunk match the new ignition lock cylinder. In this case, you are better off having a dealer or lock smith cut out an identical ignition lock cylinder to match the original key so that you will not have to replace everything.

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