Ignition won’t turn
I hopped into my truck this morning, put the key in the ignition and it wouldn’t turn! It’s done this twice in the past 8 weeks. What I had to do was jiggle the wheel and tap where the key goes into the ignition cylinder for about 20 minutes. And then it finally worked! Should I replace my lock cylinder or what? Do you have any ideas? This is terribly inconvenient.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. Most of the time this is caused by a key that is worn out or the lock cylinder being worn internally. I usually use some silicone lubricant on the key and in the lock cylinder to get the internal teeth to move freely. I would also try using a spare key if there is one just to see if the worn key is the problem. If the issue persists, then it will need a new lock cylinder. If you want to have this looked at, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to inspect your ignition turning problem let you know what should be done.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
A simple solution to getting the ignition key to turn may be as easy as checking the gear shift. In automatic cars, the ignition key won`t turn in the lock if it`s not parked or in neutral. Gently move the gear shift from side to side to check its fully in position, before trying to turn the key.
The most common reasons a Mitsubishi Outlander Sport key won`t turn are a binding steering column/lock, an ignition switch issue, or a problem with the ignition key.
Wear and tear may also cause the key to get stuck. Years of abusing your key may cause it not to function properly. If your ignition lock cylinder is about to fail, this may also cause you not to be able to take out your key. Misaligned springs and pins can make it difficult to remove or insert the key.
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.
The ignition lock cylinder is the cylindrical and mechanical part used to start your car. Housed inside the electrical component that locks the ignition known as the ignition switch. It`s often welded onto the steering column and is usually located on the right side, behind the steering wheel.
If one key, like your A key, isn`t working, then it`s probably a bad switch or a stuck keycap. The best way to fix it when one key isn`t working is to focus on that key. Pop off the keycap and look for debris. If you see anything, clean it out with canned air.
If your Mitsubishi Endeavor`s key won`t turn, check to see if the transmission is in Park. Many models will prevent the key from turning if the car isn`t in park when turned off. Make sure your car`s parking brake is enabled before you do anything else.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
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 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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hi, my car had a starter replacement last month and the ignition won’t turn on until turning the key at least twice. Thank you!
ANSWER : Hi there. The hissing noise is your fuel pump priming; so this is normal. The ignition issue is sometimes caused by an internal component failure inside the ignition switch. However, it’s possible that the issue could be caused by an ignition relay that is slowly wearing out. I would recommend having a professional mechanic come to your location to complete a car is hard to start inspection; so they can hopefully replicate the symptoms and determine what needs to be repaired.
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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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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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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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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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Keys won’t turn ignition past position 1.
ANSWER : It sounds like there is a problem with your ignition switch. The ignition switch is what your key turns. It has 4 positions. Off, accessory, on or run, and start. It must be jamming and not allowing the key to turn it to the 2 positions past position 1. I would ask for help from a mechanic to confirm this and replace your ignition switch and you will be good to go.
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