key in accessory position and can’ turn off or on can’t get key to turn stuck in accessory position
had key in ignition turned it to accessory position and took key out . put key back in stuck in accessory position and can't turn key off or on how do i get key to move ignition to on or off ?
My car has 2002000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. When the key is in the ignition switch, the key should not be able to come out of the switch when it has been turned. When the key is able to come out of the ignition switch in the On position or Accessory position, then the lock inside the tumbler has failed. Try to turn the steering wheel side to side to see if the steering wheel lock is causing your issues. If your steering wheel lock is not the issue, then you will need to have a new ignition switch tumbler installed and you will have to get a new key that matches the vehicle. If your ignition switch is stuck in the accessory position and will not shut off the power to the car, you can put graphite into the tumbler to help with the key; although this will damage the tumbler, you will be able to shut off the power to the vehicle. I recommend replacing the ignition switch and key to solve your stuck-in-accessory position situation. If you need assistance in getting your vehicle’s ignition switch to shut off, you should contact a technician. A YourMechanic certified mechanic can come to your location to perform an Ignition key is stuck and does not turn Inspection on your vehicle and diagnose this issue.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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If your ignition switch is stuck in the accessory position and will not shut off the power to the car, you can put graphite into the tumbler to help with the key; although this will damage the tumbler, you will be able to shut off the power to the vehicle.
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.
Fortunately, this is often an easy fix. Simply grab a can of WD-40, silicon-based lubricant, graphite spray, or a dry lubricant and spray it into the keyway. Once it has been sprayed, insert the key so the lubricant will work into the locking mechanism.
The most common cause of a stuck accessory mode is a dead battery. If the battery is not providing enough power to start the engine, the car may be stuck in accessory mode. Try jumpstarting the battery or replacing it if it is old or damaged.
Why Is My Key Sticking in the Lock? When a key gets stuck in a lock it is usually because the lock needs to be lubricated. The lock pins can get covered in dirt that has gradually got inside the lock, usually by the key.
Accessory Socket Plug-Ins
The 12-volt outlet is powered by the car battery, even when the ignition is off. If an accessory remains plugged in with the engine off, it continues to draw current from the battery, gradually depleting its ability to start your car.
A good quality new car battery may be rated at 60Ah. Depends on what accessories are active but even a low wattage item will drain a battery in 12 hours so the car won`t start.
Leaving your car key in your car overnight or even on a hook near the car is not recommended. If the fob is too close to your car, it can continue to communicate with it, which could drain the battery.
These batteries are designed to run as a backup to the starting battery and provide power to some essential equipment like engine start/stop and other systems that require power while the engine is off to put less strain on the main battery and alternator.
In a petrol engine there is no need to preheat the cylinders like you have in a diesel. Also, the ON position primes the fuel pump. It also does the safety checks, like anti-lock brakes and airbags.
If it still only turns to the ACC position, then the cylinder may need to be replaced. If the cylinder needs to be replaced, a locksmith may be needed to rekey the cylinder to your old keys or you can opt to have one set unlock the vehicle while the other starts the vehicle; this is your choice.
ACC (Accessory) — In this position, you can use some electrical accessories when the engine is not running. ON — The normal driving position. START—This position starts the engine. The switch returns to ON when you release the key.
ACC (Accessory) — In this position, you can use some electrical accessories when the engine is not running. ON — The normal driving position. START—This position starts the engine. The switch returns to ON when you release the key.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
key in accessory position and can’ turn off or on can’t get key to turn stuck in accessory position
ANSWER : Hi and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. When the key is in the ignition switch, the key should not be able to come out of the switch when it has been turned. When the key is able to come out of the ignition switch in the On position or Accessory position, then the lock inside the tumbler has failed. Try to turn the steering wheel side to side to see if the steering wheel lock is causing your issues. If your steering wheel lock is not the issue, then you will need to have a new ignition switch tumbler installed and you will have to get a new key that matches the vehicle. If your ignition switch is stuck in the accessory position and will not shut off the power to the car, you can put graphite into the tumbler to help with the key; although this will damage the tumbler, you will be able to shut off the power to the vehicle. I recommend replacing the ignition switch and key to solve your stuck-in-accessory position situation. If you need assistance in getting your vehicle’s ignition switch to shut off, you should contact a technician. A YourMechanic certified mechanic can come to your location to perform an Ignition key is stuck and does not turn Inspection on your vehicle and diagnose this issue.
I have a 2011 Hyundai sonata and the key is stuck in the acc position and will not turn off. I can start the car but I can’t turn
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. When the key will not turn to the "Off" position, typically that will mean that you have an issue with you neutral safety switch. This safety feature limits your ability to turn the key off without the transmission being in park or neutral. The first thing to try is putting the car into neutral and attempting to turn it off then. Make sure your parking brake is on to keep the vehicle from rolling off. If the neutral safety switch is working correctly, you may want to look into and or replace the ignition cylinder. Only further testing will tell. For more diagnostic help and to resolve the problem, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.
I have a 1993 GMC Suburban and the key will only turn forward like to start. It is in park but the key will not turn back to stop
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. Your key cylinder, or ignition cylinder, has likely failed. They can also get dirty and collect debris inside that may restrict them from working properly. The best option is to attempt to clean it with electrical cleaner (such as air duster), to try and dislodge anything inside of it. If this does not help, the ignition cylinder will have to be removed and replaced. For more help with replacing the cylinder, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.
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!
I am not getting any power when I turn the key to the on position. there is no dash lights only check engine lite comes on.
ANSWER : The problem of having erratic electrical issues with this year Bronco they have problems with the ignition switch losing contact. You should check and replace the ignition switch. When the switch is removed you should check linkage rod and electrical connector for problems and repair as needed along with replace the ignition switch.
steering wheel turned to the far right and locked in place while the wheel are straight. and I can’t turn the key.
ANSWER : Hi there. From the description you have provided, concerning your vehicle’s steering wheel is locked far right and key won’t turn with the front wheels in a forward default position, is somewhat confusing to me. It could be, undo pressure is being applied to the steering wheel lock. You could try, physically moving the left front tire side to side in either direction, to relieve the pressure on the steering wheel lock. It could be, the key you are using has a problem, try another key if available. It could be, the ignition lock cylinder is at fault. I recommend having your vehicle’s can’t turn the key be diagnosed and repaired by a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic.
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.
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.
