Key turning freely in cylinder
One day i went to start my car and I was able to turn the key freely, and the power stayed on after I took the key out. I changed the ignition lock cylinder, but my car wouldn't start. So I thought my actuator rod was broken. I broke apart the steering colume and my actuator rod looks fine. i changed the ignition switch, checked all the fuses. I dont know what the problem can be. please help.
My car has an automatic transmission.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. The first thing I would check is the ground wire attached to the ignition lock cylinder. That is typically the primary cause of a no start issue after you replace the ignition cylinder. You might also want to double check fuses and electrical relays to see if they may have tripped or been damaged during or after your installation.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
Dirt and debris can accumulate over time, causing the key to become loose. Lubricate the ignition: Use a small amount of lubricant, such as WD-40, to lubricate the key and the ignition cylinder. This can help to reduce friction and make the key turn more smoothly.
The most common reasons a Ford Taurus 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.
Common signs include the car not starting, the key getting stuck in the ignition or not going in, and issues power on the vehicle.
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.
Dealing with Ignition Cylinder Issues
If there is any dirt or dust caught in the ignition cylinder, it may keep the key from turning. Get some canned air and insert the straw from the nozzle directly into the key hole. Spray the canned air into the key hole in 2-3 short spurts. Then, try turning the key again.
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.
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.
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.
In most cases, this turns out to be a loose set screw within the door handle or door knob. Unfortunately, most people overlook this sign and end up with a key that keeps turning in their door lock. If it is not caused by a loose set screw, then some portion of the locks internal mechanism has been dislodged.
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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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!
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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 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.
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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.
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Replacing an ignition lock cylinder with no keys?
ANSWER : Hi there. Typically trying to get a key made to fit an ignition lock cylinder is next to impossible. The best advice we’d suggest is to replace your ignition lock cylinder; and make multiple copies of the keys (just in case this happens again).
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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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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.
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