My key wil not turn what should i do?

My key won't turn

My car has 188000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi. This usually means that there is a problem with the parts inside the ignition key cylinder and it needs to be replaced to fix this problem. When this component needs to be replaced it will come with a new key and that new key will to be programmed to the car before it will start the car . I suggest you have a lock smith or dealer come out fix your problem. The lock smith can reprogram the new key to the car and should be able to replace your ignition key cylinder.

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 Mercedes-Benz E430 key won`t turn are a binding steering column/lock, an ignition switch issue, or a problem with the ignition key.
Your key fob battery is low or empty. This prevents the Electronic Ignition System (EIS) from functioning. The Driver Authorization System (DAS) is not functioning, and thus failing to verify the key properly when inserted into the ignition.
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.
Remote car key battery issues

Most remote car keys use lithium ion coin batteries, which have a long, but not limitless, shelf life. A dead battery is usually the primary cause of remote car key failure, so should be the first thing you check if your remote car key stops working.

If your key fob still isn`t functioning after you`ve replaced the batteries, the problem may be with the internal contacts, such as the buttons or the battery connector terminals. It`s also possible that your car and remote unpaired from each other after you took the batteries out.
For your safety, the steering wheel has a lock that activates if someone moves the wheel when there`s no key in the ignition. This makes the vehicle harder to steal. However, if you`ve moved the wheel before turning on the car, the lock may still be in place.
What Is WD40? It`s a multi-use product meaning that can be used to remove rust from any metal surface, loosen rusty fasteners, lubricate moving components and remove duct tape from practically any surface, but you should not on use it on lock doors.
Most modern vehicles now have small moving parts inside the ignition switch of the vehicle. If any of these small moving parts become misaligned, this could cause the ignition switch to lock up. When this issue occurs, the most common repair would be to replace the ignition switch.
A used Mercedes-Benz key can be programmed, but it is not easy. It requires specialized tools, and in most cases, it is cheaper to buy a new “virgin” key than using a tool such as CGDI MB Programmer to program it to your Mercedes-Benz.
If your Mercedes-Benz E500`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.
How do mercedes keys work? The majority of car manufacturers place their faith in a simple transponder system. That`s where a microchip inside the key fob transmits a code that must match that of the car being unlocked via a very weak, but still detectable radio signal.
If your key fob still isn`t functioning after you`ve replaced the batteries, the problem may be with the internal contacts, such as the buttons or the battery connector terminals. It`s also possible that your car and remote unpaired from each other after you took the batteries out.
Over time in your Mercedes Benz, your vehicle`s key may begin to stick and eventually not turn, or the ignition lock/tumbler system will stop starting the engine. The term ignition lock cylinder is basically a fancy term for the keyhole that we use to power up the car.
Over time in your Mercedes Benz, your vehicle`s key may begin to stick and eventually not turn, or the ignition lock/tumbler system will stop starting the engine. The term ignition lock cylinder is basically a fancy term for the keyhole that we use to power up the car.
Over time in your Mercedes Benz, your vehicle`s key may begin to stick and eventually not turn, or the ignition lock/tumbler system will stop starting the engine. The term ignition lock cylinder is basically a fancy term for the keyhole that we use to power up the car.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

I am having trouble with my key fully turning in the ignition to start. It will turn halfway and I hear a clicking noise.
ANSWER : Hello, thanks for writing in. The symptoms you are experiencing can commonly be caused by a faulty starter, starter relay, or ignition switch. A clicking sound when you turn the key can sometimes be caused by a faulty starter or starter relay. A starter will click if the electric motor in the starter is worn and unable to engage, while a relay will click if it has internal issues. It may also be possible that the ignition switch or cylinder are the source of the issue. If they are worn out they may not be providing adequate contact for the vehicle to properly start. I would try to determine where the noise is coming from and go from there. If you would like help, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect and diagnose this issue for you, and make or suggest any repairs as needed.

When i put the key in, nothing turns on.
ANSWER : Hi There,
It sounds like you have a faulty ignition switch that may be working intermittently. You may also have an ignition relay that is beginning to fail or work intermittently causing the power to be randomly existent as you describe. I would suggest having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to take a look at your car to diagnose your electrical problem.