My key wont turn to the full off position. It starts but only goes down to ACC not off.
So my car was working fine and when i pulled into my driveway to turn my car off the key only goes down to ACC and not the full off position. I managed to get my key out but it still wont go to the off position. I can put my key in and start it just fine but it wont fully turn off.
My car has 166000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello. Thank you for writing in. Over time and after continuous use, the ignition cylinder can become out of place. The cylinder itself ends up breaking and turning in place. Often the switch will then become confused and not know what position the key is in. This can lead to further problems as well. The only way to repair an issue like this is to have to entire ignition cylinder replaced. This can be done at home with the right tools, however for more help you may always contact our service department.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
A car key stuck in the ignition that won`t release is usually because of a damaged/worn out car key or the ignition wafers have broken. The three common reasons for stuck car keys are as follows: Damaged Car Key – car keys can become bent, worn out & damaged causing the key to become stuck.
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.
Chevy is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 Cobalts and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. “In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine,” according to the NHSTA recall alert.
If your vehicle engine continues to run after the ignition switch is turned off that means the ignition switch is defective and/or the ignition is still being powered from “elsewhere” in the circuit even though the switch is “off”.
Your starter may try to crank when the key is turned off if there is a problem with your starter, wiring, battery, or starter cylinder. You can check your starter without removing it from the vehicle and try to diagnose the problem yourself. If you can`t find the issue, don`t continue cranking your vehicle.
AAC Keys is a keyboard and mouse emulation program for Microsoft Windows-based and Macintosh computers. AAC Keys receives commands through your computer`s serial port and translates them into keystrokes and mouse moves, giving you full control of your computer from another device.
Here are just a few of the common reasons it happens: Key is worn – this means the key might go in but may get lodged. Key has been poorly cut – sometimes a new key can get stuck because of how poorly the teeth have been cut. Using the wrong key – a classic mistake that can damage both the key and the lock.
If your key is at the “on” position and fails, then your vehicle will start and then stall. Either way, this could indicate an issue with your ignition switch. If you turn the key and you don`t hear any noise, that is a sign that something is wrong. When you turn your key, you should hear your car start.
General Motors knew in 2004, a decade before it issued a recall, that its Chevrolet Cobalt had an ignition switch that could inadvertently shut off the engine while driving, according to depositions in a civil lawsuit against GM.
If your car is not turning off, and you are unable to remove the key, that may be sign that the ignition lock, or possibly switch, has gone bad. A failed ignition lock or switch can sometimes fail, and jam mechanically, leaving you unable to insert, turn, or remove the key.
Run Lock allows secure, unattended engine operation whilst preventing the vehicle from being driven. Once activated, the ignition key can be removed, and the engine stays running. If the handbrake is released, or the footbrake is used, the engine stops. The key must then be used to restart the vehicle.
In a car with a key ignition, turn the key to the off position and remove it from the ignition. In a car with push button ignition, press the start/stop button to stop the engine.
Turning the key to the “accessory” position doesn`t actually draw any electricity from the battery. It simply allows you to draw a limited amount of electricity to run certain accessories, like the radio, the power windows and the interior lights.
Your car`s ignition has an ACC setting, which stands simply for accessory. This allows the car`s electronic and other accessories to work without turning on the engine itself. This includes your radio, windows, windshield wipers, lights, and AC.
Relays are devices that isolate high draw electrical devices from the rest of your vehicle`s electrical system, including low voltage switches.
The simple answer is you should not use WD40 to lubricate locks. WD-40 is one of the solvent-based lubricants and does not contain any lubricant and over time can make your lock even stickier by gumming the lock up.
Recovery: Most of the time, Ctrl + Alt + Del re-sets key status to normal if this is happening. (Then press Esc to exit system screen.) Another method: You can also press stuck key: so if you clearly see that it is Ctrl which got stuck, press and release both left and right Ctrl .
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.
The first thing to inspect is your plug wires. Any signs of damage or decay are clear indicators that they`re your issue. To verify, you`ll want to check the resistance of the wires.
Typical issues that you will encounter when troubleshooting the ignition system include a dead battery, faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or distributor. Ignition troubleshooting involves a series of tests and inspections to determine the root cause of the issue and take corrective actions to fix the problem.
A dead battery is one of the most common reasons why your car won`t start. Check the battery terminals for corrosion and clean them using a wire brush or battery cleaning solution. If the battery is old or damaged, it may need to be replaced entirely.
Typical issues that you will encounter when troubleshooting the ignition system include a dead battery, faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or distributor. Ignition troubleshooting involves a series of tests and inspections to determine the root cause of the issue and take corrective actions to fix the problem.
A dead battery is one of the most common reasons why your car won`t start. Check the battery terminals for corrosion and clean them using a wire brush or battery cleaning solution. If the battery is old or damaged, it may need to be replaced entirely.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
My key wont turn to the full off position. It starts but only goes down to ACC not off.
ANSWER : Hello. Thank you for writing in. Over time and after continuous use, the ignition cylinder can become out of place. The cylinder itself ends up breaking and turning in place. Often the switch will then become confused and not know what position the key is in. This can lead to further problems as well. The only way to repair an issue like this is to have to entire ignition cylinder replaced. This can be done at home with the right tools, however for more help you may always contact our service department.
Car was sometimes not starting, not even cranking when i turned the key then after a few times itd start. Now it ont start at all
ANSWER : Hi there:
Without being there to inspect your vehicle, or having information about what type of car, truck or SUV you own, it’s very hard for us to give you some advice. You might want to have a professional mobile mechanic complete a car is hard to start inspection; so they can come to your location and determine why your vehicle is having these issues.
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.
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.
Fuel pump engages. Batery good, alternator good volts, jump start helps when wont start. Temp does not matter. Intermittent?
ANSWER : Hello. Thank you for writing in. There are several reasons your vehicle may only start when jump starting. The first and most common is a build up of resistance that is causing you to need a boost of voltage to get the engine started. This may be due to poor battery cables, a bad ground connection, a poor starter solenoid, and a couple of other issues. The first thing you want to do is perform a visual inspection of the starting system. Make sure there is no corrosion build up in the battery cables. You can also check the resistance across these wires and make sure you have a solid connection between components. You then want to make sure the starter solenoid is doing its job. It is responsible for taking the small amount of electricity sent by the ignition and turning it into a huge electrical charge that is strong enough to push over the engine with the help of some gear ratios in its favor. Do some more testing, and stick to the basics before assuming its something seriously complicated.
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.
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.
I’ve got a 97 Taurus. The other day, I would turn the key and the engine would turn slowly but not start. All of the lights and ra
ANSWER : You should have the battery tested after running the engine to try and charge it up. Have battery load tested to see if it can hold a load and replace it if it cannot. Then have the charging system checked to make sure it is charging at the correct rate.
Vehicle won’t start, once it’s jump started it only stays running until you turn it off, then it work start again without jumping.
ANSWER : Hi there. There could be two problems here. It is possible that your battery is bad and will not take a charge from your alternator while driving. In that case every time you shut your car off you will not have enough juice to start it again. Inspect your battery – it should have at least 12.5 to 13 volts to start your car, if it doesn’t you will need to replace the battery. The second problem could be that your alternator is bad and not charging your battery, in this case you will need to replace your alternator. Both the battery and the alternator can be tested in your car. If you would like to have the car checked for you, a certified professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to diagnose the starting problem and proceed with repairs.
