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
I put the key in the ignition and started to turn the car on. First click of the key and the lights and everything looks good. As I turned it further to the start position, all lights go off, no power in car whatsoever, and the key won't turn back to release, so key is stuck in ignition. Bad ignition switch?
My car has 174000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
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!
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
Bad or dead battery
The most common reason cars don`t start is a dead or faulty battery. Even though most cars run on gasoline, they all require electrical power to function. The starter that cranks your engine to start requires an electrical signal to fire.
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.
Press the brake peddle at the same time, jerk the steering wheel left to right, while turning the key. It will unstick.
If the keys are left in the ignition, the battery will ultimately run out of power. This happens as a result of the constant current flow, which can lead to the ignition coil overheating and ultimately ceasing to function. If the ignition is left in the ACC position, the battery will lose power much faster.
If the car`s battery is dead, you will often notice that the key won`t turn. This isn`t unusual in higher end vehicles, which frequently use more complex electronic ignition systems. Check the life of your battery to verify this.
If your vehicle won`t start, it`s usually caused by a dying or dead battery, loose or corroded connection cables, a bad alternator or an issue with the starter. It can be hard to determine if you`re dealing with a battery or an alternator problem.
A typical problem with the ignition switch is when your car fails to start. This sign forces you to keep making attempts to turn the engine, draining and, therefore, killing your battery. At same time, idling your car can also cause a stalling.
With modern cars generally no, as the computer will shut everything down if it is not running. With older cars that use points ignition, it is possible to damage the coil in the ignition system as it will overheat and be destroyed if it is left with power on it continuously. It will also flatten the battery of course.
The most common reasons a Chevrolet Trailblazer won`t start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
The most common reasons a Chevrolet Trailblazer 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. Oops!
Typically, the fob contains a chip that identifies radio signals sent by your vehicle. These signals are only able to travel for a few feet. As you enter or exit the car, the vehicle sends a radio signal to the key fob. The fob responds by relaying its code to the vehicle.
Turning the wheel in the opposite direction can release the lock and enable you to take the key out of the ignition. Jiggling the key – Another easy method for removing a stuck key is to push down on the key cylinder with your left index finger while simultaneously jiggling the key with your right hand.
This circuit operates only on battery current and is controlled by the breaker points and the ignition switch. When the ignition key is turned on, a low voltage current from the battery flows through the primary windings of the ignition coil, through the breaker points and back to the battery.
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 glow plug warning light usually looks like a coiled piece of wire and it will typically remain on for a few seconds after you`ve turned the ignition key as the plugs heat up, especially on cold mornings.
Turn off your ignition if you`re waiting more than 10 seconds. Contrary to popular belief, restarting your car does not burn more fuel than leaving it idling. In fact, idling for just 10 seconds wastes more gas than restarting the engine.
If security systems are attached to the ignition switch/assembly, then further programming is needed to recode the keys, which will add another $100 to the bill. Keep in mind, pricing will vary by location and your vehicle make and model.
Take your screwdriver and insert it into the ignition lock cylinder. Turn it as far round in a clockwise direction that you can. Then pull the paperclip to the right as much as you can. You should then be able to slide the switch out easily.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
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.
Battery light goes on when I start car then turns off, if I rev engine light comes back until rpms go down. Abs goes comes on/off
ANSWER : Batteries can die due to faults in the charging system so ideally a suspected "faulty" battery should be load tested before a decision is made to condemn it. The only exception to this rule is if the battery is already clearly "old" (greater than 5 years) but even then once you put a new battery in, as a replacement for a "dead" battery, you have to comprehensively check out the charging system. Diagnostic Trouble Code P0460 will result in disruption of the dashboard fuel gauge’s ability to accurately report your tank’s fuel levels. The fuel gauge readings may be erratic, or read somewhere off scale. Vehicles equipped with a low fuel warning light feature may also suffer from erratic low fuel warnings in the event of a code P0460. Unless the P0460 code has been reported alongside other trouble code, all of the vehicle’s essential systems should otherwise function normally. I would recommend that you request a check engine light diagnostic to first resolve the fault causing the P0460 code to set. The check gas cap light warning light could be due a faulty gas cap and/or small leaks in the EVAP system.
Every time I put my key into the ignition lights flicker, radio comes on, and check engine light comes on.
ANSWER : Hi there. There is an issue with the ignition switch when you are turning the key. The tumbler may have worn contacts within the switch causing the lights to flicker and the radio to come on when it is turned off. I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you diagnose an electrical short or loose ground in the ignition switch circuit.
Okay so when I turn my lights on at night my brake lights do not work, when I don’t have my lights on they work fine.
ANSWER : Hi there. Based on your inquiry, it’s highly probable that you have a damaged light switch or some electrical fault inside the turn signal relay. However, it’s also possible that the brake switch above the brake pedal could also be the source of your problem. Due to the fact that multiple electrical components might be causing this issue, it’s a smart idea to first have a professional mobile mechanic complete a brake lights are not working inspection, so they can determine what’s causing all of these issues and recommend the right repairs.
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.
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.
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.
