The car has trouble cranking unless i push the key in hard and wiggle it.

The car used to take 20 times of turning the key to crank. I then figured out that pushing the key in towards the wheel fairly hard and/or wiggling it will get it to crank. When it does crank it turns over and starts fine. I believe it's a problem with the contacts in the ignition system or something. I already tried replacing the ignition switch (the old one's holes did not look lined up if that helps) which fixed the problem for 4 days and then it began doing the same thing. I now believe it could be the actuator pin i could replace but I have no experience with cars so I'm not s
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It looks like you are in the right area. Replacing the ignition switch temporarily helping your difficulty starting the car leads me to believe your ignition lock cylinder may be worn. The lock cylinder – and key – will wear out over time simply from inserting and removing the key.

When you mentioned that it would work after "pushing the key towards the wheel and wiggling it", this seems to indicate by doing that wiggle, you’re moving the internals of the ignition lock cylinder enough to get those worn components to make proper contact within the ignition switch. New ignition lock cylinders usually come with a new key as well. This may solve the problem.

However, I’d suggest getting this looked at by a qualified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, to narrow down the variables. They will be able to diagnose your hard start issue and fix it accordingly.

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When the switch does not turn unless you wiggle the key, then there is excessive wear inside the switch. If the starter will not crank or cranks slowly when you turn the key, then the mechanism that closes the circuit is corroded.
It looks like you are in the right area. Replacing the ignition switch temporarily helping your difficulty starting the car leads me to believe your ignition lock cylinder may be worn. The lock cylinder – and key – will wear out over time simply from inserting and removing the key.
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 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. If something`s wrong with your battery, your car engine won`t turn over.
If the starter isn`t getting enough power, it has a low voltage problem. Lack of power can cause it to work intermittently as it receives enough energy to signal the starter to crank. Loose connections or fluctuating power can also cause the starter to fire even after the keys are removed.
Typically when your electrical accessories are working well, but it takes a few cranks for the engine to start, the issue is with the fuel or ignition system. In most cases, clogged or dirty fuel injectors, throttle body or mass air flow sensor will be the root source of this problem.
SOLUTIONS TO HARD ENGINE STARTS

Change your spark plugs at manufacturer-recommended intervals and regularly check your plug wires to make sure they are properly connected and not burnt. Always use fresh gas, check and replace fuel filters as needed, and use a fuel treatment to maintain a clean fuel system.

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.
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.
Bad Sensors

One common culprit for this problem is the crankshaft position sensor, which measures the position and speed of the crankshaft. The computer uses the information from this sensor to know when to fire the spark plugs. If the sensor isn`t working, the spark plugs won`t fire, keeping the engine from starting.

The problem could be a weak fuel pump, leaking fuel injectors, worn starter, weak battery, or faulty temperature sensor. Good technicians will be able to test and determine the issue more accurately if they can experience the issue themselves.
One of the symptoms of a bad starter is a single clicking noise when you turn the key or push the start button. Tapping the starter can sometimes get it going again, but no guarantees. Most likely, you`ll need to get your starter repaired or replaced.
There are many causes of hard starting but illustrative ones are a faulty engine coolant temperature switch (sensor), malfunctioning idle air control (IAC) valve, vacuum and EGR leaks, inadequate fuel delivery or pressure (clogged fuel filter, injectors), and contaminated or old gasoline.
When an engine cranks for a long time before it starts, either spark or fuel is missing or weak and each has its own reasons. Most of the time, the air / fuel mixture has been disturbed and there is too much air or not enough fuel.
The vehicle may not turn on accessories like the air conditioner, or the vehicle may fail to start. In intermittent cases, the vehicle may randomly fail to respond to the key being turned, or stall while driving. These symptoms may come and go for some time before the ignition switch completely fails.
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.
The ignition lock cylinder and ignition switch are not the same thing. The lock cylinder is the mechanical tumbler your key slides into; the switch is the electrical portion that sends power to the vehicle. On many cars, these are two separate components that can be repaired individually.
Most vehicles will require a new key when replacing an ignition switch, as the old key has worn down and is incompatible with the new set. However, some cars may be able to use an existing key, depending on the condition and make of the key.
For the most part, an ignition switch or assembly can be a straight-forward repair where labor costs are around $75 to $150. If the key will not turn, despite best intentions, then labor prices will rise because removal usually requires the turning of the cylinder.
The most common reasons a Ford Focus won`t start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter. Search our network of RepairPal Certified shops near you to speak with a technician about your issue.
It might also be a bad solenoid, starter failure, or engine timing. But battery, battery cable, and alternator problems are the most common cause for this click or clicking noise. So, your next steps are to do a little investigating and testing to try to determine what the problem might be, so you can fix it.
Although “diagnosable engine management systems” are installed in today`s vehicles, a multimeter or oscilloscope must be used when checking ignition systems.
Starter motors should make noise when you turn your ignition key fully to activate your car. If you turn the key and do not hear anything, there`s a chance that there`s something wrong with the vehicle`s ignition switch.

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The car has trouble cranking unless i push the key in hard and wiggle it.
ANSWER : It looks like you are in the right area. Replacing the ignition switch temporarily helping your difficulty starting the car leads me to believe your ignition lock cylinder may be worn. The lock cylinder – and key – will wear out over time simply from inserting and removing the key.

When you mentioned that it would work after "pushing the key towards the wheel and wiggling it", this seems to indicate by doing that wiggle, you’re moving the internals of the ignition lock cylinder enough to get those worn components to make proper contact within the ignition switch. New ignition lock cylinders usually come with a new key as well. This may solve the problem.

However, I’d suggest getting this looked at by a qualified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, to narrow down the variables. They will be able to diagnose your hard start issue and fix it accordingly.

Read Full Q/A … : The car has trouble cranking unless i push the key in hard and wiggle it.

When I go to crank my car the key stays in the start position and the car is constantly trying to crank itself.
ANSWER : First, let’s make sure about some terminology before I proceed. I will assume the motor is actually turning over. If the car is trying to start, the motor has to be turning over or it is not trying to start. This is an important distinction when diagnosing the starting system. As a technician, I go to different parts of the system based on this description.

If the key is stuck in the start position, this is a ignition lock cylinder issue and the reason the starter continues to turn the motor over. If the starter is turning but the motor is not, then the starter is likely the problem. Either that or the teeth on the flex plate are all gone. This would require removing the transmission to repair.

If the car runs intermittently, this can be a big challenge. And it also means the starting system is working. It will need to be diagnosed when it is failing. A working car cannot be diagnosed because there is nothing wrong. Where you park your car should not have any affect. It certainly could be a wiring problem. Wiring problems hide really well and can happen anywhere in the miles of wires that are in your car. Isolating the system that is failing is really important here. At the moment I am unsure which system is failing. Starter system, ignition lock cylinder and or ignition switch electrical or something with the engine control system.

When the car is failing, you need to check for spark and fuel pressure. If neither is present, this is a clue. Usually the crank sensor will do this. Does your car have a tachometer? If so, does it move at all when cranking. This is a clue whether or not the cam and or crank sensor is working. Is there a Check Engine Light on with the key on? If there is a Check Engine Light, the code or codes can be used for specific diagnosis.

All of these concerns will send you down a diagnostic path. Be sure not to confuse yourself by misinterpreting multiple system failures. If the key does stick in the start position, this would be the first problem to solve. After that, does the motor actually turn when the starter turns? After that, the question of "Why won’t it start?" is first answered by finding what the motor is lacking. Fuel, spark etc… Good luck.

If you need assistance with these checks, contact a certified mechanic who has the tools and experience needed to properly diagnose this starting issue with your car.

Read Full Q/A … : The car has trouble cranking unless i push the key in hard and wiggle it.

Car cranks but won’t start
ANSWER : Hi there. It sounds like the spare key isn’t being recognized by the immobilizer system. The method you stated that you performed sounded like the procedure to manually program the wireless fob portion to lock and unlock the doors. If the key isn’t programmed or the immobilizer system has lost the registration, then it will need to be completed and this usually has to be completed by the dealer. Unfortunately, Your Mechanic does not offer key programming services. Your Mechanic does have available technicians that come to your home or office to perform requested services, inspections, and repairs. Feel free to schedule your next service at www.yourmechanic.com.

Read Full Q/A … : The car has trouble cranking unless i push the key in hard and wiggle it.

I put the wrong key in my car and a few weeks later my car just shut down and it will not start I believe it’s the computer but…
ANSWER : Hi there. What had happened is the wrong key set the security to the vehicle. This is to prevent the vehicle from starting with the wrong keys. Try removing the battery cables (+) and (-) for 13 minutes. During that time, put the original key in the ignition and turn it on. Activate everything in the car even though there is no power. Then remove the key and hook up the battery cables. The computer should have reset and reset the security. If the security is still being tripped, then I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you

Read Full Q/A … : The car has trouble cranking unless i push the key in hard and wiggle it.

Battery and oil light come on when trying to start car, take keys out try again car starts no problem and lights go away
ANSWER : Of course, don’t switch gears without being fully stopped, unless your Owner’s Manual or the manufacturer has alternative advice. However, the gear shift issue has no relation to the no-start problem you are describing. Inasmuch as you only have 6,000 miles on the car, the "constant on and off" that you believe has occurred is meaningless in comparison to the expected total vehicle service life. That is, assume what you perceive as "constant on and off", during merely 6,000 miles, might be equivalent to using the car "normally" for three years. A new car should be trouble free for at least 5 years, unless there is a defect, so your "constant on and off" is not a causal factor for any fault on the vehicle. What you might have is a defect in the ignition switch, or perhaps the immobilizer system, but if the problem is not in the switch itself, clearly there is an electrical problem.

If your vehicle is under warranty, by law the dealer MUST repair the issue you are describing within a prescribed time frame and number of "attempts", otherwise the dealer will run afoul of Federal and state Lemon Laws that give you very specific rights, and recourse (contact an Attorney; we are Mechanics, NOT attorneys). Consequently, if the vehicle is still under warranty, to save yourself money do be sure to seek a resolution from the dealer. If the vehicle is not under warranty, obviously a certified Mechanic from YourMechanic could identify the electrical fault and resolve this for you. If you want to go that route, please simply request a no start diagnostic -electrical system and the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

Read Full Q/A … : The car has trouble cranking unless i push the key in hard and wiggle it.

how to fix no keys issue if i dont have the car’s keys
ANSWER : The 2010 Maxima uses the ’Nissan Intelligent Key" system. The only way to start the car is to have the key fob in the vehicle while using the start button. There is no way to defeat this requirement as this is part of the engine immobilizer system. If the key fob is lost, one can be procured from a Nissan dealer. If somehow your vehicle was equipped with a transponder chip key (instead of the Intelligent Key system), you must have a transponder chip that is programmed specifically to your vehicle. If you need the assistance of a Mechanic, dispatched by YourMechanic right to your location, please request an electrical component diagnostic and the responding certified mechanic will assist you in obtaining a replacement key fob or transponder key. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

Read Full Q/A … : The car has trouble cranking unless i push the key in hard and wiggle it.

Car won’t crank when it’s cold and now won’t start at all
ANSWER : Hi there:

Usually this issue is cased by low cranking amps inside the battery. If you’ve recently had the battery replaced, it’s possible that an electrical component that makes up the charging system might be damaged or faulty. It’s also quite possible that the main electrical relay or the starter relay is giving you fits. To know for certain what the exact issue might be on your 1989 Toyota Camry, you should have a professional mobile mechanic complete a car is hard to start inspection, so they can pinpoint the source of your issues and recommend the right repairs.

Read Full Q/A … : The car has trouble cranking unless i push the key in hard and wiggle it.

My Car will not crank regularly.
ANSWER : Hello there, many common faults will cause your 2011 Audi A4 to have issues starting. If you have to inset the key a number of times your vehicle may have an ignition issue, the most common are worn keys, ignition switch, or a key cylinder. Other possible issues are the battery, fuel pump, starter, battery cable, MAF sensor, or a wiring harness issue. A qualified Technician such as one from YourMechanic will be able to diagnose your car hard to start issues and make any repairs required to resolve the issue.

Read Full Q/A … : The car has trouble cranking unless i push the key in hard and wiggle it.

Eric smoalih

I am a certified master technician with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), and I have been working as an auto mechanic for over 15 years. I am passionate about my work, and I take great pride in helping people keep their cars running smoothly.