Author:
Frank Hunt
Date Of Creation:
17 March 2021
Update Date:
1 July 2024
Content
If your ignition key no longer wants to turn in the ignition lock, it can take a lot of time.It's very frustrating and more common than you might think. There are several possible causes, often depending on the type of car you have and the situation you are in. Nevertheless, we can provide a general overview of simple solutions for the most common causes of a stuck ignition switch. Try the methods in this article before calling the roadside assistance! Note: The order of problems and possible solutions in this article ranges from very likely to less likely.
To step
- Before doing anything, make sure the handbrake is on. You don't want to accidentally roll away while you're busy with your key!
Apply some force to the key and try to turn the steering wheel back and forth to find a place where the key will turn. Often the ignition key does not turn because the steering lock is activated. When that happens you have to put force on the ignition and hold it until it works.
Check with an automatic transmission that the lever is in the P position. On some cars you cannot turn the key when the lever is in any position other than "P", which is a common mistake when people are tired or in a hurry.
Clean and lubricate the cylinder lock. Spray the lock with contact spray to remove the dirt, followed by a little silicone spray or one or two drops of liquid graphite. Be careful not to spill anything on the upholstery or floor. Open your doors so that the fumes don't linger, and watch out for sparks and open flames. If you have lubricated the lock you can try again.
With some cylinder locks a plate gets stuck and it is not pushed out by the springs. Then it can sometimes help to gently tap on the front of the lock. A small bench hammer is the correct size and weight for use with locks.
Check the key yourself. Place the key on a flat, solid surface and see if the key is bent. In that case, take a block of wood or similar and use it to hit the key straight and flat again. Do not use a hammer or other object made of metal or steel for this, as a key is usually made of soft material and can easily be damaged.
Tap the key. While the key is in the ignition, tap the end of the key with a hammer or other hard object. Be careful not to hit your fingers.
Tips
- Do not try to turn the key with pliers or the like, the metal of the key is soft and can easily be damaged.
- If the first three steps don't work and you don't have a hammer, you can put the key in the lock and hit it with your hand or fist. If you are lucky, this will release a stuck picture. This is a method that you should only use in emergency situations; it is also important to know how to clean the lock.
- In an emergency you can use engine oil to lubricate the lock. Open the hood, pull the dipstick out of the block and drop a few drops of oil on the key. Put the key in the ignition. Remove and reinsert the key, doing this a few times to distribute the oil.
- Stay calm. Don't get stressed because your car won't start. Keep calm and call someone to help you.
Warnings
- Do not use oil or grease with cylinder locks. Oil attracts dirt and dust, and eventually the plates will jam. Only use dry lubricants such as silicone spray, graphite or other agents intended to lubricate locks.
- Never clean cylinder locks with agents that leave a thin film. That is usually oil and that attracts dirt. Contact spray works well to clean cylinder locks and does not leave a film behind.
Necessities
- Fast drying contact spray
- Graphite (dry powder - very fine)
- Kitchen paper or cloth to catch excess lubricant
- Small hammer (optional)
