Unless you live in a big city, your car is probably your most reliable means of transportation. It’s not uncommon for the simplest tasks to become the most challenging—like starting your car. If you find that keys no longer turn in the ignition or your ignition switch stops working, it’s time to take action. Read on to learn about why won’t my keys turn in the ignition and what you can do about it.
Why Won’t My Keys Turn In The Ignition?
Your Key Is Stuck
If the key to your car is stuck in the ignition, you won’t be able to turn it and start the car or it will be very difficult to do so. If this is the case, you’ll need to call a locksmith to get that key removed from the ignition. A stuck key may also be a symptom of a broken ignition switch — which is another issue that won’t allow your key to turn. If you have a stuck key and you try to force it out of the ignition, you could bend the key or damage the ignition switch. If this happens, you’ll have to have the ignition repaired or replaced and you may also need a new key.
The Ignition Switch May Be Broken
The ignition switch is the part of your car that allows the key to turning and the engine to start. If the ignition switch is faulty, you may not be able to turn the key or start the car. You can check to see if the ignition switch is faulty by removing the key from the ignition and trying to turn it with your hand. If it won’t turn, then the ignition switch may be broken — in which case, you’ll need to replace the switch. If your ignition switch is broken, you may notice that the electrical system of your car is also affected. This is because the faulty ignition switch may cause power to flow to the wrong circuits in your car. You may have problems operating your lights, windows, and other electrical systems.
There’s Too Much Dust and Dirt in the Tumbler
If there’s too much dust and dirt in your tumbler, the key won’t be able to turn smoothly in the ignition. You can clean the tumbler to solve this issue. You should also clean the tumbler on a regular basis to avoid this problem. If you don’t clean the tumbler regularly, the dust and dirt in the tumbler can create too much friction. This may cause the key to get stuck in the ignition — or it may be difficult to turn the key. Your tumbler may also be dirty if you’ve been driving in dusty or sandy areas. You should also clean the tumbler after driving through a car wash — since the cleaning solution can leave behind dirt and debris that can cause problems.
The Battery Is Dead
If the battery is dead, you won’t be able to turn the key and start the car. The car will also be difficult to turn on if the battery is low on power — but it will start. If the battery is completely dead, you won’t be able to start the car at all. If the battery is dead and you try to turn the key and start the car, the starter will spin but the engine will not turn over. You can check the battery to see if it’s dead by disconnecting the terminals and checking the voltage with a voltmeter. You should also look for signs that the battery is dying. For example, your headlights may start to dim when you drive at night — which would be a sign that the battery is losing power. You may also notice that your car’s engine cranks slower and harder than usual.
The Fuel May Be the Problem
If the fuel is bad, you may have starting issues — especially if the car is old. The fuel may be too old and have water or rust in it — which can cause problems when starting the car. If the fuel is bad, you may have issues starting the car or it may run poorly. You’ll see one or more of the following symptoms if the fuel is bad: The engine will crank slowly. The engine will crank but not start. There will be poor acceleration. The engine may die while you’re driving. The car may not run smoothly. You can tell if the fuel is bad by smelling it. If the fuel smells rotten or different than normal, it’s bad. You can also take a sample of the fuel to a mechanic to have it tested.
You Have the Wrong Type of Key
If you have the wrong type of key, it may not work properly in the ignition. The key will have a shape and size that makes it compatible with the ignition — and if it’s the wrong type, it won’t work or it may be difficult to turn. There are many types of keys — and some cars use special keys that can only open the ignition and start the car. If you have the wrong type of key and you don’t change it, you may have problems starting the car in the future. You may also have the wrong type of key if you have the wrong type of car key. If you bought a new car but kept the old key, it may not work properly in the ignition of the new vehicle.
What Might Be Causing Your Ignition Problem?
If your key won’t turn in the ignition and you’ve ruled out sticky or broken ignitions, false ignitions, broken key shafts, and worn ignitions, you’ll want to check for other ignition problems. Ignition problems are often caused by faulty ignition wires. Bad ignition wires can cause your car to completely refuse to start. If you find that your keys won’t turn in the ignition, you’ll want to check your car’s ignition wires. Here are some other common ignition problems: –
- Damaged wires
- Worn wires
- Bad spark plug
- Bad fuel injector
- Bad fuel pump
- Bad fuel filter
- Bad ignition controller If you notice any of these issues, you’ll want to take your car in for a thorough evaluation.
How To Fix A Sticky Or Broken Ignition Lock?
If you find that your keys won’t turn in the ignition, you probably have a sticky or broken ignition lock. Fortunately, ignition locks are one of the easiest ignition problems to fix. Here are the most common ways to fix a sticky or broken ignition lock:
- Use a cleaning product
- Change the key
- Replace the ignition lock
- Have a mechanic fix it If your ignition lock is sticky, try cleaning it. Before you do, be sure to stop by the auto supply store and pick up a cleaning product designed for this purpose. Be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle. If the sticky ignition lock is a recurring problem, you may want to try a different key. If none of these methods work, you’ll need to replace the ignition lock.
How To Fix A Broken Key Shaft?
If your key is broken, it won’t turn in the ignition. Fortunately, replacing your broken key is an easy fix. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to replace your broken key:
- Locate the broken key
- Take the car to a mechanic
- Have the mechanic replace your key When you’re at the mechanic’s shop, tell them you need a new key with the same code.
Conclusion
If none of these solutions work, you may want to take your car in for repairs. If your car is relatively new, it might make more sense to have a mechanic take a look at it. If it’s an older car, you may want to consider buying a new car instead. Now that you know the different causes of an ignition problem and how to fix them, you can get back to your daily life. Ignition problems are often easy to fix, but they cause a lot of stress when you’re hoping to get somewhere on time.
