Reason 3 of 3.
Key in ignition car locked.
Below are the two most common problems associated with the ignition lock cylinder and the key not turning.
Just lubricating the lock may be enough to solve your issue.
If the key breaks in the ignition that can be 2 to 10 times more expensive to fix.
If you need to fix an ignition key that doesn t turn examine the key for damage or excessive wear and make sure there is nothing stuck to the key.
If the key is in good shape try turning the steering wheel.
You will say that wd40 is often the go to example for lubrication of any kind but i would not recommend it in this case.
Also known as a key cylinder the ignition lock cylinder is another area that could be causing issues with a key turning over.
Door and disables the re lock proceedure so this doen t explain why the door locked with the key in the ignition unless the knocking the switch scenario was at work seems most likely to me.
Now in my car at least if you insert the key into the ignition i guess the computer figures someone got in somehow in absence of a signal from the dr.
Electronic car door openers.
Some of these reasons may pertain to a unique problem in a specific make and model vehicle.
Charge your car battery for some time with a car battery charger to see if it s a low voltage problem.
If it won t move or it only moves a little the steering wheel is likely locked preventing the car from starting.
Another simple solution that you can take advantage of if your key is stuck in the ignition and the car key won t come out is to simply lubricate the car key.
However most causes of key sticking are universal and can happen in any make and model vehicle.
A common problem when your key is stuck in the ignition and when you can t start the car is that the car battery is dead or low on voltage.
There are a variety of reasons as to why your car key won t come out.
If you ve got an electronic key you won t have this issue also if your car has a starter button but your steering wheel seems stuck you will need to go to the repair shop because it s most likely an electronic issue.
If you happen to lock yourself out of the vehicle while you have the trunk open you may be able to move the rear seat out of the way and gain access to the rear of the car or you can hide an extra ignition key in the trunk or your emergency car kit or toolbox.
Do not try forcing or hitting the key in an attempt to get the ignition lock cylinder to turn as this has the potential of damaging the key and or ignition lock cylinder more.
It is not uncommon for modern car keys to cost well over 100 if they break.
Ignition lock cylinder issues.
A very prevalent cause when a car key won t turn in the ignition is that the keyway of the ignition cylinder is a little jammed up.
Again this solution only applies to vehicles with a traditional ignition key meaning a metal key that actually inserts into an ignition switch and turns to start the car.
