When you insert your car key into your vehicle's ignition, it actually enters what is called an ignition lock cylinder. This component is positioned inside an electrical component called the ignition switch.
In modern vehicles, the ignition switch is responsible for locking the ignition and reading the personalized anti-theft code that is transmitted from the key. Once this code is verified, the ignition allows the engine to start.
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Every time you put your key in the ignition, you naturally assume that it will turn smoothly and cause the engine to start within 1 or 2 seconds. But there may be rare situations where you have trouble turning your car's ignition key.
Sometimes the key gets stuck in the ignition and you won't even be able to remove it. Then, you won't even have a chance to try to start your vehicle until the key is removed.
5 reasons why your ignition key won't turn
Before you can understand how to remove your key from the ignition and prevent it from getting stuck again, you need to understand what is causing the problem. Below are the top 5 causes of a car ignition key not turning or getting stuck.
1) Bent or worn key
This is perhaps the most common cause of the key getting stuck or not turning. When you've been using a car key for several years, it can start to bend or wear out. This is especially true if you turn the key aggressively or push it hard into the ignition before turning it.
Once the key is bent, it will not line up properly in the ignition lock cylinder. Therefore, it will not turn.
2) Locked Steering Wheel
The steering system has a locking mechanism that activates as soon as you remove the key from the ignition. Sometimes you can inadvertently move the steering wheel when you remove the key from the ignition.
As a result, you may have trouble turning the key the next time you put it in your ignition.
Read also: What To Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
3) Stuck Ignition Cylinder
If you keep your car key in your pocket, lint and other materials can often get stuck to it. If you put the car key in the ignition cylinder with these items on it, it could clog the cylinder with debris.
If the debris builds up too much in the keyhole, it can create problems when you try to turn the key or remove it.
Steering Wheel & Ignition Key Won't Turn - EASY FIX
4) Gear is not set correctly
The gear must be set in neutral or park before you can turn the key in the ignition. If the gear is set to anything else, this would explain why you can't turn the key.
But if the gear seems to be in park or neutral, try jerking the stick a little, then try again.
5) Bad battery
New cars have advanced electronic ignition systems. They depend on the power of the battery to work. If you have a bad battery, it can cause problems when you try to turn the key. Test the battery power to see if this is the cause.
How to fix it
If the key itself is the problem, you need to replace the key with a new one. Your first instinct might be to call a locksmith, but they aren't always equipped to handle car key replacements because of the special codes and electronics involved.
Instead, you'll have to go to the car dealership that issued you the car and key. They can make you a new key programmed with the correct code.