A car key that won’t turn in the ignition is one of those car problems that can instantly ruin your day. Whether the key feels jammed, turns partially, or won’t budge at all, this issue typically results from a handful of common causes.
The good news? Most ignition key problems are more inconvenient than expensive to fix. Let’s look at the most common reasons for this issue and what it’ll cost to fix (if anything).
Related: ‘Car With Lock Symbol’ Light (What Does It Mean?)
How Your Car’s Ignition System Works
Your car’s ignition system with a traditional key operates through several connected components working together. When you insert your key into the ignition, it goes into what’s called an ignition lock cylinder, which is essentially a mechanical lock with precisely cut grooves that match your key’s unique pattern.
As you turn the key, it rotates the ignition switch, which sends electrical signals to various parts of your car.
In older vehicles, this process is purely mechanical and electrical. However, modern cars (typically 2000 and newer) include an added security layer: a small computer chip in your key that transmits a unique code to your car’s anti-theft system (also called an engine immobilizer). The car’s computer must recognize this code before allowing the engine to start..
Many newer vehicles have moved away from traditional keys entirely, using push-button start systems instead. These cars still use a key fob with the same security chip technology, but you simply need the fob inside the vehicle to start the engine with the push of a button.
Reasons Your Ignition Key Won’t Turn
Before you can figure out how to get your key out of the ignition and prevent it from getting stuck again, you need to understand what caused the problem in the first place. Here are the most common causes, listed from most to least likely.
1) Locked Steering Wheel
Your car’s steering system automatically locks when you remove the key from the ignition (a built-in anti-theft feature). Sometimes when you exit your vehicle, you might accidentally bump or turn the steering wheel just a bit.
This extra movement can cause the steering lock to engage more tightly than usual. The next time you try to start your car, the steering wheel lock prevents the ignition cylinder from turning, making your key feel completely stuck.
Cost to Fix: This costs nothing to fix and takes about 30 seconds. Simply turn the steering wheel left and right while gently turning the key.
2) Wrong Key
It happens more often than you’d think! You’d definitely not be the first (nor the last) to accidentally grab the wrong key from your keychain or junk drawer.
Modern car keys look surprisingly similar, and if you own multiple vehicles (especially from the same manufacturer) or have keys from past cars still on your ring, it’s easy to grab the wrong one. Even if the key slides into the ignition cylinder, it won’t turn because the internal grooves don’t match your car’s lock pattern.
Cost to Fix: No cost but you’ll need to use the correct key. Consider removing old car keys from your keychain to avoid future confusion.
3) Gear Not Properly Set
Your car’s transmission must be in Park (automatic) or Neutral (manual) before the ignition will allow the key to turn. This safety feature prevents you from accidentally starting the car while it’s in gear.
Sometimes the gear shifter appears to be in Park but isn’t fully engaged, or the transmission linkage has slight play in it. Even if your gear indicator shows “P” on the dashboard, the transmission might not be completely in the park position, which prevents the key from turning.
Cost to Fix: Usually nothing. Try firmly pushing the brake pedal and moving the gear shifter completely into Park, then back slightly. If this doesn’t work, transmission adjustment may be needed ($50-150).
4) Bent or Worn Key
This is one of the most common mechanical causes of key problems. After years of use, car keys can gradually bend or wear down, especially if you’ve been rough with them or carry heavy keychains that put stress on the key.
Even slight bending can prevent the key from aligning properly with the precision-cut grooves inside the ignition cylinder. In addition, the metal edges of older keys can become rounded or worn smooth, making it impossible for the internal mechanisms to recognize the key’s pattern and allow it to turn.
Cost to Fix: A replacement key costs $50-200 for basic keys (cheaper at a locksmith; more expensive at a dealership), or $200-500 for keys with electronic chips and programming.
5) Jammed Ignition Cylinder
Pocket lint, dirt, small debris, and even tiny pieces of metal can accumulate inside your ignition cylinder over time. If you regularly keep your keys in pants pockets, lint and other materials often stick to the key and get transferred into the keyhole. On top of that, worn key material can create metal shavings that build up inside the cylinder.
When enough debris accumulates, it can jam the internal mechanisms and prevent your key from turning smoothly or even inserting fully into the ignition.
Cost to Fix: Professional cleaning costs $75-150. You can try using a can of compressed air or graphite lubricant yourself, but avoid liquid lubricants which attract more dirt.
6) Cold Weather
Extreme cold temperatures cause metal components to contract slightly, which can make your key fit more tightly in the ignition cylinder than usual. This is particularly noticeable in vehicles parked outside during freezing weather.
The cold can also cause any existing moisture in the lock cylinder to freeze, creating ice that blocks the key from turning. Additionally, if your key is very cold, the metal contraction might change its dimensions just enough to create turning difficulties in an already worn ignition cylinder.
Cost to Fix: Usually $0. Warming the key in your hands or using a hair dryer on the ignition area typically solves the problem immediately.
See Also: 5 Reasons Your Car Is Hard to Start When Cold
7) Anti-theft System Malfunction
Modern vehicles have sophisticated anti-theft systems that communicate with a chip embedded in your key. When this system malfunctions, it may not recognize your key’s security code, even if the key is physically correct.
This can happen due to a weak chip battery, interference from other electronic devices, or a fault in the car’s anti-theft computer. The key will insert normally into the ignition, but the cylinder won’t turn because the car’s security system is preventing engine startup until it receives the proper electronic signal.
Cost to Fix: Key reprogramming costs $100-250. If the car’s anti-theft module needs replacement, expect $300-800 including labor.
8) Damaged Ignition Cylinder Components
Inside your ignition cylinder are small spring-loaded pins called tumblers that must align perfectly with your key’s cuts to allow turning. Over time and with heavy use, these internal components can wear out, break, or become misaligned. The cylinder’s internal springs can also weaken or break entirely.
When these precision parts fail, even a perfect key won’t turn the ignition. This normally happens gradually, with the key becoming harder to turn over several weeks or months before failing completely.
Cost to Fix: Ignition cylinder replacement costs $200-400 for parts and labor. Some cylinders can be rebuilt for $150-250.
Related: Symptoms of a Faulty Ignition Switch
When to Call a Professional
While some ignition key problems have simple solutions you can try yourself, certain situations require professional expertise to avoid making things worse (and more expensive). If you’ve tried the basic fixes like wiggling the steering wheel, checking your gear position, and using the correct key without success, it’s time to call in the pros.
NEVER attempt to force a stuck key, as this can easily break the key off inside the cylinder (a much more expensive problem to fix). Similarly, avoid using penetrating oils or liquid lubricants in the ignition, which can damage electronic components and actually attract more dirt over time.
It’s usually best to call a professional if:
- You hear grinding or unusual noises when turning the key
- The steering wheel won’t unlock even with gentle movement
- You smell burning plastic around the ignition area
For complex issues like anti-theft system malfunctions, internal cylinder damage, or electronic problems in push-button start vehicles, professional diagnosis is necessary. These systems require specialized tools and programming equipment that most DIY mechanics don’t have access to. Most importantly, if your car is still under warranty, attempting repairs yourself might void that coverage.
Where to Go for Help
A qualified automotive locksmith or your dealership’s service department can quickly diagnose the problem and provide an accurate repair estimate.
While great for many repair tasks, independent mechanics are not the best choice for ignition key problems. These issues typically require manufacturer-specific programming tools, specialized key-cutting equipment, and detailed knowledge of your vehicle’s anti-theft system. Most general repair shops don’t have these specialized resources readily available.
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my car is hard to turn on, but if is on, i can hear the tap tap sound coming inside front of the car, can I put CRC inside the key hole to make it easy to turn on?
my car is a mitsubishi, carisma 1996, rego, DSG981
So, my dad has a ’94 mustang and I took the key out of the ignition (just strait out the car wasn’t on, it was parked in the garage). He can turn the car on, but can’t turn it off he has to stall it. What do we do.
ignition key turns normally , but then nothing happens to screen. I have had problems with the battery function of the key and the vehicle is 10 years old could key battery function be the problem
It sounds like it might be the immobilizer. You could also try replacing the battery in the key.