There are a lot of obligations that come with car ownership, and it can be particularly stressful when problems pop up out of nowhere. An example of a crucial experience would be being in a rush to get to work in the morning and realizing that your car key won’t turn the ignition.
What Causes Key Won’t Go In Ignition
There are a number of potential causes for an automobile key not to fit into the ignition cylinder. Nonetheless, the causes are typically universal across many vehicles. What this means is that the problem can be comparable to a Toyota Corolla if the key won’t turn in a Honda Pilot.
There are instances when the problem is with the cylinder and other occasions when it’s with the key. These are some of the most common causes of car keys getting stuck in the ignition.
Dirt in the ignition cylinder pins
When a key won’t insert smoothly into an ignition cylinder, dirt is usually to blame. Sometimes dirt can get inside the ignition cylinder and get stuck on the pins, making it hard to put the key into the cylinder.
In most cases, this causes the key to become misaligned with the cylinder. Because of the misalignment, the key will not be able to turn freely inside the cylinder. The component could be damaged if the key is forced.
Dirt stuck on the car key
Furthermore, when a car key is exposed or used for any purpose other than opening the doors or starting the automobile, dirt and debris might adhere to it.
If the carton tape gets stuck on something when you’re trying to open a package with your car key, for example, it could prevent the key from reaching the ignition cylinder.
If the key is dirty or covered in debris, it could be difficult to insert it into the cylinder. Consequently, please inspect the key for any dirt or debris if it is a Ford Escape and the key will not turn in the ignition.
Cracked or broken car key teeth
The ignition cylinder and the car key’s teeth are interchangeable components. Once again, incompatibility will be caused by any flaw in the parts.
Hence, you might need to inspect the key for a crack or excessive wear and tear if it is proving impossible to turn the key in your Honda Accord or any other model or brand of vehicle. In any case, getting a new key made is the only way to fix the problem with the automobile key.
Bent car key
Finally, the component on a bent automobile key will have a hard time getting into the ignition cylinder. You might try inserting the key into the cylinder, but it might not be enough to start the automobile. This is because the key isn’t perfectly aligned with the cylinder.
So, check the key for bends if you’re having trouble starting your Honda Civic or any other vehicle that uses this type of key. If that’s the case, you’ll need to figure out how to fix the part. Straightening the twisted key can put it in much more risk in most instances.
How To Fix Key Won’t Go In Ignition
Once the root of the problem has been located, fixing a broken automobile key or ignition cylinder is usually not too difficult.
That is to say, before you try to insert your key into the ignition cylinder and have any luck, make sure you know what the problem is. On the other hand, if you follow one or more of the remedies provided below, you should be able to fix the issue.
Clear off dirt on the key
After you’ve looked into the problem properly, wipe off any dirt that may have gotten on the car key. Before you put the key back into the ignition cylinder, you might wish to clean it with an alcohol-based wipe to remove any dirt.
“What am I going to do if the key won’t turn in the ignition?” perhaps you’ve been wondering. Before proceeding to the next option, please try applying the approach mentioned earlier.
Flatten a bent key
A rubber or wooden mallet can be used to straighten out a key if you find that it won’t go all the way into the ignition because the component is bent. To achieve this, set the key on a level surface and gently tap it from above with the mallet to straighten it.
To prevent further damage, do not strike the key with a metal item. Furthermore, you shouldn’t use pliers to make the key straight. Assume you can bend it to any degree.
Slide the key in and out gently.
Fixing the problem in an ignition cylinder with a filthy port can be a little different. Slip the key into the port and gently remove it if you think dirt is obstructing the ignition cylinder pins; this should allow the key to turn in your 2006 BMW X5.
Repeatedly cleaning the pins may be necessary to remove any dirt. But be careful not to break any parts by hammering the key in or out. You can attempt to start the automobile after you move the key in and out a few times until it gets free.
Get a new key cut
If you’ve already broken your car key beyond repair, getting a new one made may be your only option. It might not start the automobile, though, if you’re attempting to duplicate a key that is damaged or worn.
If you own a Ford F-150 and find that the key won’t turn in the ignition because it’s worn out, the best course of action is to visit a dealership that deals with your specific vehicle model and make. They can cut you a new key that fits your ignition cylinder.
Conclusion
It can be rather frustrating to try to fix a broken car key or ignition cylinder without any idea on what to do. So, now you know what to do if your automobile key won’t turn in the ignition. Help me identify what’s causing the issue.
After that, solve the problem with the matching solution. On the other hand, you might need to get a new key right away if it’s totally broken.
