AUTONET TV


The Key Won't Turn! (Ignition Problems)

Posted December 20, 2020 8:39 AM

You've just arrived at the store shopping and you're ready to head home.  You put your key in the ignition and… oh, no! The ignition won't turn! What do you do now?

Don't panic.  There are some things you can do to get going again.  The first thing to do is see if you have a locking steering wheel, an anti-theft feature that was introduced around 1970.  Sometimes it sticks.  Move the steering wheel side to side while you try to turn the key and you might be able to get it to release. 

Another thing to check is to see if your vehicle is in gear.  Most vehicles will only allow you to start the ignition if it's in park or neutral.  If you have an automatic transmission vehicle and it is in park, try jiggling the shift lever and try the key again.  Sometimes the safety mechanism doesn't properly make contact or gets a little sloppy. 

If both of these don't work, it could be your vehicle's battery is dead.  Some newer electronic systems require power so the key can turn. Others have alarm systems that detect if doors are open. 

Other issues that can cause key problems include something jammed in the lock cylinder.  Or some of the springs or pins inside may be stuck.  Consider that it may be the key itself.  Sometimes they get bent or simply wear out from the number of times they've been put in and taken out of the cylinder.

No matter what the cause, the first time this happens you should have your repair service facility check it out. That’s because if it happens once, it can happen again.  Even if you were able to get going again on your own, your ignition/key has warned you that something's wrong.  Have it checked out by a pro so you’re not locked into a bad situation.

Auto Authority LLC
804 Witzel Ave
Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54902
920-231-1016
http://www.autoauthorityoshkosh.com



Search



Archive

November 2011 (5)
December 2011 (4)
January 2012 (5)
February 2012 (3)
March 2012 (5)
April 2012 (4)
May 2012 (4)
June 2012 (5)
July 2012 (5)
August 2012 (4)
September 2012 (4)
October 2012 (4)
November 2012 (5)
December 2012 (4)
January 2013 (4)
February 2013 (5)
March 2013 (4)
April 2013 (4)
May 2013 (4)
June 2013 (4)
July 2013 (5)
August 2013 (4)
September 2013 (4)
October 2013 (4)
November 2013 (4)
December 2013 (5)
January 2014 (4)
February 2014 (4)
March 2014 (4)
April 2014 (4)
May 2014 (5)
June 2014 (4)
July 2014 (5)
August 2014 (4)
September 2014 (5)
October 2014 (4)
November 2014 (4)
December 2014 (5)
January 2015 (4)
February 2015 (4)
March 2015 (4)
April 2015 (5)
May 2015 (2)
June 2015 (6)
July 2015 (4)
August 2015 (4)
September 2015 (4)
October 2015 (5)
November 2015 (4)
December 2015 (3)
February 2016 (2)
March 2016 (4)
April 2016 (4)
May 2016 (5)
June 2016 (4)
July 2016 (5)
August 2016 (4)
September 2016 (4)
October 2016 (5)
November 2016 (4)
December 2016 (4)
January 2017 (5)
February 2017 (4)
March 2017 (4)
April 2017 (4)
May 2017 (4)
June 2017 (4)
July 2017 (4)
August 2017 (5)
September 2017 (3)
October 2017 (5)
November 2017 (4)
December 2017 (3)
January 2018 (5)
February 2018 (3)
March 2018 (4)
April 2018 (5)
May 2018 (3)
June 2018 (4)
July 2018 (5)
August 2018 (4)
September 2018 (5)
October 2018 (4)
November 2018 (4)
December 2018 (1)
March 2019 (3)
April 2019 (33)
May 2019 (4)
June 2019 (5)
July 2019 (4)
August 2019 (4)
September 2019 (5)
October 2019 (4)
November 2019 (4)
December 2019 (5)
January 2020 (5)
February 2020 (4)
March 2020 (5)
April 2020 (2)
May 2020 (2)
July 2020 (1)
August 2020 (5)
September 2020 (4)
October 2020 (4)
November 2020 (5)
December 2020 (4)
January 2021 (6)
February 2021 (4)
March 2021 (4)
April 2021 (4)
May 2021 (5)
June 2021 (4)
July 2021 (4)
August 2021 (4)
September 2021 (4)
October 2021 (5)
November 2021 (3)
December 2021 (5)
January 2022 (6)
February 2022 (4)
March 2022 (4)
April 2022 (4)
May 2022 (5)
June 2022 (4)
July 2022 (5)
September 2022 (4)
October 2022 (5)
November 2022 (4)
December 2022 (4)
January 2023 (5)
February 2023 (4)
March 2023 (4)
April 2023 (5)
May 2023 (4)
June 2023 (4)
July 2023 (5)
August 2023 (4)
September 2023 (3)
October 2023 (1)
January 2024 (1)
February 2024 (4)
April 2024 (1)
May 2024 (4)
June 2024 (5)
July 2024 (4)
August 2024 (4)
September 2024 (5)
October 2024 (4)
November 2024 (4)
December 2024 (4)

Categories

Tire Rotation and Balancing (4)Fluids (10)Tires and Wheels (4)Parts (1)Maintenance (17)Automotive News (5)Shocks & Struts (4)Wheel Bearings (2)Service Standards (4)Fuel System (8)Tire Pressure Monitoring System (1)Air Conditioning (11)Headlamps (6)Safety (3)Diesel Maintenance (1)Inspection (5)Battery (13)Fuel Economy (8)Alignment (7)Brakes (17)Keys to a long lasting vehicle (2)Service Intervals (2)Exhaust (10)Timing Belt (5)Auto Safety (5)Transmission (5)Fuel Saving Tip: Slow Down (2)What Customers Should Know (83)Alternator (7)Check Engine Light (4)Steering (11)Dashboard (1)Windshield Wipers (3)Cooling System (9)Drive Train (4)Oil Change (9)Customer Detective Work (1)Older Vehicles (1)Winter Prep (5)Safe Driving (1)Spark Plugs (2)Suspension (2)Tires (12)Winter Tires (1)Water Pump (2)TPMS (3)Differential Service (2)Trip Inspection (2)Cabin Air Filter (2)Fuel Pump (1)Brake Service (6)PCV Valve (1)Transfer Case Service (1)Shocks and Struts (3)Engine Air Filter (3)Fuel Filter (1)

Partners

BG Products
ASA (Automotive Service Association)
AC Delco Professional Service Center
ASE
Napa AutoCare Center
Interstate Batteries
Castrol Engine Oil
Car Care Aware

What our clients are saying about us

We have established longterm and stable partnerships with various clients thanks to our excellence in solving their automotive needs!

Absolutely the best mechanic I have ever been to in my 40 years on this planet. Honest, trustworthy, and reliable. I will definitely be back. quotes-image
reviewicon
These Guys (and Gals!) are great. Love them. Trust them. If you are looking for a REPUTABLE mechanic for your car or truck, look no more. Just go there and see what I mean.quotes-image
reviewicon