When you insert your car key into your vehicle's ignition, it actually goes into something called the ignition lock cylinder. This component is positioned inside an electrical component called the ignition switch. On modern vehicles, The ignition key is responsible for locking the ignition key in place and reading the special anti-theft code sent from the key. Once this code is verified, The ignition key allows the engine to start.
Every time you insert the ignition key into the ignition key holder, You naturally assume it will spin smoothly and cause the engine to start in time 1 or 2 second. But there may be rare situations when you find it difficult to turn the ignition key in your car.
Sometimes the key gets stuck in the ignition and you can't even get it out. Then you won't have a chance to try starting your vehicle until the key is removed.
Reasons Your Ignition Key Won't Turn On
Before you can figure out how to get the key out of the ignition and prevent it from jamming again, You must understand what is causing the problem. The following are the causes of a car ignition key that won't turn or is stuck, quoted by Otodiva.com from Oards.com. Come on, let's see!
1. Bent or Worn Keys
This is probably the most common cause of a key sticking or not turning. When you have used the car key for several years, the key can start to bend or wear out. This is especially true if you turn the key aggressively or press it hard into the ignition before you turn it. After the key is bent, the key will not align properly in the ignition lock cylinder. That's why it won't change.
2. Steering Wheel Locked
The steering system has a locking mechanism that is activated every time you remove the key from the ignition. Sometimes, You may accidentally move the steering wheel when you release the ignition key. as a result, You may have difficulty turning the key the next time you insert it into the ignition.
3. Ignition Cylinder Jammed
If you keep your car keys in your pocket, it can often cause fibers and other materials to stick to it. If you insert the car key into the ignition cylinder with these elements on it, then it can cause the cylinder to become messy with debris. If too much debris accumulates in the keyhole, it may cause problems when you try to turn the key or remove it.
4. Equipment Not Adjusted Properly
The gear must be set to neutral or park before you can turn the ignition key. If the gear is set to something else, then that would explain why you can't turn the key. But if the gear appears to be set to park or neutral, try shaking the stick a little, then try again.
5. Bad Battery
New cars have sophisticated electronic ignition systems. They depend on battery power to function. If you have a bad battery, this can cause problems when you try to turn the key. Test the battery charge to verify if this is the cause.
How to handle it?
If the key itself is the problem, then you need to replace the key with a new one. Your first instinct may be to call a locksmith, but they are not always equipped to handle car key replacement due to the special codes and electronics inside. As a replacement, You have to go to a car dealer who issues the car and keys to you. They can make you a new key programmed with the correct code.
Hopefully the explanation and tips above are useful for those of you who are experiencing a jammed car key.
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