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Thanks. Trying to find out for a neighbor!
Columbus Underground Messageboard » General Columbus Discussion » Q&A
who to call when your car key won't turn in the ignition?
[15 posts] [10 contributors]
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patient_zero
Falafel District
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Sometimes the steering wheel locks the ignition. Has your neighbor tried pulling the wheel to the left while jiggling the ignition, and maybe pressing the brake? Sometimes the gear shift is pulled back and causes the key to lock, so a little jiggling may release it.
I had to replace a tumbler many years ago on a car. I think Hudson Automotive worked on it.
Posted 5 months ago # -
AmyArt21
Short North
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This is so weird, the EXACT same thing happened to me this morning.
Turned the key, wouldn't even turn. tried to push to unlock and nothing.I was all in a panic, until I looked at the key and saw it was slightly bent. I remembered having trouble opening up my trunk yesterday night and figured that's what might have bent my key. I went to the trunk and turned the key and it unbent and I was able to start the car right away.
So see if your key is bent and then either try to bend it back or use a spare set of car keys if you have them.
Hope this helps!!Posted 5 months ago # -
Coremodels
Really close to Explorer's Club.
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Not sure if this will help, but I have an issue where I can't get my key turned back and taken out some times.
There is a hole in the steering column on the bottom that acts as a release if you poke a screwdriver into it..it MAY work the other way and allow you to turn the key forward as well.
Posted 5 months ago # -
Roland
Clintonville
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There's usually a cable that runs from the automatic shifter to the steering column that locks/unlocks the ignition assembly. That is likely the cause of the problem and cable hookup is messed up somewhere. It won't let the ignition occur if it thinks the transmission is engaged, the key won't turn.
If the shifter is located at the center console, I would check that the button on the shifter that allows shifting from/to Park moves freely. If there is no tension on the button, that's a problem, the cable isn't engaging. If it's stuck, use some WD40 or lubricant to loosen it up or wiggle it out manually.
If the shifter in on the steering column, I don't know. That sucks.
Can you...
Take the key out of the ignition?
Is it stuck in the ignition, but won't turn?
Can you shift from Park to Drive, even with the car off?The comment about turning the wheel back in forth is right on, I know you checked it but that could cause the ignition not to turn.
A lot of times these problems are caused by something outside of the ignition lock itself. What model car is this?
Posted 5 months ago # -
misskitty
Columbus
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I had this issue in a car before here are a few things I tried and eventually it worked.
1. moving the wheel as far as you can also moving the wheel in a few positions then jiggling the key (but I see you tried that)
2. Most cars have a release under the steering where so if your key gets stuck in acc you can get it un-stuck but many times it works for making the car turn on as well.
It is usually a tiny lever or button that you have to feel around for you can most likely google your make and find out specifically where yours is.
If you can get it to the half way point where you can put the car in Neutral do it and then put it back in park and try again. If you can’t by key there is also a shift lock that you can push and this will allow the gear shift to move without steering or power in most newer cars.When all else fails you can’t go wrong with Google because someone has also had this problem and has most likely asked about it.
Posted 5 months ago #
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