Safe things to try
- Turn the steering wheel gently left and right while turning the key. A locked steering column is the number one cause.
- Make sure it is in Park (or Neutral on a manual). Push the shifter firmly into Park; many cars will not release the key otherwise.
- Try the spare key. If the spare works, your key is worn, not the ignition.
- Check the battery. On some cars a dead battery keeps the key from turning or coming out.
Worn key or worn ignition?
| Sign | Most likely |
|---|---|
| Spare works fine, main key sticks | Worn key. A fresh key cut to factory spec usually fixes it. |
| Every key sticks or feels gritty | Worn ignition wafers. The cylinder can often be rebuilt or replaced and keyed to your existing key. |
| Key turns but the car will not start | Often the chip, not the lock. The car may not be recognizing the key. |
What not to do
Do not spray household oil or lubricant into the ignition. It collects dust and makes things worse. And do not force a stuck key with pliers: a broken key in the ignition turns a small job into a bigger one.
Ignition rebuilds and stuck or broken key extraction are part of Key-En-Lock's automotive work.