Why Is My Car Key Not Turning in the Ignition? 5 Reasons

1. Steering wheel is locked

When you park with the wheels turned, the steering-wheel lock engages and grips the ignition. Wiggle the wheel back and forth while gently turning the key. This solves about 40% of “key won’t turn” calls.

2. Worn ignition cylinder

After 10-15 years of use, the brass pins inside the ignition cylinder wear unevenly. Your key fits but the worn pins don’t line up. Try the spare key first — if it works, your primary is worn. Re-key or rebuild: $179-249.

3. Worn key

The key blade itself wears down with use. Old keys with smooth, no-longer-sharp ridges fail to lift the cylinder pins. Get a freshly cut spare from the VIN — $99 for a turn-key, $179-249 for a smart key.

4. Broken key piece inside

If a key tip broke off inside the cylinder previously and was not extracted, it can block the new key from entering fully. Visual inspection with a flashlight — call us for extraction ($99-149).

5. Ignition cylinder fully seized

Corrosion or internal spring failure can lock the cylinder so even a master locksmith key won’t turn. Requires cylinder replacement ($279-449). The vehicle won’t start until repaired.

When to call vs DIY

• Try the spare key first (free)
• Wiggle the steering wheel (free)
• Try graphite spray inside the lock — never WD-40 (free, $5)
• If still won’t turn — call us before the key snaps off and makes it worse