Q&A for How to Fix an Ignition Key That Doesn't Turn

The key might be incorrect, the key tumbler might be binding, or the vehicle might not be in park. Sometimes, the parking lock has pressure for steering—shaking your steering wheel while trying to turn the key at the same time can free it up.

If you've noticed the key is slowly getting harder and harder to turn, it could indicate your ignition cylinder needs to be greased or replaced. This isn't a DIY job though, so take the vehicle to a mechanic.

The key should slide in with ease. If you have to force it into place, you're going to either damage the key or the ignition cylinder, so don't keep doing that. It sounds like your ignition cylinder is seriously damaged (or you're using the wrong key). Take the vehicle to a mechanic.

Try moving the key slightly forward (like a fraction of an inch) before pulling it out. Sometimes, the ignition cylinder gets slightly turned when you start the car. You'll need to get this fixed soon. If this still doesn't work, your key might be bent. In any case, you'll still need to visit a mechanic.

Yes, 2005 Accords have a key hole on the passenger side.

Underneath the key cylinder there may be a button to press to release the key or a small hole where a screwdriver or smaller tool can fit inside and push upwards to release the key.

This is a very common and known issue with Honda. Your key is not the issue, it is the wafers in the ignition. The wafers have small points on them which ride along the grooves of the key. When these points become worn, the wafers fall off of the key causing the issue you are describing. Good news. You do not need to replace your ignition. Bad news. You need to have your ignition cylinder rebuilt. This means it will be disassembled and all of the wafers and springs will be replaced. This generally costs around $205.

The way keys work is that they shift little pins up and when they are aligned correctly, you can turn it. In your case, it might be because the pins are a little messed up and they aren't aligned close enough that you can turn it easily. Call your usual car service people and ask them if they'd mind checking it out for you.

It seems as though the new ignition in your vehicle was not installed properly. I would return to the repair facility you had it done by and request that they inspect the installation to resolve the issue.

Depending on the year, make, and model, it sounds like a "10-cut". The Ford 10-cut has a sidebar in the ignition; at times, the spring cap cover will come loose and cause the sidebar to stick. If this is the case, your only option is to replace the ignition.

Wiggle the steering wheel from left to right while trying to remove the key, and make sure your car is out of gear, or in park.

The ignition cylinder is likely severely worn. You will need to have it replaced in order to get it to function properly.

If they key turns and the vehicle doesn't start, it may be a power issue. If the lights also fail to come on, your problem is likely a dead battery. If the lights do come on, it may be an issue with the starter itself.

Use pliers and remove it to repair it. If you're in a pickle and need to drive, try pressing a coin on either side of the broken key and turning to start.

Graphite will likely not fix it. You probably have a bad lock cylinder or a key that is worn or miscut. The ignition cylinder is usually not particularly expensive or difficult to replace.

Try spraying a little WD40 in along side of the key. Sometimes it will free up the pins in the lock.

The new key might not be cut right. Does your old key work? If so, get another key made someplace else.

Try pulling it out with a pair of vice grips. However, there is a high risk that you'll damage the pins in the lock, so it might be best to get a professional locksmith or car mechanic to remove the key for you.

Make sure the vehicle is in park if its automatic transmission. Also, in a lot of cars/trucks, you must depress the brake pedal with the gear lever in park to start or to move the gear select lever if the conveyance is not running.