Key won't turn in ignition?

[arlene22 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close arlene22]

Anyone ever have this problem? I have a 2003 Honda Pilot and I can't get the key to turn in the ignition. This has been happening for the past week and a half, but usually after a few tries, it would turn. Now it just will not turn at all.

I called the nearest Honda dealership to see if I could get a new key made and try that; they said to make a new key I would have to have the car towed to them (they are 35 minutes away). I am trying to decide if I should do that or take it to a more local repair shop.

Any suggestions? I tried WD40 and that didn't do any good...

[vkrn Member Find all posts View Profile Close vkrn]

Does it help if you wiggle the steering wheel some? I have had that happen to me and usually if you wiggle the steering wheel, it breaks loose.

I would opt for a local repair shop rather than pay for the tow. I'm sure they could look at it.

[mshatty Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close mshatty]

If you key has a computer chip in it, your local repair shop can't help you. It sounds like something is loose in your ignition or steering column.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

If you key has a computer chip in it, your local repair shop can't help you. It sounds like something is loose in your ignition or steering column.

That is what I was afraid of.....

Would it help to 'get a jump' or something just to start the car so she can drive it the 35 miles???

[arlene22 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close arlene22]

That is what I was afraid of.....

Would it help to 'get a jump' or something just to start the car so she can drive it the 35 miles???

Is it possible to jump start a car without turning the key?

[GeoPatSK Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close GeoPatSK]

Try the Auto Club

Assuming it does not have a chip in the key, make sure the shifter is in Park, Step on the Break, and giggle the wheel.

Also, key problems are usually covered by your Auto Club. If they get the car started you can save on the tow and drive it to a repair shop or dealer.

[arlene22 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close arlene22]

There is a chip in the key, which is why they said I had to have it towed to the Honda dealership in order to make up a new one. I didn't mention that I am away from home and neglected to take a spare key with me on this trip.

I have tried jiggling the steering wheel. Unfortunately that didn't help.

I cannot move the shifter out of Park without turning the key.

I think my next step is to call AAA.

[RedMan Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RedMan]

You might try to sprinkle a little graphite key lube on your key and work the key in and out of the ignition switch several times to loosen up the tumblers. Sometimes they just get stuck.

Hope this works for you. Repair shops won't tell you this.

[arlene22 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close arlene22]

Graphite key lube, eh? I will have to track some of that down. Thanks for the tip.

[wackymother Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close wackymother]

Graphite Key Lube is WD-40?

[arlene22 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close arlene22]

Is it the same thing? I already tried WD40. All it did was make my key slimy

[RedMan Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RedMan]

Graphite Key Lube is WD-40?

graphite lock and key lube is a dry lube intended to be used on lock tumblers and not the same thing as WD-40. I don't think WD-40 is recommended for locks.

You can find graphite at Walmart, Target, etc. or wherever they make keys.

[1950bing Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close 1950bing]

You may need to have a new ing. swithch and key. The two are mated surfaces and making a new key may not help. The do wear out. When I was working I made thousands upon thousands keys. I felt that keys should be made thicker such as some Fords have so wear is limited. The worst is Nissan/Datsun and I would rate some Hondas as third. The newer cars are starting to get thicker as security increases.

[RedMan Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RedMan]

If graphite doesn't free it up then it could possibly be a neutral safety switch in the steering column. Not fun.

[vintner Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close vintner]

I had a pickup that experienced the same thing, key would not turn. I replaced just the lock assembly and key. It wasn't too bad, cost or time wise. I did the job myself. That was probably 15 plus years ago. You know, the good old days.

I think things have changed beyond what I will try now.