Ignition Cylinder Problems: Key Will Not Turn in Your Car

You get in, put the key in the ignition, turn, and nothing moves. Or the key turns but will not come back out. A key that will not turn in the ignition is one of the most common automotive calls HMS Locksmith handles across Boston, and it is often fixable without a tow and without a trip to the dealership.

HMS Locksmith is based in Allston and provides ignition repair and replacement throughout the Boston metro area. Below are the checks worth trying first, the signs that point to a worn cylinder, and how the repair usually goes.

Try these checks first

Before you call anyone, rule out the simple causes. Do not force anything while you check.

• Steering wheel lock. If the wheel was turned or bumped after the engine was switched off, the steering lock can engage and hold the ignition. Turn the key gently toward the on position while moving the steering wheel left and right with steady pressure. The right combination usually releases it.
• Gear position. Many vehicles will not release or turn the key unless the shifter is fully in park. Move it firmly into park and try again.
• Switch position. To remove the key, the ignition usually needs to be in the lock or off position.
• On many GM models, a dead battery can keep the key from turning or coming out.
• Spare key. If a spare turns easily, the problem is probably your everyday key rather than the cylinder.

If none of that helps, stop. Forcing the key is how keys snap off inside the ignition, which makes the job longer.

Signs of a worn ignition cylinder

Ignition lock cylinders wear with every insertion, and keys wear too. Common signs:

• The key needs jiggling to turn, and it is getting worse.
• The key goes in but will not turn at all, even after the checks above.
• The key turns but will not come back out.
• Dashboard accessories or the starter do not respond properly. A broken ignition lock can block the electrical signals to accessories and the starter motor.
• A bit of dirt or debris in the keyway can also cause sticking.

Ignition switches have been the subject of large safety recalls, so it is worth checking your VIN with the NHTSA recall lookup before paying for a repair.

How we repair it

Our car ignition repair service in Boston works step by step:

1. Key extraction first. If a key has broken off in the ignition, we extract it. With the right tools, even a snapped key is manageable.
2. Access. The technician removes the steering column covers, which usually takes tamper-proof bits and care not to damage plastic latches.
3. Repair or replace the cylinder. In many cases we can repair or replace the lock cylinder rather than the whole ignition mechanism.
4. Match your keys. We can set the new cylinder to match your existing keys, so you are not left with one key for the doors and another for the ignition.

For most models the cylinder work takes around 20 minutes once the technician is at the car. If your key is the problem rather than the cylinder, we can cut a new one on the spot, including transponder fobs and smart keys.

What to tell us when you call

A few details help us bring the right parts and tools:

• Year, make and model of the vehicle.
• What the key does: will not go in, goes in but will not turn, turns but will not come out, or broke off.
• Whether you have a spare key and whether it behaves differently.
• Where the car is parked, with a cross street.

Why a locksmith instead of the dealer

An automotive locksmith specializes in locks and keys rather than general mechanical work, and HMS Locksmith comes to the car, so there are no towing costs. Our vans are equipped to handle new, old and rare vehicles of any make and model. For Honda drivers, we also have a dedicated Honda ignition service.

Moving day and other bad timing

Ignition trouble has a way of showing up on the busiest days, like the morning you are loading the car to move across town. If your car is part of the plan, check that the key turns smoothly the week before, not the morning of.

Serving Everett, Boston and nearby cities

We repair ignitions across Boston, from Mission Hill and Roxbury to East Boston and Charlestown, and in nearby cities including Everett, Chelsea, Medford and Revere. Our Everett locksmith page has more about the work we do there.

Frequently asked questions

Why will my key not turn in the ignition?

The most common causes are an engaged steering wheel lock, the shifter not fully in park, a worn key, or a worn ignition cylinder. Try moving the steering wheel gently while turning the key, and check the gear position, before calling for help.

Can a locksmith fix my ignition without replacing the whole thing?

Often, yes. In many cases the lock cylinder can be repaired or replaced on its own, and set to match your existing keys.

My key broke off in the ignition. Can it be removed?

Yes. A locksmith can extract a broken key with the proper tools, then repair the cylinder if needed and cut a new key.

Trusted Local Network

We like to point readers toward businesses that do careful work in their own trades and markets. Two worth a look:

• A Coachella Valley public adjuster notes that flood and water damage claims can be challenging even for experienced adjusters, which is why documenting cold-weather damage early matters.
• A family-owned optometry practice in Monrovia, California, says its comprehensive eye exams take about 30 to 40 minutes, a small investment for anyone doing a lot of winter driving after dark.

Your Greater Boston Ignition Repair Specialists

If your key will not turn, will not come out or has broken off in the ignition anywhere in the Boston area, reach our team through the contact page with your vehicle details and location. Call (617) 249-4949 and we will come to the car.

HMS Locksmith is based in Allston and serves Boston and nearby communities across Suffolk, Middlesex, Norfolk and Essex counties, including Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, Newton and Quincy. Learn more about our ignition repair service, or see what neighbors say in the HMS Locksmith Google reviews before you book.