Need help - key will NOT turn in ignition.
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Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Atlanta GA
The key doesn't really look any different than it ever has. It also unlocks the trunk and glovebox without a problem. It looks worn, as it should after 7 years, but nothing out of the ordinary. And I just think it's odd that it turned and started the car just fine a whopping 5-10 minutes before it suddenly just stopped working.
regardless of whether or not its just a key issue, or a cylinder issue, I have a feeling its going to be a huge headache and a big expense, thanks largely in part to the immobilizer unit. iirc, even if i do somehow just need a key, the dealer needs my car there to program it... aka towing fee + the cost of programming a very pricey chipped key. Ouch.
regardless of whether or not its just a key issue, or a cylinder issue, I have a feeling its going to be a huge headache and a big expense, thanks largely in part to the immobilizer unit. iirc, even if i do somehow just need a key, the dealer needs my car there to program it... aka towing fee + the cost of programming a very pricey chipped key. Ouch.
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Delaware, OH
Your '03 is kind of new to have this problem, but:
I have a '94 Integra with 175k miles on the odo. About once a year it exhibits symptoms like you describe: I cannot turn the key to the "On" postion. I can shake the steering wheel, etc. but the key won't move.
I spray some grease from a spray can into the lock cylinder, work it a couple of times, and it's fine for another year. You buy "spray Lithium grease" and use the "straw" to direct the spray into the lock. Then work the key, remove it, and wipe the grease off the key. Repeat a few times so that the key doesn't grease the inside of your pocket.
WD40 would probably work in a pinch.
I have a '94 Integra with 175k miles on the odo. About once a year it exhibits symptoms like you describe: I cannot turn the key to the "On" postion. I can shake the steering wheel, etc. but the key won't move.
I spray some grease from a spray can into the lock cylinder, work it a couple of times, and it's fine for another year. You buy "spray Lithium grease" and use the "straw" to direct the spray into the lock. Then work the key, remove it, and wipe the grease off the key. Repeat a few times so that the key doesn't grease the inside of your pocket.
WD40 would probably work in a pinch.
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: WPB
I kind of looks like the steering lock is stuck. I would just turn the steering wheel really hard cw and ccw and then try it again ...
Maybe go to Home Depot and get a can of that graphite grease for locks and spray it in there.
J
Maybe go to Home Depot and get a can of that graphite grease for locks and spray it in there.
J
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From: Atlanta GA
Originally Posted by RedY2KS2k,Jun 9 2010, 05:45 PM
Your '03 is kind of new to have this problem, but:
I have a '94 Integra with 175k miles on the odo. About once a year it exhibits symptoms like you describe: I cannot turn the key to the "On" postion. I can shake the steering wheel, etc. but the key won't move.
I spray some grease from a spray can into the lock cylinder, work it a couple of times, and it's fine for another year. You buy "spray Lithium grease" and use the "straw" to direct the spray into the lock. Then work the key, remove it, and wipe the grease off the key. Repeat a few times so that the key doesn't grease the inside of your pocket.
WD40 would probably work in a pinch.
I have a '94 Integra with 175k miles on the odo. About once a year it exhibits symptoms like you describe: I cannot turn the key to the "On" postion. I can shake the steering wheel, etc. but the key won't move.
I spray some grease from a spray can into the lock cylinder, work it a couple of times, and it's fine for another year. You buy "spray Lithium grease" and use the "straw" to direct the spray into the lock. Then work the key, remove it, and wipe the grease off the key. Repeat a few times so that the key doesn't grease the inside of your pocket.
WD40 would probably work in a pinch.
Originally Posted by R1_Pilot
I kind of looks like the steering lock is stuck. I would just turn the steering wheel really hard cw and ccw and then try it again ...
Maybe go to Home Depot and get a can of that graphite grease for locks and spray it in there.
J
Maybe go to Home Depot and get a can of that graphite grease for locks and spray it in there.
J
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,938
Likes: 4
From: Sydney
It isnt too hard to remove the whole lock barrel assembly off the steering column.
Its held on by two bolts that have break away heads leaving smooth domes. Get a sharp point punch and use it to drive a dimple on the outer edge of the bolt, then angle the punch and use it to drive the bolt in the unwind direction. You may be able to use vice grips, though I find the punch technique is needed to get it moving.
You can then unbolt the electronic side of the lock and use a screwdriver to start the car. Just make sure your green key code reader is connected and a matching key in front of the reader.
Can you see the steering lock plunger with the covers off?
You also may want to try pushing and pulling the steering wheel. I've seen problems on kit cars where the steering column gets pulled towards the driver under emergency braking and it moves the slot that the steering lock bolt engages out of alignment. If there is play in the bushes/bearings it can happen.
Failing that, try swearing at the $(*&#$^%. It probably wont help but you will feel much better.
Its held on by two bolts that have break away heads leaving smooth domes. Get a sharp point punch and use it to drive a dimple on the outer edge of the bolt, then angle the punch and use it to drive the bolt in the unwind direction. You may be able to use vice grips, though I find the punch technique is needed to get it moving.
You can then unbolt the electronic side of the lock and use a screwdriver to start the car. Just make sure your green key code reader is connected and a matching key in front of the reader.
Can you see the steering lock plunger with the covers off?
You also may want to try pushing and pulling the steering wheel. I've seen problems on kit cars where the steering column gets pulled towards the driver under emergency braking and it moves the slot that the steering lock bolt engages out of alignment. If there is play in the bushes/bearings it can happen.
Failing that, try swearing at the $(*&#$^%. It probably wont help but you will feel much better.
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My advice would be to go to the dealership and try to get a 5 dollar chipless key cut by vin.
If you are able to get a cheap key cut by vin then see if it works in your lock cylinder. If it does not work then you've got a problem with the lock cylinder and not the key. If that is the case then you'll need to remove the lock cylinder and take it and the key to a locksmith and say "make this work" and they should be able to fix it pretty quick.
Of course try lube and jiggling and all that before anything else. Oh ya its also important to get a key cut by vin, you dont want them tracing your old key when creating a new one.
If you are able to get a cheap key cut by vin then see if it works in your lock cylinder. If it does not work then you've got a problem with the lock cylinder and not the key. If that is the case then you'll need to remove the lock cylinder and take it and the key to a locksmith and say "make this work" and they should be able to fix it pretty quick.
Of course try lube and jiggling and all that before anything else. Oh ya its also important to get a key cut by vin, you dont want them tracing your old key when creating a new one.
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From: Atlanta GA
Well, thanks for all the advice everybody. I went to the dealer and had a chipless key cut, and got some graphite grease. Neither worked. Called a locksmith to take a look at the cylinder. After arriving 2 hours late, he showed up, put the key on the ignition, and beat the living crap out of it with a hammer, to my dismay.
Somehow, it worked... Sorta. The key turns now, but not smoothly at all. It has to kinda be forced. He says the ignition is on it's last leg. The guy was there for 5 minutes, and told me it'd be 150 bucks, and that would act as a deposit for when I have the ignition replaced for another $500 later. After I told him there was no way on hell I was paying him $150 to hit my key with a hammer, he told me 100, and I pretty much had to pony up. Highway robbery, but what can you do? I guess at least the windows are up now.
Somehow, it worked... Sorta. The key turns now, but not smoothly at all. It has to kinda be forced. He says the ignition is on it's last leg. The guy was there for 5 minutes, and told me it'd be 150 bucks, and that would act as a deposit for when I have the ignition replaced for another $500 later. After I told him there was no way on hell I was paying him $150 to hit my key with a hammer, he told me 100, and I pretty much had to pony up. Highway robbery, but what can you do? I guess at least the windows are up now.