View Full Version : Can't start my car; key won't turn
So I can't start my car (2006 Honda Element)
I can barely insert the key into the ignition, and when I do, it won't turn.
Any tips on how to fix this?
Should I call a locksmith?
If so, any recommendations for one in The Springs.
bobbyfairbanks
05-14-2020, 12:38
Is it the right key? ��. Sometimes locks fail and need replacing. I would tow it to your favorite mechanic or dealer for service
Use some lock lube to free up the wafers in there. Or WD40. Whatever.
Is it the right key? ��. Sometimes locks fail and need replacing. I would tow it to your favorite mechanic or dealer for service
Yeah. Tried using the regular key and the spare one.
Also made sure that the car was in park and I had my foot on the brake.
Hoping to avoid paying to have it towed, but I may not have a choice?
Use some lock lube to free up the wafers in there. Or WD40. Whatever.
I shot it full of Hornady One Shot Case Lube.
The key goes in a little easier, and I can turn it a little bit, but not enough to start it.
The key comes out covered in black crap, so I'm guessing it's pretty dirty in there.
That, or it was lubed previously with graphite.
Is there tension against the steering wheel lock?
Is there tension against the steering wheel lock?
I second this ^^^ Have you tried turning the wheel one way or the other while trying the key?
That, or it was lubed previously with graphite.
Is there tension against the steering wheel lock?
Yeah. I managed to turn it far enough to engage the steering wheel lock.
With my luck that will probably make it impossible to start.
insert and then tap on key:
https://www.justanswer.com/honda/4mv82-honda-element-ex-key-won-t-turn-ignition.html
The mechanic also states to shift passed park.
Rotate the wheel in the direction that removes pressure against the lock and then try turning the key.
Play horror movie chase music while furiously trying to start it for an element (Ha!) of suspense.
BPTactical
05-14-2020, 13:22
Slide hammer key..........
Works every time
Little Dutch
05-14-2020, 13:32
So I can't start my car (2006 Honda Element)
I can barely insert the key into the ignition, and when I do, it won't turn.
Any tips on how to fix this?
Should I call a locksmith?
If so, any recommendations for one in The Springs.
I've used a few in the Springs; American Lock and Key would be my first choice if they are open and can handle your case. If you have roadside coverage on your car the insurance will cover it, might call them first to see if they have a recommended company.
Hmm. I thought they quit putting key cylinders in cars like ten years ago?
while taking as much pressure as you can off of the steering wheel - e.g. if it is turned hard, pull against that, rapidly insert and remove the key a bit while maintaining reasonable, but not crazy pressure to turn it.
Basically, act like the ignition is a 1970's pron movie and your key has a thick mustache. Works some of the time.
Hmm. I thought they quit putting key cylinders in cars like ten years ago?
It’s an 06....
My usual troubleshooting begins with, "Have you tried turning it off and on again?"
I'm running out of ideas. If it were me, I'd be trying all kinds of slight pressures in different directions, primarily in the directions of the edges of the key. If I were to get it started, I think my next stop would be at the place that could fix it.
Like others said turn the wheel hard. If you stopped at an angle or wheels turned the wheel might be hard against the lock cylinder. Sometimes the wheel is turned and after the car stops the power steering pressure goes away and the wheels and steering bounce back. That lock the key cylinder nice and tight.
Did you figure it out?
Some manufacturers have those limp/lock modes to lock the ignition or change the transmission from parking to something else.
One of our trustable commuter car did that on a wet snowy day for 30 minutes.
SideShow Bob
05-14-2020, 18:48
Don’t know if it has been mentioned, but did you have the wheels turned and parked facing up or down hill and not set the parking brake before letting your foot off the brake pedal?
Doing this, even with the wheels slightly turned can put pressure on the column lock. Try pulling the steering wheel one way then the other while trying to turn the key.
Many moons ago, my mother learned the lesson of "too much shit on your key ring will wear out your ignition switch".
I paid attention and took that lesson to heart. The one I use, is minimal. The spare I carry in my backpack, has all the extra shit.
Also years ago, my stepson had a car that just suddenly wouldn't start - dead as a hammer, nothing. I worked on that bastard for hours, to no avail.
Sitting in the driver's seat, angry at the last failed key turn, I smacked the floor shifter in frustration - and heard a click - then it started right up.
Damn shifter wasn't all the way into Park. And I worked on that pig for hours. Made my ass red.....
Ended up calling a locksmith.
He said that there's a bar in the unit that gets worn out over time, and that mine was pretty worn down and had a lot of metal shavings. He fixed it, and suggested I switch to using my spare key as the primary.
Seems to work fine now.
ChickNorris
05-15-2020, 15:30
: )
Ended up calling a locksmith.
He said that there's a bar in the unit that gets worn out over time, and that mine was pretty worn down and had a lot of metal shavings. He fixed it, and suggested I switch to using my spare key as the primary.
Seems to work fine now.
How difficult is it to get another fresh key cut from the spare?
How difficult is it to get another fresh key cut from the spare?
He offered to do it for me, no idea how well that would work.
The spare that is now my primary is one that I had the Honda dealership make for me a few years ago, and that cost around $100.
Basically I was looking toward what's the backup to your 'spare' that has now become the primary?
Best to cut a key from the spare while it's still fresh and unworn.
Maybe it's just me being a Boy Scout.
(Disclaimer...I was never in the Scouts, but try to be prepared)
eddiememphis
05-26-2020, 19:44
Most dealers can build you a new cylinder. You can look up the key code from the VIN if it has never been changed or a good parts guy can build one from reading the key.
I have seen the opposite of your problem. So gunked up the pins stay in place and you can turn the cylinder with any key or flat bit of metal.
Or the tech brings one in that won't turn. Tear it apart and there is the very tiny end of a key broken off in it. Saw one that had a cigarette filter stuffed deep into it. I think that was a Charger owned by a Denver Nugget. That guy lost keys like i've never seen. I sold him six key fobs in one season. He had my direct line.
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