car problem

[harmonica]

2010 car with old type key system......my key doesn't turn and the headlights don't work
of course I've tried jiggling the steering wheel/etc
this sounds more electrical/fuse than steering-key problem??
I'm getting it towed as I need inspections/oil change/etc anyways
thanks in advance

 

[DarkFury]

2010 car with old type key system......my key doesn't turn and the headlights don't work
of course I've tried jiggling the steering wheel/etc
this sounds more electrical/fuse than steering-key problem??
I'm getting it towed as I need inspections/oil change/etc anyways
thanks in advance

Does the key have a battery in it?

 

[ABikerSailor]

If the key won't turn, it sounds like you may have a problem with the tumblers in the ignition switch mechanism.

But, with the headlights not coming on, that sounds like a fuse or a possible electrical problem.

My suggestion? Take it to a mechanic you trust. Trying to diagnose mechanical problems on a messageboard is difficult in the best of times.

 

[Sunni Man]

Sounds like you have two separate issues.

Spray some WD-40 into the key ignition slot and then try turning the key.

Also, if you have a spare key try using it. Sometimes key teeth just get worn out and can't turn the lock tumblers.

Most cars allow you to turn on the headlights without the key in the ignition. Could be the battery is dead. .....

 

[harmonica]

2010 car with old type key system......my key doesn't turn and the headlights don't work
of course I've tried jiggling the steering wheel/etc
this sounds more electrical/fuse than steering-key problem??
I'm getting it towed as I need inspections/oil change/etc anyways
thanks in advance

Does the key have a battery in it?

negative--the towman hit it with a hammer..I saw that on the internet...I guess I should've done that

 

[harmonica]

If the key won't turn, it sounds like you may have a problem with the tumblers in the ignition switch mechanism.

But, with the headlights not coming on, that sounds like a fuse or a possible electrical problem.

My suggestion? Take it to a mechanic you trust. Trying to diagnose mechanical problems on a messageboard is difficult in the best of times.

that's what the towman said also ..ty

 

[harmonica]

Sounds like you have two separate issues.

Spray some WD-40 into the key ignition slot and then try turning the key.

Also, if you have a spare key try using it. Sometimes key teeth just get worn out and can't turn the lock tumblers.

Most cars allow you to turn on the headlights without the key in the ignition. Could be the battery is dead. .....

...I tried the extra key.....we do drive it very short distances and I thought that also about the battery
...but I just got a new battery in January--but it's an old car so battery + alternator was on my mind ...thanks

 

[harmonica]

If the key won't turn, it sounds like you may have a problem with the tumblers in the ignition switch mechanism.

But, with the headlights not coming on, that sounds like a fuse or a possible electrical problem.

My suggestion? Take it to a mechanic you trust. Trying to diagnose mechanical problems on a messageboard is difficult in the best of times.

to be more specific, he mentioned the tumblers

 

[ABikerSailor]

Sounds like you have two separate issues.

Spray some WD-40 into the key ignition slot and then try turning the key.

Also, if you have a spare key try using it. Sometimes key teeth just get worn out and can't turn the lock tumblers.

Most cars allow you to turn on the headlights without the key in the ignition. Could be the battery is dead. .....

...I tried the extra key.....we do drive it very short distances and I thought that also about the battery
...but I just got a new battery in January--but it's an old car so battery + alternator was on my mind ...thanks

I think they were asking if the key itself has a battery in it. Some ignition systems have a key that generates a signal when it is put in the ignition, but if the battery in the key is dead, the signal isn't generated and the key won't turn. Kind of an anti theft device.

 

[ABikerSailor]

If the key won't turn, it sounds like you may have a problem with the tumblers in the ignition switch mechanism.

But, with the headlights not coming on, that sounds like a fuse or a possible electrical problem.

My suggestion? Take it to a mechanic you trust. Trying to diagnose mechanical problems on a messageboard is difficult in the best of times.

to be more specific, he mentioned the tumblers

Ignition switches aren't that expensive, so you might try getting a new ignition switch.

 

[harmonica]

Sounds like you have two separate issues.

Spray some WD-40 into the key ignition slot and then try turning the key.

Also, if you have a spare key try using it. Sometimes key teeth just get worn out and can't turn the lock tumblers.

Most cars allow you to turn on the headlights without the key in the ignition. Could be the battery is dead. .....

...I tried the extra key.....we do drive it very short distances and I thought that also about the battery
...but I just got a new battery in January--but it's an old car so battery + alternator was on my mind ...thanks

I think they were asking if the key itself has a battery in it. Some ignition systems have a key that generates a signal when it is put in the ignition, but if the battery in the key is dead, the signal isn't generated and the key won't turn. Kind of an anti theft device.

no battery in key..yes I looked up key ignitions --not too bad