How to Get Your Ignition Key to Turn When It Don't Want to Budge

For anyone who's ever went to start their car only to discover that the key absolutely won't budge in the ignition, this article's for you. Repairing this problem is costly, several hundred dollars in fact. But before you pay any money, read my article to find out how to fix this problem, absolutely free, by yourself. Not only will you save money, but you'll be on the highway again singing your favorite Beach Boys song before you know it! Not to mention, you'll still have money in your pocket to buy their CD!!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 Rubber mallet

1. 
    

   Put the car key in the ignition just as you normally do, but don't turn the key yet.

2. 
    

   Next, take the rubber mallet and lightly but firmly tap the end of the key inwards, as if you're trying to hammer it into the ignition. You only need to do this a couple of times and the key should turn as usual allowing you to start your car.

3. Repeat step 2 if needed.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't have a rubber mallet, anything that's somewhat heavy that would tap the key will work. I used one of those long, heavy, silver flashlights and had to do it a couple of times before it worked.
• Take your time and don't give up too easily. In this case persistence and patience pays.
• If it happens again at another time, don't despair. Although some people may say you need to replace the ignition, that wasn't the case for me. I just used the same method and it worked...again! I've never had the problem again.
• Good Luck!!
• Hitting the key too hard can obviously damage your key or break it. Also, there's a risk of damaging your ignition.