Key will not turn, is it the cylinder lock or ignition switch?

Tiny
BCMULLEN95
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 HONDA ODYSSEY
  • 150,356 MILES
It started a few days ago, I jiggle the key and turn the steering wheel until it turned. Now the key will not turn at all. I want to know if it is the cylinder lock or ignition switch. How can I check to find out? Tried lubrication and it is still won't turn. I can't find any other keys to the van just the one key. From the research I have done aren't these a common problem with the odyssey's and the whole cylinder lock has to be replaced?
Thursday, March 22nd, 2012 AT 11:44 PM

16 Replies

Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
Lock cylinder problem is fairly common issue. you can get it repaired by a locksmith.

Here is a guide that might help you get the problem fixed.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/ignition-switch-wont-turn-stuck

Please let us know what you find ;)

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Friday, March 23rd, 2012 AT 1:48 AM
Tiny
BCMULLEN95
  • MEMBER
  • 249 POSTS
One of the tumbler was bent and a lock smith replaced the tumbler for $65. Cylinder lock now turns. Thanks for the help the site rocks!
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Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012 AT 9:42 PM
Tiny
DICKBYRNE9
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
To do temp fix on ignition lock/key problems. Play with the steering wheel, shift lever and brake. Any one could be defective but I suspect you need a locksmith for a permanent repair.
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Sunday, April 29th, 2012 AT 11:20 PM
Tiny
BCMULLEN95
  • MEMBER
  • 249 POSTS
In regard to the tumbler one of the pins was busted and a locksmith repaired without any problems. Cast was about 75 for the locksmith to repair it.
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Wednesday, May 16th, 2012 AT 7:16 PM
Tiny
CHICOJAZZ
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 90,000 MILES
Can you as briefly but thoroughly instruct me on how to replace the Ignition Switch Lock Cylinder on this vehicle. I was able to remove the key finally. I'm convinced that the locking cylinder is shot.

Also, can I fit my actual ignition switch to the new locking assembly, or do I have to buy both, a new switch and locking cylinder? Which of course would mean now I'd have 2 sets of car keys for this vehicle, unless it's possible that a lock smith could change the tumblers in the new lock to match my existing key?

Peace & kindness, Charles
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Saturday, May 23rd, 2020 AT 12:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi chicojazz,

To remove the lock cylinder, you have to drill the shear bolt out and with ignition key in " I " position, press the locking pin with a screwdriver to pull the lock cylinder out.

The ignition switch may be reused.

The tumblers may be rematched to use the original key but is not going to be an easy job.
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Saturday, May 23rd, 2020 AT 12:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WLIXGARY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
Key will not turn every time. Brake pedal is pressed down but key will not turn and wheel will not release. Then without doing anything different, the key will turn with ease and car starts. I heard that there is an issue regarding the brake light switch but the brake lights come on as designed.
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Saturday, May 23rd, 2020 AT 12:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
The brake light switch won't cause the key not to turn. The brake light switch can cause issues with the vehicle not shifting from park once the engine is running.

I know this is going to sound crazy, but have you tried different keys? You can't believe how often keys wear out and people think it is something major wrong with the vehicle. Also, have you tried to lube the tumbler?
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Saturday, May 23rd, 2020 AT 12:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CHICOJAZZ
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY
Ignition key jams in the ignition switch and I can't turn the ignition switch on or off and can't remove the key. How do I replace it?
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Saturday, May 23rd, 2020 AT 12:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HONDA TECH 1818
  • MECHANIC
  • 536 POSTS
Remove the shift lock cover on the steering column top cover and put a small flat head screwdriver in the hole to release the shifter, shift the gears back and forth and back to park, then try to remove the key from the ignition. If it does work you will need to replace ignition lock here are the instructions and a guide that may help was well

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/ignition-switch-wont-turn-stuck

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.
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Saturday, May 23rd, 2020 AT 12:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RANDY PROW
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY
Interior problem
2003 Honda Odyssey 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

how to change ignition switch in 2003 honda odessey
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Saturday, May 23rd, 2020 AT 12:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
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1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable, then wait at least 3 minutes before proceeding to disable the air bag system.
2. Remove the lower panel of the dashboard.
3. Remove the knee bolster.
4. Remove the steering column covers.
5. Unplug the connectors from the under dash fuse block.
6. Remove the steering column upper and lower covers.
7. Position the ignition switch to the 0 position.
8. Remove the two screws that secure the switch to the mount.
9. Pull the ignition switch away from the mount.
10. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure.
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Saturday, May 23rd, 2020 AT 12:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BRIAN MOLINA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY
  • 6 CYL
2003 Honwda Odyssey.M Ignition key does not turn
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Saturday, May 23rd, 2020 AT 12:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
If shaking the steering wheel does not solve the problem, the key lock cylinder is bad and has to be repaired/replaced.
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Saturday, May 23rd, 2020 AT 12:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JVREPAIR
  • MEMBER
  • 27 POSTS
  • 2003 HONDA ODYSSEY
  • 3.5L
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 135,000 MILES
I put a new ignition switch on it and is there any way to reprogram the new ignition switch. Thanks
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Saturday, May 23rd, 2020 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
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The switch isn't programmed but the keys are. This isn't something you can do yourself. It will have to go to the dealer to program all the keys.
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Saturday, May 23rd, 2020 AT 12:09 PM (Merged)

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