Key will not turn after leaving the headlights on for 45 draining the battery?

Tiny
JJMAMAS70
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 GMC ENVOY
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • 180,000 MILES
I left my headlights on for about 45 minutes and then when I went to try to start my car the battery was dead and my key will not turn in the ignition.
Sunday, September 28th, 2025 AT 11:06 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Sometimes the ignition key will get stuck when there is no power to the car. I would lift the hood and remove the battery to take it to the auto parts store for testing, replace it if needed which should fix the stuck ignition key. You might want to try moving the steering wheel back and forth while turning the key this can sometimes work. Please go over this guide as well:

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

Please let us know what happens.

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Monday, September 29th, 2025 AT 11:04 AM
Tiny
JJMAMAS70
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
My key is not stuck in the ignition, but the key won't turn in the ignition and my steering wheel isn't locked. I bought a brand new battery and still the same issue.
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Tuesday, September 30th, 2025 AT 9:43 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
So it sounds like the ignition tumbler is worn out and needs replacement, you can try spraying WD40 inside the tumbler to see if that helps but if not here is how to replace the unit, I would try to get it from the dealer. Check out the images (below). Please upload an image or short videos in your response of the problem, so we can see what's going on.
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Wednesday, October 1st, 2025 AT 9:34 AM

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