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Ignition switch does not turn

Tiny
MIGUELANGELO
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
My ignition switch don't turn at all the key its the key I always I use if its something that I need to check please tell me it feels like something its stuck inside the lock cylinder but I take it out and it does turn but when I put it back it wont turn? The first I did is to do is get some WD40 and lubricate the key, then insert and remove it from the ignition several times. Once the WD40 has been worked into the ignition try to start the vehicle. If it's an automatic, it could be the gear selector. Try to turn the key while the gear selector is in neutral and all other gears as well and try pressing the selector past the park position. You may need to adjust the cable or even replace the cable going from the selector.
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Saturday, August 17th, 2013 AT 4:52 PM

30 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,833 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like the ignition key tumbler is worn out which is common. You must start by removing the air bag and steering wheel. Here is a guide that will give you a good idea on how to do that.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/air-bag-removal-steering-wheel

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/steering-wheel-removal

Here are diagrams (below) on how to replace the ignition switch and tumbler.

Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers, Ken
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Monday, June 26th, 2017 AT 9:16 PM
Tiny
MICHAELPURKS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2007 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
I have a 2007 Jetta 2.5 Liter and the key will go into the ignition but will not turn all the way. The lights in the car and the radio will come on but it wont turn enough to turn the car on. The steering wheel moves freely from left to right and will not lock while this is happening, But will lock when the key has no problems. It feels like there is something inside the ignition that has fallen and will not allow the key to turn. So I used these guides and got the job done. Cost me $154.00 for parts.
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Monday, June 26th, 2017 AT 9:16 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SSANDRA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
2003 Volkswagen Jetta 80,000 miles

steering wheel is locked, key will not move, have new spindle to put in, but cannot move steering wheel or key will not turn to beable to remove casing to put new spindle in. How do I get steering wheel and key ignition unlocked so I can put new part in?
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Monday, June 26th, 2017 AT 9:16 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WILDER1
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
  • 2008 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
  • 96,000 MILES
My sunroof stopped moving and I saw no jam. I decided to check the fuses and did not realize that the keys needed to be out of the ignition not just the car turned off. So I pulled fuses while the car was off and the key was still in the ignition. Now the car will not start. It is like the battery is dead but it is not. The doors will still lock but the windows will not work and the instrument panel does not come on at all. Please help! I do not have enough money to take to a shop or to have it towed. Thanks so much!
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Wednesday, October 18th, 2017 AT 3:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FREEMBA
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,152 POSTS
Check your main fuses underhood to see if anything is blown, also to see if thay're making good connections.

Try disarming you security system by locking and unlocking the doors using the key FOB.

Try resetting your key FOB according to the owners manual.

Will the headlights come on?
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Wednesday, October 18th, 2017 AT 3:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WILDER1
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I will go check headlights now and the rest! Thank you brb
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Wednesday, October 18th, 2017 AT 3:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WILDER1
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I went and pulled some fuses. There two large gray box fuses in there with the numbers 370 on them. The car will now start and all lights work but I have a steering wheel light on on the dash and what I believe is the esp light on. ( A yellow car with squiggly lines under it. They were not on before. Is it safe to drive with those on? And how can I tell which fuse it is?
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Wednesday, October 18th, 2017 AT 3:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FREEMBA
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,152 POSTS
ESP means: Electronic Stability Program (or traction control; as it is normally called)
Your car has an ESP button and you've pushed it by accident. Push it again to turn the ESP back on. (Unless you plled its fuse, in which case you just have to put it back and make sure it gets a good connection)
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Wednesday, October 18th, 2017 AT 3:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FREEMBA
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,152 POSTS
P.S: The ESP button is near the gear selector.
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Wednesday, October 18th, 2017 AT 3:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WILDER1
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Ok my owners book does not tell me which slot is ESP or steering. I have a box 30 type and there is one thing called DSG. Could that be it?
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Wednesday, October 18th, 2017 AT 3:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WILDER1
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Oh and I have tried to push the button didn't work will try again
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Wednesday, October 18th, 2017 AT 3:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RANDY SCHINDLER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
  • 85,000 MILES
I have a 2005 VW Jetta. The key will not insert into the ignition switch. Is this some type of security setting I can fix; or, do I need to bring the car into the dealer and have them look at the ignition switch?
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Wednesday, October 18th, 2017 AT 3:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
Either you have the wrong key or the ignition lock key cylinder is bad or something is lodged within.

This is not a security system problem and a locksmith might be able to help.
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Wednesday, October 18th, 2017 AT 3:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WILDER1
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Nope button won't work
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Wednesday, October 18th, 2017 AT 3:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WILDER1
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I went ahead and drove it, within a quarter mile everything went back to normal, the steering wheel light went out and the ESP button worked. Thank you so much for your help you were a lifesaver.
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Wednesday, October 18th, 2017 AT 3:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FREEMBA
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,152 POSTS
Glad to be of help to you. Thanks for posting the final outcome to your problem. Hopefully in the future if someone has a similar problem, they'll be able to come here and read about the solution, thanks to you.
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Wednesday, October 18th, 2017 AT 3:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ERINLPETE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2004 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
Electrical problem
2004 Volkswagen Jetta 4 cyl Automatic 78000 miles

I recently broke the timing belt in my 04 Jetta and bent almost every valve in the car. At any rate, $4,700 later I have had my car back for 3 days BUT the stereo (monsoon) turns on for 5 seconds exactly then the sound shuts off but the display stays on. I could do this a million times and it would still stay on for 5 seconds, then the sound cuts. Additionally, my key clicker works when I hit it ONCE to unlock the driver door but when I click it the 2nd time for passenger doors, it does nothing. I needed a car more than I need music so I took her home anyway but need to figure out what's up, any thought?

Also, note that the check engine light came on this morning driving to work. Could it all be related? Because the light came on I need to take it back but can't today and they are clueless at Firestone about the radio so I wanted to see if I could gather more info. Thanks a million!
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Wednesday, October 18th, 2017 AT 3:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
The check engine light could be related to previous repairs. As far as the stereo goes, it could be an anti-theft feature, but I have never heard of one working for a short amount of time then shutting down. When you takeit back have them try reprogramming the keyless entry, it may be having issues from when the battery was disconnected to do the engine work.
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Wednesday, October 18th, 2017 AT 3:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
AZKID
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 49,221 MILES
My car is running and the key will not turn so I can shut the car off. I have tried different gears, turning the steering wheel back and forth, pulling on the steering wheel, nudging the steering wheel and no luck. How can I get it to shut off so I can get the key out?
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Wednesday, October 18th, 2017 AT 3:00 PM (Merged)
Tiny
F4I_GUY
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,302 POSTS
Unfortunately the lock cylinder has seized up which is common on these vehicles. To kill the car you must unplug the ECM relay located in the underhood fuse box. It will be a big black relay with the number 01 on it most likely. Pull it out, the engine will shut off. Then you can disconnect the battery so the battery doesn't drain. To resolve the problem the ignition lock cylinder and housing should be replace as a unit.
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Wednesday, October 18th, 2017 AT 3:00 PM (Merged)

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