Ignition Key Won't Turn - Any ideas?

[bagusbagus]

Suddenly It was extremely HARD to put the key in or Take it out and I can't turn the ignition anymore.
I have tried spraying a bit of wd40 in the keyhole and wiggled it hard in various ways for like 30minutes while also turning the steering wheel in various ways with varying force.
Tried with the Other Key as well, nothing...Doesn't wants to turn at all & there's so much Resistance/stiffness if you want to Insert/take out the key

Anyone has had problem like this or maybe knows what could be done?
This is on 2003 Honda jazz
Thanks.

[Peach Melba]

Had a similar problem on a 2006 model, but it was an Automatic. Same symptoms, key would not turn or allow removal. On the Automatics you need to move the gear lever between neutral and park a few times whilst wiggling the key and it came out and worked normally.

[bagusbagus]

Peach Melba said:

Had a similar problem on a 2006 model, but it was an Automatic. Same symptoms, key would not turn or allow removal. On the Automatics you need to move the gear lever between neutral and park a few times whilst wiggling the key and it came out and worked normally.

Thanks for the reply, Got a Manual

[underwhelmist]

I had the same in my 2000 Accord, had to get a locksmith out to sort it. Several years later it happened again on an Astra, fixed it that time by blowing out the ignition key slot with a can of compressed air.

I think graphite powder might be a better lubricant than WD40.

[Uncle boshy]

Had something similar on an older renault, it was the ignition switch which needed to be replaced. On YouTube there are a few videos how to do this, but maybe worth hunting on Honda forums to see others experiences with similar cars

[Bill]

Have you got the right car??

[E-bmw]

You need a new ignition lock cylinder & possibly switch.

There is normally a relatively simple way of removing the cylinder if you google it for your car.

[bagusbagus]

Fixed the Problem.
I took out the Ignition barrel ( it's a nightmare to do it), opened up the lock mechanism and saw some of the metal moving pieces were bent/mangled.

Removed the faulty stuff and all works now
I reckon My car ignition isn't as safe now and it can almost now be started with a screwdriver if someone really wanted to, but who cares for a 20year old Jazz
I reckon it would have been bloody expensive to tow it somewhere & get if fixed Properly with New Ignition barrel and new keys.

Edited by bagusbagus on Thursday 3rd October 19:35

[9xxNick]

As mentioned above, an occasional lube with graphite powder keeps locks like this in good order. Not turning the key against the resistance of the steering lock also helps keep them healthy.