I have a 2001 mazda Tribute. The problem is that when I got into the car this morning, the key would not turn. I have tried pulling the steering wheel to the left and right and it does not unlock the ignition. I'm a big guy so its not that I'm not pulling hard enough. The wheels are pointed straight ahead, and the car is on flat ground. When you stick the key (I also tried the spare- no luck) into the ignition, its as if you are sticking the wrong key in. It simply will not turn. I've never had a problem before with it. Does anybody have any ideas? They would be much appreiciated.
2007-03-16 15:29:15 · 7 answers · asked by Nate357 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
My guess is the car is an automatic.
Is the shift lever properly in drive? If not try moving the shift lever up and down while working the key. If that is not possible, step on the brake, give the old lever a hard thump with the side of your fist (soft side).
There is a cable that runs from the shift lever to the ignition. Its supposed to be a safety feature that prevents you from turning the key in the ignition if the car is not in Park or Neutral. Sometimes the problem is that the cable gets stuck or binds during cold weather.
2007-03-16 17:04:31 · answer #1 · answered by Tom C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ignition Sticking
2016-11-07 06:43:16 · answer #2 · answered by jehanna 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The most likely cause would be the ignition switch lock cylinder. Before spending the money to replace it, I would recommend having a new key made from the VIN at a Mazda dealer. If this solves the problem, great, but if it does not, it is a relatively cheap attempt. I would recommend taking it to an ASE Blue Seal rated facility for an evaluation to verify this or locate the problem if this is not revealed as the cause. I would also have them cut keys from the VIN at a dealer, then rekey the new lock cylinder to fit the original keys. This will give the best fit and extend lock cylinder and key life.
2007-03-16 15:36:04 · answer #3 · answered by Mtech 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes the Japanese cars won't let you take the key out if it is not in park. So if you have a center shift, maybe there is something blocking it from being firmly in park, like a cup. I assume this is your car, but if it is not, some ignitions have you push in the key toward the steering column and then turn slightly farther to the off position. So you would need to push in and turn at the same time to get to the position where the key can be removed. Good luck - would love to hear if either of these were the culprit.
2016-03-18 05:04:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i own a repair shop,and it sounds like one of the tumblers in the switch has gone bad on it,if this is the case then you,ll have to remove the wheel,and replace it or have it done,on this one i think you can just remove the trim,and get it off,but id try putting some wd-40 in it before i gave up on it,if that doesn't work though you may actually have to get it replaced,good luck i hope this helps.
2007-03-16 15:37:28 · answer #5 · answered by dodge man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try making sure it's completely in park, and pressing the brake while turning the key
2007-03-16 15:36:28 · answer #6 · answered by wulfgar_117 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
check the fuse for the ignition system. It might have blown.
2007-03-16 15:33:35 · answer #7 · answered by FORDever 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋