When the ignition key won't turn in a car or truck, it could be that the pins in the lock cylinder came out and locked the lock. Also, if the key is old, it could be worn down too much. One other thing a person should try is rocking the wheel while turning the key. It also could be that the ignition switch needs to be replaced.
Why the key does not turn may depend on a couple factors. If this is an older vehicle that does not have a locking steering column, the switch most likely has a bad tumbler or a foreign object jammed in there. Those switches are inexpensive and easily replaced. If the vehicle DOES have a locking steering column, the locking mechanism may be binding. F150s were notorious for this for multiple years. This requires partially disassembling the steering column to replaced the switch and mechanisms. I would not suggest a person with limited mechanical knowledge do this but most hobby mechanics are fine with it.
Check for loose or corroded battery cables, burnt-out fusible link, or burnt-out main fuse in fuse panel.
Wrong key - or - defective ignition switch.
More than likely because of a short. its probably a shorted ignition switch
The ignition switch should be separate from the ignition key/lock assembly, so I'll say no.
It sends a power to the starter relay/solenoid to engauge the starter. Know that the ignition switch is not what you put the key in and turn. That is the lock assembly. The ignition switch is located lower down on the steering column.
Try jiggling the steering wheel while turning the key. Sometimes if the wheels are slights turned when you shut it off the steering wheel is pressed against the ignition switch inside the column. If that doesn't do it you probably will need a new key.
Probably not a bad ignition switch, but more likely a bad starter solenoid. It takes a lot of current to get a starter to turn, to much to go through such a small switch like the ignition switch. The ignition switch actually controls a relay(solenoid) which can handle the needed current to get the starter going. On a lot of modern cars the solenoid is built into the starter unlike older cars and trucks where it was mounted on the firewall between the battery and the starter.
Physically has a turning problem ? Try your spare key and still has the problem? Replace the ignition switch.
By turning the key to the off position, you are simply grounding out the ignition
there may be a button next to the ignition switch. Try pressing it while turning the key.
Unlock the ignition? Is the key not turning? This car has a steering lock, but if the key is not turning you probably have either a bad key or a bad EIS (electronic ignition switch) make sure you check it with BOTH keys first, if you have another one.
Your ignition switch crapped on you
You simply need to turn your steering wheel either way to get the ignition switch to unlock. Turn the key while you are turning the steering wheel and it will unlock it.
Sometimes the Steering wheel lock will rest on the locking mechanism and not let you turn the ignition switch. Try turning the wheel one way or the other to relieve the pressure while tuning the ignition switch. If this does not work then you may either have a worn out ignition swtch, Key, or there is a mechanical failure of the switch.
Turning the steering wheel left to right rapidly while turning the key in the ignition should free up the ignition switch. If this does not rectify the problem it could be with the lever lockout or the key itself.
The ignition switch. Where the key goes in is the key tumbler.
Either something is wrong with the key or there is something wrong with the switch. You can try to spray some WD-40 or something like it into the switch and wiggle the key to see if you can get it turning. Otherwise you may have to replace the ignition switch.
If you have broke your ignition switch or lost the key disconnect the ignition barrel from the white connector plug then pull off the the key hole then with a knife peel back the casing around the wires to bear metal and wrap them together and attach the ignition back and it should be like turning the key.
i have a 06 Chevy cobalt and can't get the key out of the ignition switch