Key won’t turn from 0 to 1 for 1998 Honda Civic Lx

[Jeanine Schaefer]

Key won’t turn from 0 to 1 for 1998 Honda Civic Lx going forward, but will go back to off, just fine. I have replaced the ignition cylinder and the new one does the exact same thing! This car does NOT have an electronic security chip on the key. I DID disconnect the battery before removing the cylinder. Am I going to have to change out the entire ignition switch with cylinder lock, or is it something else?

Topic

[college man]

Try a different key. Try slightly turning the wheel while trying to turn the key.

[J]

Yeah like college man said are you sure you’re not running into the steering wheel lock? If it is locked you’ll know for sure, go out and try to turn the steering wheel. If it won’t turn then it’s locked (warning: if it isn’t locked and you turn it you will lock it so don’t do this if you are trying to avoid that).

To turn the car on with the steering wheel locked you’ll have to apply a steady turning pressure (try both directions) before and while trying to turn the key in the ignition.

If it’s not the steering wheel lock then it’s probably a worn key.

[Jeanine Schaefer]

I have tried different keys, different sides, moved the steering wheel, still wont move. When I replaced the cylinder lock, I tried the same things. still no movement with new keys.

[Andrew Phillips]

Unscrew and separate the electrical part of the ignition switch from the rest of it. If the key turns now, the electrical part has frozen up and needs to be replaced. If the key still won’t turn, there is a mechanical problem with the lock cylinder.

[Jeanine Schaefer]

Thanks! Turns out…the ignition switch…..Thank you so much for your help! (I was so hoping for a cheaper repair)

[college man]

Glad you got it and thanks for the update. 🙂

[Author]

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