If the ignition key won’t turn in your Elantra and you can’t start the car, there are several things that can cause this: steering wheel lock applied, wrong or broken key, ignition cylinder broken.
You may wonder if this is a common problem for Elantras. And I can assure you – yes it is! I keep getting messages about the key stuck in the ignition cylinder or the key not turning almost every day. There are two very easy DIY fixes so that you even don’t need to go to the dealership and waste your hard-earned money.
Let’s see what you can do!
1. Dealing with the steering wheel lock
Every car has a steering wheel lock. This is the system that locks the steering wheel once you try to turn it even to just a couple of millimeters while there is no key in the ignition keyhole or the key is in the zero position (engine, ignition is off, accessory mode is off).
In Elantras the steering wheel will lock almost at all times when the steering wheel is not facing forward. If you park your car and the wheels are turned a little, the steering wheel lock will be activated once you take the key out of the ignition cylinder.
What happens then? It’s pretty easy:
- the steering wheel lock is connected to the ignition cylinder lock;
- this is the safety system that is a part of the anti-theft technologies in your car;
- when you insert the key into the ignition, you won’t be able to turn the key even a little;
- the steering wheel is also almost deadly blocked.
If this is your case, no worries – there is absolutely nothing wrong with your car. Here’s how you fix this:
- Insert the key into the ignition keyhole.
- Pull the steering wheel to different sides – it will be almost dead but it will still play a little.
- Wiggle the ignition key. Just like you pull the steering wheel, pull the key to different sides.
- Once the key unblocks the locked ignition cylinder, the steering wheel will also be unblocked.
Now you can start your car without any problems or limitations. Next time when you park your Elantra, make sure you leave the wheels straight. Even if you ever leave them turned, now you know how to solve this problem.
This will not cost you a dollar and there is nothing you should do with this – that’s how the anti-theft system works in almost all cars with the conventional key ignition.
2. Broken or worn-out key solutions
The second possible problem is the worn-out key. It may be damaged, broken, bent, or whatever. In any case, it will not be recognized by the ignition cylinder as the proper key. And it won’t turn in the cylinder even if the steering wheel lock is not activated.
It’s like bending your house key and trying to open the door with it – you aren’t likely to achieve any success, right?
So, here’s one little trick you can use: remember where the second key from your car is located. All cars come with two keys, just in case. And this is exactly the case when you need the second key.
Get the spare key and try starting your car with it. Does it work? Congrats, you’ve just found the problem and also solved it. The old key will need to be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. For this, you may want to go to the dealership or maybe find an independent locksmith who can make the key.
I had this issue in my Fiesta a long time ago and I programmed the key myself after getting it for $15 on Amazon. This is possible in some cars but I don’t think it will work with the Elantra. You will need to program the key with proper equipment.
What if nothing helps?
If both solutions offered above don’t work, you are in trouble. The only thing that is left is the ignition cylinder problem. I still encourage you to play with the key in the ignition cylinder. Try moving it back and forward, left and right, and wiggle it a little – maybe this will help you get through the issue, at least to not get stranded.
There is no proper way to bypass the ignition cylinder in your Elantra, so if it doesn’t work, you will most likely require professional help.
The only way to solve this problem is to replace the broken ignition cylinder. You will obviously only want to buy the new OEM cylinder and have it installed by professionals.
What can kill your ignition cylinder in the Elantra?
If you weren’t one of the lucky readers who stopped reading this article in the very beginning after finding the solution to their problems, then let’s talk about the reasons for your Elantra ignition cylinder issues.
Here they are:
- Water in the cylinder– water will cause corrosion and will kill the part very fast. You may have just inserted a wet key inside and this was the actual reason for the issue.
- Careless operation– maybe, you’ve been using the key carelessly, and applied too much power to it. Modern cars are tender and need a very easy operation.
- Aftermarket ignition cylinder– if your Elantra doesn’t have the OEM cylinder anymore the aftermarket one may malfunction easily. If you need to replace this part, buy only OEM.
- Just high age or mileage. Wear and tear could be the initial reason for problems with the ignition cylinder in your Elantra. Although this part usually lives as long as the car, sometimes, it may require replacement.
- Mechanical damage. If something else than a key was inserted inside, the ignition cylinder could be damaged.
I hope you can find the answer to your question here. Please share your experience in the comments below!