It’s a cold winter day. You struggled to climb out of bed, but after a warm cup of tea and milk, you gathered the courage to grab your briefcase and head to your 2012 Renault. As you began to turn the key in the ignition, however, nothing happened. The key went in, but it didn’t turn. The car doesn’t seem to want to go.
It’s a cold winter day. You struggled to climb out of bed, but after a warm cup of tea and milk, you gathered the courage to grab your briefcase and head to your 2012 Renault. As you began to turn the key in the ignition, however, nothing happened. The key went in, but it didn’t turn. The car doesn’t seem to want to go.
On a cold day like today, you need to fix this problem, and fast. Not only do you need to get to work, but you don’t want to be standing around in the chilly weather any longer than you have to.
If Your Key is Stuck in the Ignition
There are a number of car parts and issues that could be to blame for your stuck ignition. Here’s what to do first.
- Put the parking brake on. You don’t want to accidentally roll down the drive while you’re attempting to solve the problem.
- Apply a gentle pressure to the key and then begin moving the steering wheel back and forth. In some models, a steering column lock may be present; if the steering wheel isn’t in the right place, it will prevent the key from turning in the ignition. “Jiggling” the steering wheel, as it is often referred to, can unbind this lock and the pressure against the ignition mechanism will allow the key to turn.
- Is your Renault an automatic? If so, check to make sure the selector is in “park.” If the key was switched off when the car was in drive, reverse, or any other position besides neutral or park, it will not turn on again. Don’t worry if this is the case; most drivers do this at least once in their lives when they are in a hurry or tired. You’ll remember to double check next time.
- Is the lock cylinder dirty? Dirt and grime can often become a problem when they collect in this small place and can prevent this and other car parts from working correctly. To fix this issue, purchase a can of contact cleaner aerosol. This will flush away any dirt or grime that may be preventing the key from turning.
- If that doesn’t solve your problem, the issue may be the tumbler within the lock cylinder. Sometimes these Renault parts become bound and sty in the locked position, where they are unable to push back the springs that allow the key to turn. Repairing this problem is simple; tap the cylinder firmly with a small object, like a tack hammer. If you hit it correctly, you should be able to knock loose the tumbler so it can return to its regular position.
- Check the key. Is it flat? Could it have become bent? If so, you may need to have it straightened. Don’t attempt to do this yourself, as you could break the soft metal the key is made from or damage the grooves. Instead, take it to a professional.
What if The Renault Parts Still Don’t Work?
If none of these suggestions work, some other problem could be causing the stuck ignition. Seek help from a professional experienced with Renault parts; attempting to do any more yourself could result in an injury or a serious complication with your vehicle.
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