Key will not turn, cannot start the car

DEWITTOMORROW

MEMBER
2009 KIA OPTIMA
2.4L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
120,000 MILES

The key will only turn to lock, ACC and on but not to start. When turned to on everything powers up fine. Cannot start the car, please help!

Tuesday, August 14th, 2018 AT 3:41 PM

5 Replies

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,452 POSTS

If it will not physically turn to the start position I would say there is something that broke inside the electrical ignition switch itself. When you try to turn it to start does it come to a hard stop or does it feel sort of like you are twisting a chunk of rubber? If it was the lock cylinder itself it would not move at all because the tumblers do not move after you insert the key and rotate the cylinder.
Replacing it involves removing the trim panel under the steering column then dropping the steering column down so that you can get to the upper bolt that secures the ignition switch assembly to the column. The actual removal of the switch is the two bolts to the column and the electrical connectors on the plastic section of the switch. New switches do not come with keys, you swap the key cylinder you have over to the new one. That way you do not need to program in new keys.

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Thursday, August 16th, 2018 AT 3:19 PM

DEWITTOMORROW

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks Steve! Very much appreciated. I can tell you it is a hard stop. Some additional information and a question if you do not mind.
The lock cylinder has been replaced with a new one. That is what actually started this whole mess. The key would not turn and was stuck in lock position. Replaced the lock cylinder with a new one and the car started like a champ for about two days. My daughter was at a gas station and when she tried to start the car it would only turn as far as the on position. All power as expected. A cop happened to be there and he offered help. He told her it could be something with the car not in gear so he rocked the vehicle while she attempted to start. Eventually the key turned and the car started. The very next day she headed off to work and the car started, but when she tried to leave for the day the problem returned - key only turns to on. I did a bunch of research but could not find anyone with the exact problem. Most had the lock cylinder issue you mentioned.
So today I replaced the Neutral Safety Switch, but still no start. I have the ignition switch coming tomorrow.
My question is, can I just replace the white plastic ignition switch in the part you show or does the entire part have to be replaced?

Dave

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Thursday, August 16th, 2018 AT 7:01 PM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,452 POSTS

Normally you replace the entire unit, but if you wanted to try replacing just the contact section you could take the old one apart first. You might locate the problem and be able to repair it.

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Friday, August 17th, 2018 AT 5:23 AM

DEWITTOMORROW