2003 honda ignition
 

My ignition recently locked up on me. I can't turn the key but yet it goes in smoothly. Do I need to get a new ignition coil or switch. Is it a safety mechanism. I can't drive down to a mechanic cause it won't start. Key goes in buy won't turn, locked up on me. Any help please

Try pushing in on the key while turning it, also try rocking the steering wheel left to right while turning and pushing in on the key. If nothing happens, then you might need a new ignition switch. Are you using the original factory key ?? Duplicates don't always want to work the ignition switch...Also try a short blast of WD 40 on the key, and insert it into the switch. My driver's side door lock was being stubborn and that solved it.

Thnx big pat. I tried all those tht u told me. I rocked da steering wheel bck n forth while Tryn to turn da key. Still got nothn, it was doin this to me for about a week n then it jst totally locked up all together. I even tried spraying wd 40. My nieghbor told me about tht. I'm using the spare key cause my original came apart frm da part tht opens n unlocks the car. The spare workd, cars been stuck all weekend.

So your spare key is starting the car?

Pahonda. I've Ben using the original n the spare. Both have been wrkn. For the last week I've had to move the steering wheel bck n forth n turn da key, now it won't even turn. All the lights come on in da dash n the lil bell sounds Whn I put the key in. It goes in smoothly but doesn't turn

The steering lock assembly may need to be replaced. Honda list price is around $275 (local dealerships many times mark-up over list) and internet Honda dealer discount is approximately $200 plus shipping.

Your car has the immobilizer; however, the portion with the chip that communicates with the Immobilizer transponder is removable from the key fob. So, it may be possible to change the steering lock assembly that comes with with new keys and then just swap the portion with the chip from the key fob.

Btw: Lock-Ease works better than WD-40 for key cylinders. Some people even claim that was the only thing that help them turn a frozen auto key cylinder.

agscompany.com/lubricants/homehardware/179

Except for the fact you've already tried spraying WD-40 in there, it sounds like a physical problem with the lock cylinder. Problems with the electrical part of the switch, or problems with the immobilizer, the key would still turn.

Check if your brake lights work when you push the brake pedal.

My brake lights work. Man this sucks, has any one experienced this to or is this the first. Been driving my cheverlegs all day. Don't really knw wht else to do except take every thing into consideration n try to fix it. Hope it sumthn simple n not so expensive.

Try checking with American Honda, you might be covered under the ignition switch interlock mechanism recall:

ahm-ownerlink.com/maintenance/IgnitionSwitch_recall.asp