Q: after changing battery in car key wont turn in ignition

asked by on July 21, 2016

dash lights come on light in lower left side of dash continously flashing key wont turn

Try moving the steering wheel back and forth while turning the key. You should try this before continuing on to anything. If key still does not turn then you should try another key. The ignition should turn if it was working before the battery was removed. I suggest contacting one of our mobile experts if you end up needing to get this fixed. A certified technician can help you diagnose the issue with your key and help you fix it accordingly.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Water leak from coolant reservoir hose
I think you are referring to the thermostat housing elbow. To answer your question is yes it can be replaced and you should also replace the thermostat (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/thermostat-replacement) and gasket along with the 50/50 mixture of coolant and water. The...
Brake lights don't work
Hello. This is typically caused by a brake light switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brake-light-switch-replacement) problem. This is located on the brake pedal assembly and is a common failure. I always test them before replacing them, but most of the time these are bad...
Radiator hose rubbing pulley after minor accident
Thanks for inquiring about your vehicle. A collision specialist needs to examine the vehicle and YourMechanic does have specialists who could perform a mobile examination and arrange repairs. To save you some money initially you might attempt to contact a...
AC compressor will not engage
Hello there, thank you for asking about your 1997 Oldsmobile LSS. If the relay and fuses that power the AC clutch are in good order, the problem may be in the side of the circuit where you command the AC...
Don't know the VIN number
Hi there. It will be hard to find the vehicle identification (VIN) unless you readily have access to any documentation for your vehicle, such as the registration card, insurance documents, any police reports, or vehicle history reports. Otherwise, you (or...
Turn reverse beep to one beep.
The beeping sound in the reverse mode can be very annoying. Click here to view the steps to disable the beeping alarm (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-turn-off-the-reverse-beep-in-a-prius). If you need further assistance with your back-up alarm (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-making-a-noise-inspection), then seek out a professional, such as...
2010 dodge journey overheating but replaced thermostat and antifreeze
Hello, thank you for writing in. There are various reasons the vehicle would overheat, and the thermostat was a good place to start. You are also worried about the radiator, cooling fans, water pump, and engine block. You will want...
My truck had no oil so the engine started knocking but I only went maybe a half a mile down the road is my engine ruined
To answer your first question, "Is my engine dead?", I would fix the leak, add oil and see if the truck runs and if it runs, see if there's any noise. If the engine does run, and there is no...
Where can i find a 12" air cleaner cover cover
If this is the factory air cleaner assembly then I suggest looking for it on ebay or at a salvage yard. Otherwise you would need to replace the entire unit with an aftermarket one.

Related articles

What Is Key-Off Battery Drain?
Many Many things in your car continue to work even after your vehicle is turned off – radio presets, security alarms, emissions computers and clocks are just a few. They continue to draw power from your car battery, and the...
How to Replace a Ballast Resistor
The ignition coil cannot get proper voltage if the ballast resistor is broken. Signs are a crank without a start or a start and an immediate stall.
What Does the Ignition Switch Warning Light Mean?
The ignition switch warning light could mean there's an issue with the ignition system or the car key. It could be due to a glitch or worn out key.