Can't turn my ignition switch

Asked by Guru62R3Z Apr 02, 2020 at 12:12 PM about the 2002 Subaru Forester L

Question type: General

Inserted the key but it will not turn, wiggled the steering wheel back and
forth (left and right) doesn't help, what can one do? Is it just time to change
the entire ignition switch?
We tried three different keys that all worked in the past.

2 Answers

GuruFZLMZ answered 4 years ago

It may be a bad spring inside the lock. 1) Try a shot of WD40 lubricant directly into the keyhole. 2) Then, as you "GENTLY" try to turn the key to the ON position, try "GENTLY" tapping the top edge of the key handle with the handle of a screwdriver. This may loosen whatever dirt & grime may be keeping things from aligning right. - This used to work lots of years ago. Be sure to thoroughly wash your hands afterwards.

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • Can't turn my ignition switch 2 Answers

    Inserted the key but it will not turn, wiggled the steering wheel back and forth (left and right) doesn't help, what can one do? Is it just time to change the entire ignition switch? We tried three ...

    2002 Subaru Forester L

    -

    General

  • How to I turn off my break lights? 1 Answer

    My break lights are on when car is off. What does this mean

    2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i

    -

    General

  • why my 2001 forester; turn car off but dashboard lights stay on? 1 Answer

    turn car off but dashboard lights stay on and drain the battery...?

    2001 Subaru Forester L

    -

    General

  • Bypass ignition without accessing steering column? 1 Answer

    Hey! So, had a 2001 subaru get stolen on Monday, and it turned up in Police Impound Yesterday. Went by today to try and see if i could drive it off the lot. The ignition is EFFED. Looks like they tr...

    2001 Subaru Forester L

    -

    General

  • car wont start with key in ignition 2 Answers

    IN NJ WOODS 5MI. after hunting ,no phone network signal,car will not start with key in ignition.will not turn L OR R. Tried depressing brake petal and turning steering wheel while trying to turn key...

    2015 Subaru Forester 2.5i

    -

    General

Shortcuts

Search Subaru Forester Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Chris W
    Reputation
    11,630
  • #2
    TheSubaruGuruBoston
    Reputation
    9,970
  • #3
    Nick Eidemiller
    Reputation
    6,220
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Subaru Outback
28 Great Deals out of 871 listings starting at $1,895
Used Toyota RAV4
100 Great Deals out of 2,089 listings starting at $3,888
Used Honda CR-V
99 Great Deals out of 3,843 listings starting at $1,795
Used Subaru Impreza
28 Great Deals out of 473 listings starting at $3,850
Used Toyota 4Runner
12 Great Deals out of 309 listings starting at $9,700
Used Subaru Legacy
6 Great Deals out of 172 listings starting at $4,977
Used Toyota Highlander
32 Great Deals out of 737 listings starting at $2,495
Used Toyota Tacoma
57 Great Deals out of 1,080 listings starting at $8,708
Used Honda Pilot
45 Great Deals out of 1,256 listings starting at $4,495
Used Toyota Camry
48 Great Deals out of 979 listings starting at $2,212

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.