04 Civic Key won't turn
01-11-2017
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04 Civic Key won't turn
We have an 04 Honda Civic that maybe the anti theft system is currently enabled? We can't turn the key at all. The steering wheel moves a little so it's not that the wheel is jammed. There is a beeping noise when we put the key in the ignition. We don't know how to disable it. PLEASE HELP??
01-11-2017
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Re: 04 Civic Key won't turn
pull the wheel side-to-side while trying to turn the key.
prolly the wheel is locked.
prolly the wheel is locked.
01-11-2017
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Rep Power: 338 Re: 04 Civic Key won't turn
if the door is open with the key inserted, it will beep.
anti-theft will not let the engine start, but will allow for the key to turn.
you said it moves a little, now you say it moves freely.
which is it?
the only case that the key will not turn is when the steering wheel is locked.
or the key jamble is broken.
anti-theft will not let the engine start, but will allow for the key to turn.
you said it moves a little, now you say it moves freely.
which is it?
the only case that the key will not turn is when the steering wheel is locked.
or the key jamble is broken.
01-11-2017
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Is it a auto trans? If yes, is it in park?
if not, put in park
if not, put in park
01-11-2017
#8
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Re: 04 Civic Key won't turn
Key won't turn, most likely because the tumblers have worn out and are now jammed inside the lock cylinder.
Time for a lock cylinder rebuild.
Well, I can rebuild these locks with all new tumblers, and if necessary a new freshly cut key, plus programming if needed.
Not everyone can do it (retumble the lock), not even in the dealerships. Many won't, can't or don't even know it's possible. Some would rather sell a whole new column lock assembly.
(Fixing this problems is not cheap, no matter which way you decide to fix it.)
Lock shops will probably be hit or miss too....none in my town have tumblers for Hondas sidewinder locks, it's "dealer only" here.
(The lock shop here would take it all apart and remove the offending bad tumblers!)
Some might go to the salvage yard and get a complete set of steering column lock, keys, immobilizer, and PCM as a matched set. Then you'll have a pocketfull of hodgepodge keys to deal with.
Time for a lock cylinder rebuild.
Well, I can rebuild these locks with all new tumblers, and if necessary a new freshly cut key, plus programming if needed.
Not everyone can do it (retumble the lock), not even in the dealerships. Many won't, can't or don't even know it's possible. Some would rather sell a whole new column lock assembly.
(Fixing this problems is not cheap, no matter which way you decide to fix it.)
Lock shops will probably be hit or miss too....none in my town have tumblers for Hondas sidewinder locks, it's "dealer only" here.
(The lock shop here would take it all apart and remove the offending bad tumblers!)
Some might go to the salvage yard and get a complete set of steering column lock, keys, immobilizer, and PCM as a matched set. Then you'll have a pocketfull of hodgepodge keys to deal with.
01-14-2017
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we have tried both keys. we still haven't gotten it started. it's sat all week. i'm not sure a mechanic would come here to look at it.
01-14-2017
#11
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Re: 04 Civic Key won't turn
Google 'how to remove a steering column lock honda civic' and see if you can get some info or videos on how to remove the one on your car, DIY.
I'd be freekin scared of most craigslist mechanics, and some real ones.
I've seen how much damage can be done by the wrong person working on a car.
I'd be freekin scared of most craigslist mechanics, and some real ones.
I've seen how much damage can be done by the wrong person working on a car.
01-15-2017
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i don't know what else to do. someone mentioned using a hair dryer, maybe it's froze (it has been below zero here). We are going to try that but I don't want to make it worse by doing something to it that we aren't suppose to. I'm so frustrated!
01-15-2017
#14
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Re: 04 Civic Key won't turn
It can't be frozen from the cold, unless someone poured water into the lock. That didn't happen.
If you can figure out how to remove the steering column lock from the column, you could then be able to start the engine and make the car moveable again.
When I have to do this, I grab these tools:
#2 Phillips screwdriver,
a flat tip small pocket screwdriver,
a center punch and hammer
a flat tip screwdriver maybe 1/4-3/8" wide (or a house key, anything that can be used to rotate the electrical switch after it's removed from the lock assembly)
Takes me less than 10 minutes (I have lots of practice doing this) to get that lock removed from the column and start the engine, then I can drive the car into the shop to continue working where it's nice and warm.
IF you can get the column lock removed by yourself, then you could have options like..... take just the bad lock in to be repaired (or drive the whole car there).... then reinstall repaired original lock onto the car. (probably would be the cheapest outcome, assuming new keys aren't needed)
OR.....
You had better figure out who has the ability and equipment fix this particular problem and tow the car to that person.
Most likely a Honda dealership or a well equipped locksmith who can deal with Hondas sidewinder locks and keys. (Be aware, not all people in dealers are willing to rebuild these locks, many have no idea it's even possible. Phone first. )
If you can figure out how to remove the steering column lock from the column, you could then be able to start the engine and make the car moveable again.
When I have to do this, I grab these tools:
#2 Phillips screwdriver,
a flat tip small pocket screwdriver,
a center punch and hammer
a flat tip screwdriver maybe 1/4-3/8" wide (or a house key, anything that can be used to rotate the electrical switch after it's removed from the lock assembly)
Takes me less than 10 minutes (I have lots of practice doing this) to get that lock removed from the column and start the engine, then I can drive the car into the shop to continue working where it's nice and warm.
IF you can get the column lock removed by yourself, then you could have options like..... take just the bad lock in to be repaired (or drive the whole car there).... then reinstall repaired original lock onto the car. (probably would be the cheapest outcome, assuming new keys aren't needed)
OR.....
You had better figure out who has the ability and equipment fix this particular problem and tow the car to that person.
Most likely a Honda dealership or a well equipped locksmith who can deal with Hondas sidewinder locks and keys. (Be aware, not all people in dealers are willing to rebuild these locks, many have no idea it's even possible. Phone first. )
