2012 Chevy Cruze Key Stuck in Ignition

Today I am here with another car ignition and key problem.

I will discuss the solutions for when your 2012 Chevy Cruze key gets stuck in the ignition and there is no power.

In this article, I’ll walk you through some of the common scenarios that could lead to this issue and show you how to get your car back up and running again!

Contents

Diagnosing The Causes of 2012 Chevy Cruze Key Stuck In Ignition with No Power

An extensive experience comprising of 10 years has taught me to count the causes of stuck ignition keys without power on my fingertips.

2012 Chevy Cruze Key Stuck In Ignition No Power - Infographic

So the most crucial and common reasons are listed below.

Issue	Reason
1. Dead battery	The key may get stuck in the ignition due to no power to the electrical system
2. Faulty ignition switch	The switch fails to release the key when turned off, causing the key to get stuck in the ignition
3. Faulty shifter assembly	Prevents the key from releasing by not shifting to the park.
4. Malfunctioning starter	The key gets stuck in the ignition and the car does not start due to the starter being faulty
5. Electrical issues	Power failure and key being stuck due to wiring issues or blown fuse in the electrical system
6. A mechanical issue with the ignition cylinder	The key gets stuck in the ignition due to damaged key or worn-out tumblers in the ignition cylinder

Tips to Unstuck the Key from Ignition of 2012 Chevy Cruze With No Power

After getting familiar with the causes of key getting in the 2012 Chevy Cruze, let us move towards the solutions.

In the table given below, you can learn about the easy solutions.

Possible Solutions
1. Check the Battery: Make sure the battery is not dead or low on charge by checking the battery voltage with a voltmeter. If the battery is low, try jump-starting the car using jumper cables and a second vehicle with a charged battery.
2. Test the Starter: Listen for any clicking sounds when turning the key in the ignition. This may indicate a malfunctioning starter. Try tapping the starter with a hammer or other tool while someone turns the key to see if this helps start the engine. If the starter is faulty, consider replacing it.
3. Inspect the Shifter Assembly: Ensure the shifter is in the “park” position, as the key may not release if the shifter is not in the park. Check the shifter assembly for any visible damage, such as a broken or loose shifter cable, and repair or replace it as necessary.
4. Verify the Ignition Switch: Check the ignition switch to ensure it is in the “off” position and the key is not in the “on” or “accessory” position. Try jiggling the key in the ignition while gently turning it to see if the ignition switch releases the key. If the ignition switch is faulty, consider replacing it.
5. Check the Fuses and Wiring: Verify that all fuses related to the ignition and electrical system are intact and not blown. Inspect the wiring around the battery and engine to make sure there are no loose or disconnected wires. If there is a blown fuse or wiring issue, diagnose and repair the issue as needed.
6. Replace the Ignition Cylinder: If none of the above solutions work, it may be necessary to replace the ignition cylinder itself, as a mechanical issue with the cylinder can cause the key to become stuck.

Possible Solutions

1. Check the Battery:

Make sure the battery is not dead or low on charge by checking the battery voltage with a voltmeter.
If the battery is low, try jump-starting the car using jumper cables and a second vehicle with a charged battery.

2. Test the Starter:

Listen for any clicking sounds when turning the key in the ignition.
This may indicate a malfunctioning starter.
Try tapping the starter with a hammer or other tool while someone turns the key to see if this helps start the engine.
If the starter is faulty, consider replacing it.

3. Inspect the Shifter Assembly:

Ensure the shifter is in the “park” position, as the key may not release if the shifter is not in the park.
Check the shifter assembly for any visible damage, such as a broken or loose shifter cable, and repair or replace it as necessary.

4. Verify the Ignition Switch:

Check the ignition switch to ensure it is in the “off” position and the key is not in the “on” or “accessory” position.
Try jiggling the key in the ignition while gently turning it to see if the ignition switch releases the key.
If the ignition switch is faulty, consider replacing it.

5. Check the Fuses and Wiring:

Verify that all fuses related to the ignition and electrical system are intact and not blown.
Inspect the wiring around the battery and engine to make sure there are no loose or disconnected wires.
If there is a blown fuse or wiring issue, diagnose and repair the issue as needed.

6. Replace the Ignition Cylinder:

If none of the above solutions work, it may be necessary to replace the ignition cylinder itself, as a mechanical issue with the cylinder can cause the key to become stuck.

Explore More:

Steps to Replace Faulty Starter in 2012 Chevy Cruze

As mentioned in the solutions a faulty starter can be a reason for the key sticking in the ignition of a 2012 Chevy Cruze.

For your assistance, If you do not feel confident about doing it yourself. then you must consult professional assistance.

Here are the steps to replace the faulty starter.

Step	Description
1. Gather the necessary tools and supplies	Gather a socket set, a wrench, a new starter, and safety equipment like gloves and eye protection before beginning the process.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable	Locate the battery in the engine bay and use a wrench to disconnect the negative battery cable to avoid any electrical shock or discharge during the repair process.
3. Locate the starter	Locate the starter, which is usually cylindrical in shape and located near the transmission or engine, with wires attached to it.
4. Remove the wiring connections	Use a socket or wrench to remove the wiring connections from the starter, and label them to ensure correct reattachment later.
5. Remove the starter	Use a socket to remove the bolts holding the starter in place. Carefully remove the starter from its mounting position.
6. Install the new starter	Carefully position the new starter in place and tighten the bolts. Reattach the wiring connections to the new starter, ensuring that they are correctly connected.
7. Reconnect the negative battery cable	Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery terminal and tighten the clamp with a wrench.

Steps to Replace Faulty Shifter Assembly

So, replacing the faulty shifter is another process involved in the solution to unstuck the key from the ignition.

Here is a table explaining step by step how to replace a faulty shifter.

Steps	Description
1. Gather necessary tools and supplies	Before starting the process, gather the necessary tools and supplies, such as a socket set, a wrench, and safety gear.
2. Disconnect the battery	Locate the battery in the engine bay and use a wrench to disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Remove the center console	Use a screwdriver or socket to remove screws or bolts holding the console in place. Lift it out of the way and set it aside.
4. Remove the old shifter assembly	Locate the old shifter assembly and use a wrench or socket to remove bolts or screws holding it in place. Carefully remove it and set it aside.
5. Install the new shifter assembly	Position the new shifter assembly in place and attach it securely with the bolts or screws removed earlier.
6. Reinstall the center console	Carefully reinstall the center console and secure it with the screws or bolts you removed earlier.
7. Reconnect the battery	Reconnect the negative battery cable to its original position.

Check The Ignition Switch Assembly

In order to determine the cause of a Chevy Cruze key stuck in an ignition with no power and to know whether to replace the ignition assembly, I’ll need to start by inspecting it.

Issue	Cause	Solution
1. Starting problems	Malfunctioning fuses or relays Damaged or worn-out wiring Need for professional assistance	Check for any malfunctioning fuses or relays after accessing electrical components by removing steering column covers Look for visible signs of damage or wear and tear within the system and replace corroded wiring immediately If no obvious solution presents itself after thorough testing, seek professional assistance

Steps to Replace the Ignition Cylinder in 2012 Chevy Cruze

I have explained the step-by-step method of replacing the ignition cylinder in the 2012 Chevy Cruze.

However, I have also attached the video for your further assistance.

It is slightly different from the model we are working on that is 2012.

Steps	Description
1. Disconnect the battery	Prior to starting any work on the vehicle, disconnect the battery to prevent electrical shocks or malfunctions.
2. Remove the steering column cover	Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the steering column cover in place and carefully remove the cover.
3. Remove the ignition switch	Disconnect the electrical connector from the ignition switch and use a wrench or socket to remove the switch.
4. Remove the ignition cylinder	Locate the ignition cylinder, remove the retaining clip with a small screwdriver or pick, and pull out the cylinder.
5. Install the new ignition cylinder	Insert the new ignition cylinder in the same position as the old one and push it in until it clicks into place.
6. Reinstall the ignition switch	Reconnect the electrical connector to the ignition switch and reinstall the switch using a wrench or socket.
7. Test the new ignition cylinder	Reconnect the battery, turn the key to the “on” position, and make sure the engine and electrical systems work.
8. Reinstall the steering column cover and secure it with screws	Once everything is confirmed to be working properly, reinstall the steering column cover and secure it with screws.

Conclusion

The problem of a stuck key in the ignition can feel like an impassable roadblock, but it is important to remember that there are solutions.

With careful diagnosis and a bit of know-how, you can get your Chevy Cruze back on track in no time.

From disconnecting and reconnecting the battery to checking the ignition switch assembly or replacing the entire cylinder, experienced car mechanics have seen it all.

If none of these troubleshooting tactics work for you, don’t be afraid to reach out to experts who can help pinpoint any remaining issues with your vehicle’s ignition system.

2012 Chevy Cruze Key Stuck in Ignition – A Simple Guide