Can't turn key in the ignition

Are you able to turn the steering wheel any? It may only turn a little, but that should be enough. Try turning the steering wheel to the left and holding it there tightly while turning your ignition key. If it doesn't work, try turning the steering wheel to the right and holding it there tightly while turning the ignition key. If that doesn't work, try wiggling the steering wheel by turning it back and forth while trying to turn the ignition key. If it still doesn't allow the key to turn, try activating the shift lock release and shifting the car into neutral. Do this by prying open the small square plastic cover next to the shift lever. With the cover removed, apply the brake with your foot and insert a small screwdriver or bic pen into the hole. Push down and move the shift lever to neutral while holding the shift release down. Remove the pen/screwdriver and replace cover. Now try turning the ignition switch. That should work, but if it doesn't let me know and we'll go from there.

Your Civic has immobilizer, which means it will not allow duplicate keys. There are high chance that your old keys are worn out and this could be the reason. Any ways i would suggest you how to remove the keys but involves bit technical work . The LHS dash board part can be unscrewed and removed fully using the car manual, once removed the key holder joints to 4 brace compartment and there is a button beneath it, you need to press the small red button to release the key. This is not a standard method of removal, if your car has security alarm make sure you turn it off.. please remember - this suggestion should be followed only if this is your car. I;m not responsible for the solution being incorrectly followed without following manual.

Gear shift is not totally in the park position - had the same problem with a 2011 Acura TL - a rubber band kept the gear shift lever from totally seating in the park position.

Silly question but is the shift lever completely engaged in PARK.

There is a small cable attached to the shift lever that runs up to the ignition switch on the steering column. If it gets stuck, your shift lever won't move out of park and your key can get stuck and you won't be able to pull it out.

Drop the steering column down and detach the cable to free up your shifter and/or key. Make sure to replace it as soon as possible as it is a safety feature.

mcdevito75 here, When you turn the car off the ignition switch locks the steering wheel, sometimes when you go to start the car it starts but you can"t move the shift lever due to the steering wheel being locked, try this, put the key in the ignition switch, turn the key and at the same time move the steering wheel, if you can move the steering wheel even a 1/2 inch that should free up the shift lever also.

Before you replace the switch try this. As you try to turn the key rock the steering wheel back and forth. The key may turn then, if so it was stuck due to pressure from the steering wheel lock. If it still doesn't turn yes the key and tumbler are bad.

turn ignition key on. now jiggle key gently while simultaneously gently rocking steering wheel. hopefully you will feel a release.

sounds like your shift lever for trans isnt making a tight connection when you put it in park....try shifting it in and out of park several times while trying to remove key......my lincoln does that occasionally and when i take it out of park and then back in it works......just a thought

Pull hard on the steering wheel to the left and the steering wheel lock mechanism should release. I mean pull hard to left because shift interlock is froze if you cannot get it this way you will need a pro to help! Good Luck Mate.