While I was filling up gas, my niece had put a piece of clear tape across the ignition keyhole trying to pull a prank on me. I didn't see it and pay no attention and stuck in the key and drove off. Later at our next stop the key will not turn. I assume a small piece of tape had got into it? I made sure it wasn't wheel lock by turning the steering wheel right and left but still won't budge. After about 10 minutes of fidgeting I finally got the key to turn. My question is should I get the ignition cylinder replaced? cleaned, if so, how?

Noob question. Does the transponder in the key have anything to do with the key not turning?

Thanks in advance.

 

try cleaning it out before you try anything else. If that does'nt help then try something else.

 

Transponder will just keep it from starting the car, not physically moving. I think you have tape blocking the tumblers or something

 

^. That tape is messing up the waifers in the ign. Best way is to remove it and pull tape out.

 

To remove the switch the steering wheel comes off followed by the clock spring and some other stuff - I'd avoid this unless nothing else works.

Spray the keyhole with WD-40. This will keep the tape from sticking to anything. Scrub the key in and out. Hopefully, the tape piece will move and allow the key to work normally.

The transponder in the key only keeps the engine from running - it has nothing to do with the operation of the key.

 

Also remember to smack your niece upside of her head!