Key will not turn after ignition switch replacement.

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Old May 11, 2018 | 11:37 AM
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Key will not turn after ignition switch replacement.

Yesterday I went to start my 04 tl and when I turned the key it made a buzzing noise under the steering wheel. It took about 4-5 tries before the car finally turned over. Leaving work was the same issue.

I recently replaced the starter and battery so I know that's not the issue. I get the new ignition switch and installed it this morning. I disconnected the battery before install, Once I reconnected everything and tried to turn it over the key would not move into the on position. It won't budge and I've tried wiggling the steering wheel as well and still nothing.
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Old May 11, 2018 | 11:49 AM
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Is the steering wheel locked?
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Old May 11, 2018 | 11:55 AM
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Originally Posted by thoiboi
Is the steering wheel locked?
​​​​​​Yes it's locked and won't unlock when I move it side to side .
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Old May 11, 2018 | 12:03 PM
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you will have to "shimmy" (for lack of a better word) the steering wheel with the key in the ignition and turned to the "II" slot.
Also, move your gear shifter a bit, sometimes it is in between gears and the car won't turn over as a result.
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Old May 11, 2018 | 12:08 PM
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Originally Posted by MyGuti
you will have to "shimmy" (for lack of a better word) the steering wheel with the key in the ignition and turned to the "II" slot.
Also, move your gear shifter a bit, sometimes it is in between gears and the car won't turn over as a result.
I've shimmied it like it's a drunk Friday night! It wasn't locked at first, until I tried moving the steering wheel also tried moving the gears by placing the key into the little hole on the shifter and still no luck. Could it be anything else?
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Old May 11, 2018 | 12:21 PM
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keep pressure on the key (light pressure) towards the on position and slowly move the wheel left to right until the key turns and the wheel unlocks
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Old May 11, 2018 | 12:35 PM
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So now after multiple attempts, the car chimes as if the key is in the ignition even though it is not...I have the key in hand and the car still dings when the door is open .
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Old Apr 1, 2023 | 08:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Stephon Dean
Yesterday I went to start my 04 tl and when I turned the key it made a buzzing noise under the steering wheel. It took about 4-5 tries before the car finally turned over. Leaving work was the same issue.

I recently replaced the starter and battery so I know that's not the issue. I get the new ignition switch and installed it this morning. I disconnected the battery before install, Once I reconnected everything and tried to turn it over the key would not move into the on position. It won't budge and I've tried wiggling the steering wheel as well and still nothing.
Happened to me too. Did you find out how to fix the problem?
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Old Sep 3, 2023 | 06:38 AM
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Any solution to this? I am experiencing the same thing. I replaced the starter switch (literally 2 screws and a connector), and now the key won't turn!
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Old Nov 12, 2023 | 12:11 PM
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By chance did you get your problem solved if so what was the solution thank you.
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Old Jul 25, 2025 | 08:53 PM
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Any solution?

Anyone figure this out?
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Old Jul 25, 2025 | 09:06 PM
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Dealership

Originally Posted by acuraguy040404
Anyone figure this out?
went to dealership. New ignition
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Old Jul 25, 2025 | 09:07 PM
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Originally Posted by laosrean
went to dealership. New ignition
I just don’t get it…. My key turned fine , then I replaced the switch and everything is locked up.
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Old Jul 26, 2025 | 12:26 AM
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Originally Posted by acuraguy040404
I just don’t get it…. My key turned fine , then I replaced
the switch and everything is locked up.
supposed to unplug battery cause it locks up the security system
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Old Jul 26, 2025 | 07:17 AM
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Originally Posted by laosrean
supposed to unplug battery cause it locks up the security system
i did that too. That’s why im puzzled.
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Old Jul 31, 2025 | 03:18 PM
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Sometimes when I try to start my car I hear a buzzing noise from the ignition area before it starts just like this. She says its the electrical ignition starter switch. Part #:
Part Number 35130-SAA-J51

Genuine Acura Ignition Switch - Acura Parts Warehouse


This is the install video, probably similar install to a 2005 TL?


Last edited by CenturionTL; Jul 31, 2025 at 03:31 PM.
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Old Jul 31, 2025 | 04:09 PM
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Originally Posted by Stephon Dean
Yesterday I went to start my 04 tl and when I turned the key it made a buzzing noise under the steering wheel. It took about 4-5 tries before the car finally turned over. Leaving work was the same issue.

I recently replaced the starter and battery so I know that's not the issue. I get the new ignition switch and installed it this morning. I disconnected the battery before install, Once I reconnected everything and tried to turn it over the key would not move into the on position. It won't budge and I've tried wiggling the steering wheel as well and still nothing.

so i didn’t exact same thing and turns out you have to take the key cylinder and release the rod that attaches to the key switch. I realize this response is old , but this video shows how to take it out and apart without having to replace anything.

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Old Jul 31, 2025 | 04:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Stephon Dean
Yesterday I went to start my 04 tl and when I turned the key it made a buzzing noise under the steering wheel. It took about 4-5 tries before the car finally turned over. Leaving work was the same issue.

I recently replaced the starter and battery so I know that's not the issue. I get the new ignition switch and installed it this morning. I disconnected the battery before install, Once I reconnected everything and tried to turn it over the key would not move into the on position. It won't budge and I've tried wiggling the steering wheel as well and still nothing.
Did you use an OEM ignition switch or an aftermarket?
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Old Jul 31, 2025 | 04:35 PM
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Aftermarket, but the switch doesn’t matter. Just make sure you don’t have the key in the ignition and the battery disconnected. It’s two screws and a plug. Super easy.
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Old Aug 1, 2025 | 01:22 PM
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Maybe you have a defective ignition switch. Try to put the old one back on and see it your key moves.
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Old Aug 1, 2025 | 01:32 PM
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Originally Posted by CenturionTL
Maybe you have a defective ignition switch. Try to put the old one back on and see it your key moves.
the internal shaft locked. Had to remove the cylinder and pull out the shaft.
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Old Aug 2, 2025 | 12:08 PM
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Just replaced my ignition switch. No buzzing and key didn't lock. .

I got it of Amazon for $40. It was a OEM Honda for half the price than on Acura dealer website.

https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Honda-35130-SAA-J51-Steering-Switch/dp/B00BFDGSSY


.

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Old Feb 9, 2026 | 02:46 PM
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Originally Posted by acuraguy040404
the internal shaft locked. Had to remove the cylinder and pull out the shaft.
So by changing the cylinder and the shaft, the problem was solved? If that’s case you did it yourself or called a locksmith or a mechanic shop?
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