I put my key in the ignition, and it felt like it was tougher to get in. I then try and turn the key, and nothing. I jiggled the wheel, until it locked.

I have an 04 honda civic lx, 5speed.

I called a locksmith, and told him the story, and he said it's probably the key, since I've also been having trouble unlocking my driver door. I go to honda dealer ship, and tell them the problem. They said it's either your ignition, or it's the key, so I decide to get a key with no chip, that will move the ignition, to turn the car on, but won't get it running. I want to limit the possibility of it being a bad ignition. I get to my car, and the new key unlocks the car door with ease, so I figured great this will work! I get in my car, and try to turn the ignition, and nothing. I wiggle my steering wheel, and still nothing.

So what should I do?

I was suggested to call a locksmith, to go and look at it, but last time I was quoted $200 for it. I'm on a tight budget, and so that will put a huge hole in my wallet.

Thanks,
cj

 

CJ,
$200 is a lot.
Sometimes the steering wheel needs to be pulled to one side instead of jiggled, to take the pressure off it.
That was the case the other night for someone who called me.

The chipped key is not only costly, I prefer to have anti-theft devices instead of computer stuff that can go wrong.
I prefer to avoid the dealer for keys. There are key shops around that have the Honda blank keys. I paid $12 for one a few weeks ago. Some Honda's require key #26 in their machine, but my Home Depot doesn't carry that number.

Some non-chip keys will open doors and trunk but require a second key for ignition. All my locks are keyed the same.
Sometimes a door requires that you try inserting the key both ways, sometimes pulling it to the side up, sometimes moving it to the side down. Shoot some PB Blaster in all your locks including ignition. Try the key in all the locks.

What city are you in?-Bob