What Causes the Car Key to Be Unable to Turn?
2 Answers
Car keys cannot be turned because the steering wheel is locked. Below is an introduction to the steering wheel lock: 1. Anti-theft feature of the steering wheel: The steering wheel lock is a simple anti-theft function. After the car is turned off, if the steering wheel is turned left or right or the wheels are not straight when parked, the force applied can cause the steering wheel to turn, thereby activating the self-locking function of the steering wheel. 2. Solution for a locked steering wheel: First, insert the key and press the brake, then turn the steering wheel left and right. While turning the steering wheel, turn the key to complete the steering wheel unlocking procedure.
Once when I was driving home and parked the car, I didn’t straighten the steering wheel. Later, when I got back in, the key just wouldn’t turn no matter how hard I tried, and I was really panicking. Actually, this is quite common—many cars have a steering wheel lock feature. If you park with the wheels turned and remove the key, the system will automatically lock. The solution is simple: gently wiggle the steering wheel left and right with one hand while slowly turning the key with the other, and it usually unlocks right away. Also, if the keyhole gets dusty or rusty, it can jam—don’t force it. Try spraying some WD-40 lubricant inside. For key fobs with chips, a dead battery can also cause recognition issues, so you’ll need to replace it. To avoid this hassle, make it a habit to straighten the steering wheel when parking. Remember, never use excessive force when the key is stuck to avoid damaging the ignition switch, which would make things worse. Checking these small details before driving can make your trips smoother.
