What causes the car key to be unable to turn no matter how hard you twist it?
3 Answers
Car key being unable to turn no matter how hard you twist it is caused by the steering wheel being locked. Below is relevant information about steering wheel lock: Steering wheel anti-theft function: Steering wheel lock is a simple anti-theft feature. When the car is turned off, if the steering wheel is turned left or right or if the wheels are not straight when parked, force applied can cause the steering wheel to turn, which will activate the steering wheel's self-locking function. Solution for steering wheel lock: First, insert the key and press the brake, then turn the steering wheel left and right. While turning the steering wheel, twist the key to complete the steering wheel unlocking procedure.
I've encountered this situation before. Generally, a locked steering wheel is the most common cause of the key not turning. When parking, turning the steering wheel beyond a certain angle can trigger the anti-theft lock. In this case, avoid forcing the key. Instead, try gently turning the steering wheel left and right with your left hand while simultaneously turning the key with your right hand—this usually unlocks it. Also, check if the key is fully inserted; sometimes misalignment can cause it to jam. For automatic transmission models, ensure the gear is in the 'P' position, as the ignition lock remains engaged if it's not. If the issue persists, it might be due to key wear or an internal fault in the ignition switch. I've seen cases where severely worn key teeth prevent unlocking—trying the spare key is the easiest solution in such scenarios.
It's quite common for the car key to get stuck when turning. Let me teach you a few self-check methods. First, check if the steering wheel is locked - this anti-theft feature locks the steering column when activated. Try turning the key while gently moving the steering wheel. Next, verify if the key is fully inserted; if not, reinsert it properly. For automatic transmission vehicles, the gear must be in P (Park) position to turn the key - other gear positions will lock the ignition. I've personally encountered situations where dust entered the keyhole; spraying some rust remover usually helps. If none of these methods work, it might be an issue with the ignition switch assembly, and I recommend consulting a professional technician as soon as possible.
