What Causes the Steering Wheel to Lock and the Key to Not Turn, Preventing the Car from Starting?
1 Answers
Reasons why the steering wheel suddenly locks and the car won't start during normal driving: Possible causes include the steering wheel universal joint sticking, steering gear failure, or interference in the steering linkage movement. The exact cause should be determined based on the actual vehicle condition. It is recommended to stop immediately and contact a 4S store or auto repair shop as soon as possible. The specific reasons for the steering wheel suddenly locking during normal driving are as follows: 1. Steering gear failure: This is likely due to an improperly designed drainage outlet at the bottom of the vehicle from the windshield water guide tube, combined with inadequate sealing of the power steering mechanism, which causes water to enter the sensor wiring harness or internal components. This leads to power steering failure and results in "steering wheel lock." If this is the cause, the vehicle may have a design defect. Of course, the possibility of issues with the steering gear wiring harness or other components leading to such incidents cannot be ruled out. 2. Steering wheel universal joint sticking: There is a pin inside the steering wheel. When the driver removes the key, even a slight turn of the steering wheel will cause the pin to pop into a hole, locking the steering wheel. In this state, the steering wheel cannot be turned, and the keyhole also cannot be turned, ensuring that unauthorized individuals cannot steal the vehicle. 3. Interference in the steering linkage movement: The steering drag link is responsible for transmitting the movement of the steering arm to the steering knuckle arm, while the steering tie rod is the base of the steering trapezoidal mechanism, a critical component ensuring the correct movement relationship between the left and right steering wheels. Therefore, any other interference in movement may cause the steering wheel to lock.
