What Causes the Steering Wheel to Lock and the Key to Not Turn, Preventing the Car from Starting?
3 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.
I've encountered this situation of steering wheel lock and engine failure to start many times, it's basically the steering lock getting stuck. The steering wheel lock is actually an anti-theft design - turning the wheel slightly after turning off the engine triggers the locking mechanism. The key won't turn for the same reason, and these two failures often occur simultaneously. The solution is quite simple: try gently wiggling the steering wheel left and right while turning the key until you hear a click to release it. This often happens when tires are stuck against curbs or when parking on slopes. Last time my neighbor forced the key and bent it, ending up spending hundreds on a locksmith. If you can't fix it yourself, don't panic - it's most likely just mechanical jamming rather than a serious problem, any repair shop can unlock it with proper tools.
This issue is particularly common in winter, especially for car owners in northern regions. The steering wheel locking up is actually the anti-theft system activating, where the locking pin engages into the groove of the steering shaft. The key not turning is usually accompanied by the steering wheel being locked, caused by the locking pin being stuck too tightly. When handling this, don't rush or force it. First, ensure the vehicle is in P (Park) gear and firmly press the brake pedal. Then, gently wiggle the steering wheel left and right with your left hand while simultaneously attempting to turn the key with your right hand. Finding the balance point will release the lock. Last time, I saw someone using a hairdryer to heat the lock cylinder to thaw it, but the temperature must not exceed 80 degrees Celsius. If foreign objects fall into the lock cylinder, don't attempt to fix it yourself—call for professional assistance immediately.
