What is the reason for the car key not turning?
4 Answers
The reasons why the car key cannot be turned are: Steering wheel lock: The owner should gently turn the key with the right hand while lightly rotating the steering wheel with the left hand, and the steering wheel will naturally unlock, allowing the car to start smoothly; Another reason is that the key is not inserted properly, the lock body is damaged, or the gear is not in neutral. A car remote key refers to a key that can remotely open and lock the door without inserting the key into the keyhole, regardless of day or night, without the need to locate the keyhole, allowing for convenient remote locking and unlocking. A weak radio wave is emitted from the owner, received by the car antenna, identified by the electronic controller ECU, and then executed by the system's actuator to perform the locking and unlocking actions. The system mainly consists of a transmitter and a receiver.
That day I was just about to drive when the key simply wouldn't turn no matter how hard I tried, making me sweat with frustration. Later, the mechanic told me this is actually a common anti-theft feature in cars. When you remove the key, the steering wheel automatically locks. If the wheels are turned and stuck in position, the key will get jammed in the ignition switch and won't turn. If this happens, don't force it - just grab the steering wheel with both hands and wiggle it left and right a few times until you hear a click indicating it's unlocked. A sticky keyhole might also be caused by dust in the lock cylinder. Last time during maintenance, I sprayed some rust remover into the keyhole and inserting/removing the key a few times improved the situation. If you find the key hard to insert or it only turns halfway, the pins inside might be stuck, requiring a mechanic to disassemble and clean the lock cylinder. The worst case is when the key wears out or gets deformed - my five-year-old key's teeth were completely worn smooth, and I ended up spending 300 yuan to get a new one cut.
I've also encountered the issue where the key gets stuck in the steering wheel and won't turn. Later I realized it was entirely due to my own improper operation. I used to be lazy when parking - pulling out the key before straightening the steering wheel, which would inevitably cause it to jam the next workday. Now I'm extra careful before turning off the engine, always aligning the tires straight before removing the key. Some people even use car keys to open beer bottles, bending the key head - such deformed keys definitely won't turn the ignition switch. I remember last time when my neighbor lent me his car, inserting the key was particularly difficult until I noticed the lock cylinder was packed with snack crumbs. Actually, routine maintenance is quite simple - I clean the lock cylinder monthly with a fine brush and apply silicone grease to the key teeth. Older cars that have been used for seven or eight years require extra attention, as worn ignition switches are more prone to sticking. If you temporarily can't open it, don't panic - try pulling the key out completely, then reinserting it all the way and turning slowly.
The most direct reason why the car key won't turn is the steering wheel lock. If the steering wheel isn't straightened when parking, the anti-theft system automatically engages, making it impossible to turn the key in the ignition. Simply turn the steering wheel slightly left or right until you hear a click to release the lock. Also, check if the keyhole is blocked by foreign objects or if the key itself is visibly deformed. During my last car service, the mechanic reminded me that dried lubricant in the keyhole can cause stiffness—regularly spraying some WD-40 solves this. If turning the key feels like it's grinding against sand, dust may have accumulated inside the lock cylinder. This issue becomes more noticeable in winter, especially in cold northern climates where metal components contract.
