What is the reason when the car key cannot be turned and shaking the steering wheel doesn't help?
2 Answers
It may be that the car's anti-theft function has been activated, locking the steering wheel. Steering wheel lock: When you insert the key but cannot turn it to start the car, first check if the steering wheel is automatically locked. This is part of the car's automatic anti-theft system. So, when the key is inserted but the car won't start, check if the steering wheel is locked. If it is, try turning the steering wheel while simultaneously turning the key to resolve the issue. Starter motor circuit not connected: If the key can be turned but the car still doesn't start, it could be due to the starter motor circuit not being connected. The reason might be that the contacts linked to the ignition switch are burnt out or loose. Although the key turns, the contacts fail to connect, meaning the circuit is not completed.
Last week, I personally experienced the trouble of the key not turning and the steering wheel not budging. When I was parked on the roadside trying to start the car, the key simply wouldn’t turn, making me sweat with anxiety. Reflecting on it, the steering wheel lock mechanism is designed for anti-theft purposes but can sometimes get stuck. Common causes include improper wheel alignment when parking or external forces jamming the lock. I tried gently wiggling the steering wheel left and right while slowly turning the key, and finally managed to start the car. Another possibility is that the key is too old, with severe surface wear preventing it from fitting into the lock cylinder, requiring a replacement key. There’s also the chance that dust or rust has accumulated inside the lock cylinder, causing it to be less smooth—spraying some specialized lubricant can help. However, if all methods fail, consider the possibility of an ignition switch malfunction. Avoid forcing it to prevent damaging components and take it to a professional shop for inspection as soon as possible. Make it a habit to straighten the steering wheel when parking to reduce the risk.
