What is the reason why the Volkswagen key cannot be turned after insertion?
3 Answers
If the Volkswagen key cannot be turned after insertion, it may be due to the steering wheel being locked during the last use of the key. The solution is to turn the steering wheel left and right, and then the key can be turned to unlock. Most cars have this function, which is mainly designed for anti-theft purposes. When the vehicle is turned off and the steering wheel is turned to a certain angle, the automatic locking mechanism is triggered, making it impossible to turn the key for ignition. Below is an introduction to Volkswagen: 1. Introduction to Volkswagen: Volkswagen (German: Volkswagen) is an automobile manufacturing company headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany, and is the core enterprise of the Volkswagen Group, one of the world's four largest automobile manufacturers. In 2019, it ranked 9th in the Fortune Global 500. 2. Volkswagen's sales: 'Volks' in German means 'people,' and 'Wagen' means 'car,' so the full name translates to 'people's car,' often abbreviated as 'VW.' It is translated as 'Fusi' in Taiwan and 'Dazhong' or 'Fushi' in Hong Kong, Macau, and mainland China. In 2012, the entire automobile group produced and sold more than 9.07 million vehicles, with the Volkswagen brand accounting for over 5.74 million.
When the key is inserted but won't turn, it's actually quite common. The most common reason is the steering wheel being locked. If the steering wheel wasn't straightened when parked, it automatically locks. You'll need to gently wiggle the steering wheel left and right while turning the key to unlock it. Issues with the key itself are also crucial, such as wear and deformation from prolonged use, causing it to get stuck and not turn when inserted. Additionally, the ignition switch might be dirty or have debris stuck inside, so it's necessary to check if the switch is clean. My neighbor had this issue the other day, and it turned out the gear was stuck in drive and not returned to P; adjusting it solved the problem. If these steps don't help, there might be an electrical fault in the ignition system, and it's time to visit a repair shop. To reduce such occurrences, always remember to straighten the steering wheel when parking and insert/remove the key gently. Overall, avoid forcing the key to turn to prevent further damage to the key or switch, which could lead to more trouble.
I've encountered this issue several times and think it's mostly due to aging of the ignition switch. The contacts inside the keyhole wear out over time, leading to poor contact that causes the key to get stuck and unable to turn. Also, when the steering wheel is locked, you need to try turning the key while simultaneously turning the steering wheel—usually it unlocks with a twist. If the key is bent, try using a spare key to see if that works. Check if the gear is in P or N position, as sometimes automatic transmission cars can lock the ignition if not properly in gear. For prevention, regularly spray some rust remover into the keyhole to avoid dust buildup. Most importantly, don't use excessive force to prevent breaking the key or damaging the switch. If it really can't be resolved, take it to a professional repair shop to check the anti-theft system and wiring issues—safety first, after all.
