What to Do When the Baojun Electronic Steering Lock Fails and the Car Won't Start?
4 Answers
For vehicles without a one-button start, you need to insert the key and turn the ignition. For keyless start cars, you need to start the ignition first and then turn the steering wheel to unlock it. If none of the above methods work after multiple attempts, it may indicate a fault in the vehicle's anti-theft system, and the car will need to be towed to a 4S shop for inspection and repair.
Once when I was driving a Baojun, I encountered a steering lock failure that prevented the car from starting, but I eventually resolved it by repeatedly trying different methods. First, check if the steering wheel is completely locked. Try lightly turning the steering wheel while pressing the start button—sometimes it gets stuck and requires a bit of finesse to turn. Remember to check the remote key battery; my neighbor fixed the issue simply by replacing the coin battery. If that doesn’t work, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery for a few minutes and then reconnect it to reset the system. If the steering lock fault light stays on, the internal motor might be damaged or the anti-theft module could be malfunctioning. In such cases, never force-start the car, as it could harm the electronic power steering. At the time, I had to use the mechanical key from the trunk and follow the manual’s emergency unlock procedure to drive away. The next day, I took it straight to the 4S shop to reprogram the system before it worked properly. During regular maintenance, remind the technician to check if the steering column connector is loose.
I recommend a three-step troubleshooting approach for this common issue with Baojun vehicles. First, try resetting the vehicle's electronic system: turn off the engine, open the driver's door, wait a few minutes, and then lock the car. Sometimes the onboard computer acts up and needs a cold restart. Second, check for hardware problems. If the steering lock warning light on the dashboard stays on, it's likely due to mechanical jamming of the lock tongue or a sensor malfunction. You can try forcefully turning the steering wheel to unlock it, but don't overdo it. Lastly, consider software issues. For example, the 2014 Baojun models often experience software bugs that trigger the anti-theft lock. In such cases, only a dealership can resolve it by using an OBD scanner to refresh the system. Avoid attempting to start the engine more than three times in a row, as this may trigger the protection mode. In emergencies, you can use the mechanical key to repeatedly turn the steering column lock cylinder. However, dismantling or repairing such precision components yourself carries significant risks.
Simply put, the car is locked by the electronic system. I've repaired three similar faulty Baojun vehicles, with typical symptoms being a clunking sound from the steering wheel when pressing the brake to start, but the engine doesn't respond. Don't panic yet, try these quick fixes: remove the key, close the windows, get out of the car, lock the doors, wait two minutes, and then try again; or press the brake with your left foot and the accelerator with your right foot simultaneously while starting (reset mode for some models). If that still doesn't work, first check if the 15A steering lock fuse is blown—it's located in the third column of the driver's side fuse box. As a last resort, call your insurance company for a free tow to the dealership to inspect the torque sensor and wiring harness connectors. This kind of electronic issue can't be fixed at a roadside repair shop.
