What to Do When the Car Key Won't Turn?
4 Answers
The reason the car key won't turn is that the automatic steering wheel lock function has been activated. Here are the relevant details: 1. The steering wheel lock is a car anti-theft feature designed to ensure vehicle safety. The solution is to insert the key, press the brake, and gently turn the steering wheel left and right. When the steering wheel is locked, it can be slightly moved. While turning the steering wheel, turn the key to complete the steering wheel unlocking process. 2. After turning off the engine, if you turn the steering wheel left or right or if the wheels are not aligned when parked, the applied force can cause the steering wheel to turn, triggering the self-locking function. This causes the steering lock pin and steering column to engage, preventing the steering wheel from turning. At this point, the vehicle's anti-theft system perceives a theft risk, thus locking the steering wheel to serve its anti-theft purpose.
I've encountered this issue quite often during car repairs. The most common reason the key won't turn is steering wheel lock - try wiggling the steering wheel left and right while turning the key. If that doesn't work, check if the key is too worn down - flattened teeth patterns won't be recognized by the lock cylinder. Some older cars accumulate dust in the lock cylinder causing jams - spray some WD-40 into the keyhole for lubrication. If you've recently replaced the key blank, remember to get the chip reprogrammed at the dealership. By the way, for manual transmissions - is the clutch fully depressed? Automatic transmissions must be in P position to turn the key - last time there was an owner stuck in D position who couldn't start the car no matter what. As a last resort, gently tap the ignition lock housing with an iron rod - the vibration might miraculously loosen it. If none of these methods work, you'll need to call a tow truck - forcing the key will destroy the lock cylinder completely.
Last week my sister's car had the same issue, and she was hopping mad with anxiety. Turned out she had parked on a slope without straightening the steering wheel, which caused it to lock. She solved it by gripping the wheel with both hands, wiggling it left and right while turning the key. For girls with less strength, try this: first press the brake pedal firmly, shift to P gear until you hear a click to ensure it's fully engaged, then turn the key counterclockwise to reset and restart. If the key is completely stuck and won't budge, it's likely due to poor contact of the anti-theft chip—pull it out, wipe the metal strip, and reinsert. Don't force the keyhole; a colleague of mine snapped his key and had to spend 800 bucks replacing the lock. If you have a spare key, try it immediately—if it turns, it means your regular key needs replacing. There are also cases with newer cars where a faulty gear position sensor prevents the key from turning.
Veteran mechanics always check the steering wheel lock first. After the engine is off, the steering wheel automatically locks with a slight touch, which can easily jam the ignition switch. Hold the steering wheel, turn it left and right about 15 degrees each while turning the key—this works nine times out of ten. If the steering wheel doesn't budge at all, chances are the front wheels are pressed against the curb with too much force. Get two people to push the rear of the car to lift the tires off the ground and try again. Older Mercedes and Audi models are most prone to this issue.
