What to Do When the Car Lock Won't Open and the Key Won't Turn?
2 Answers
Hold the steering wheel with your left hand and gently shake it while simultaneously shaking and turning the key with your right hand to unlock. It might not unlock successfully the first time; repeat the steps above several times. Steering wheel lock often occurs with novice car owners because, after parking and turning off the engine, they find the steering wheel not straightened and habitually use their hands to turn it back directly.
I was just thinking about this issue too. It can be really frustrating when the key gets stuck in the door lock and won't turn. The most common cause is the steering wheel lock being jammed. Many people turn off the engine without straightening the steering wheel, causing the automatic lock to engage. In this case, gently wiggle the steering wheel left and right with your left hand while simultaneously turning the key with your right hand. The lock cylinder spring should release, allowing the key to turn. If that doesn't work, check if the keyhole is blocked by something like chewing gum or if the key itself is bent. By the way, mechanical keys can rust and get stuck if unused for a long time, so it's a good idea to keep a can of anti-rust lubricant spray for the keyhole, which also helps prevent freezing in winter. If none of these methods work and the key still won't budge, the internal wafer springs in the lock cylinder might be broken. Never force the key—call a professional locksmith to handle it safely.
