What to Do When the Volkswagen Polo Key Won't Turn?
2 Answers
If the Volkswagen Polo key won't turn, it might be because the steering wheel was locked during the last use of the key. The solution is to turn the steering wheel left and right, then try turning the key to see if it unlocks. Reasons why the key won't turn: 1. Key won't turn—Steering wheel lock: Many beginners encounter this situation when inserting the key into the ignition and preparing to start the car, only to find the key won't turn. In fact, this is the automatic steering wheel lock feature, which is present in most cars and primarily serves as an anti-theft measure. When the vehicle is turned off, the steering wheel locks automatically if it's turned to a certain angle. 2. Key can't be removed after turning off the engine: This issue often occurs in automatic transmission vehicles. The reason is that the gear shift may not be fully returned to the P (Park) position. Sometimes it appears to be in place but doesn't trigger the electronic sensor, or there might be obstacles like coins in the gear slot preventing it from returning fully. The owner should check for any obstructions in the gear slot and remove them; then start the car, shift the gear again to ensure it's fully engaged, and the key can then be removed.
When driving my Volkswagen Polo, I often encounter the issue of the key not turning. It happened once during a business trip, making me sweat with anxiety. The most common cause is the steering wheel lock. Because I have a habit of not straightening the wheels when parking, the car's automatic anti-theft system locks the steering, causing the key to get stuck. The solution is simple: gently wiggle the steering wheel left and right with one hand while turning the key with the other, and it usually unlocks. If that doesn’t work, it might be due to a dead or worn-out key battery. I’ve tried using the spare key a few times, and it worked immediately. Sometimes, in rainy or snowy weather, moisture can cause issues with the ignition system—drying the key and keyhole first can help. If all else fails, don’t force it. Contact a professional repair shop right away—unlike me, who once forced the key and ended up damaging the lock cylinder, costing extra money. For regular car maintenance, I keep the spare key in a small box inside the car as a precaution for emergencies.
