Why Can't the Car Key Be Turned?
2 Answers
Reasons why the car key can't be turned: The car key may not turn because the steering wheel has automatically locked. This is part of the car's automatic anti-theft system. When the vehicle is turned off, the steering lock pin engages with the steering column, preventing the steering wheel from moving. Even if the key is inserted, it cannot be turned. This is a safety feature designed to protect the vehicle. Here are some solutions: If the car key cannot be turned, you can unlock the steering wheel by inserting the mechanical key, pressing the brake pedal, and then gently turning the steering wheel. Although the steering wheel is locked, it can still be moved slightly. While turning the steering wheel, turn the key at the same time to complete the steering wheel unlocking process. At this point, the vehicle can be started normally.
Yesterday, my car key suddenly wouldn’t turn, which gave me a scare—I thought the car was broken. Actually, the most common reason is that the steering wheel is locked. If you twist the steering wheel and trigger the locking mechanism when parking, the key won’t turn the next time you start the car. This is mainly an anti-theft design to prevent thieves from easily driving away. I’ve encountered this a few times, and the solution is to gently turn the steering wheel (don’t force it) while trying the key, and it will unlock. If that doesn’t work, check if the key is severely worn or if the battery is dead (for smart keys). Also, a dirty or dust-clogged ignition switch might jam the key. Lastly, a reminder: older cars tend to have more issues, so regularly maintain the keyhole to avoid dust buildup. If the problem persists, don’t force it—call a mechanic immediately to avoid damaging internal parts. Make it a habit to straighten the steering wheel when parking to minimize such troubles. Sharing this in hopes of saving everyone some repair costs.
