Why can't the car key be turned and the steering wheel can't be moved?
2 Answers
The reason why the car key can't be turned and the steering wheel can't be moved is that the car's automatic steering wheel lock function has been activated. Reasons for the steering wheel lock: For the safety of the vehicle, when the car is turned off, if the steering wheel is turned left or right or the wheels are not parked straight, the force will cause the steering wheel to rotate, triggering the steering wheel self-locking function. This causes the steering lock pin and steering column to engage. The vehicle's anti-theft system perceives a potential theft risk, thus locking the steering wheel to prevent theft. Unlocking method: First, insert the key and press the brake, then turn the steering wheel left and right. Although the steering wheel is in a locked state at this time, it can still be slightly rotated when turning. While turning the steering wheel, turn the key simultaneously to complete the steering wheel unlocking procedure.
I've encountered a similar situation where the car key wouldn't turn at all, and the steering wheel was stuck. This usually happens because the steering wheel lock is activated. If the steering wheel is turned at an angle after parking, the system automatically engages the anti-theft lock. When dealing with this, don't force it. Gently turn the steering wheel left or right with one hand while simultaneously turning the key to unlock with the other. If this happens frequently, it might indicate that the lock cylinder is dirty or lacks lubrication, requiring treatment with a specialized oil cleaner. From a safety perspective, avoid turning the steering wheel too much before starting the car, and try to park with the wheels straight to reduce the chance of locking. Regular simple checks during maintenance can save you trouble.
