Why can't the car key turn and the engine won't start?
2 Answers
The reason why the car key is inserted but cannot be turned and the engine won't start is that the steering wheel lock is jamming the key. Here are other possible reasons and solutions: 1. Solution when the steering wheel is locked and the car key cannot turn: Hold the steering wheel with your left hand and gently shake it while simultaneously turning the key left and right with your right hand to unlock it. 2. The steering wheel lock is a simple anti-theft feature: After the car is turned off, rotate the steering wheel from the straight position to one side (usually left) by a certain angle, and the steering wheel will "click" and lock into place. 3. When the steering wheel is locked, it won't move and the key cannot turn: Solution: Hold the steering wheel with your left hand and gently shake it while simultaneously wiggling the key with your right hand to unlock it.
Last time before my business trip, my car threw the same tantrum—the key got stuck in the ignition and wouldn’t budge. Turns out it was the steering wheel lock acting up—after turning off the engine, if the steering wheel moves more than 30 degrees, it automatically locks. The trick is to gently wiggle the steering wheel left and right with your left hand while trying to turn the key with your right, like cracking a combination lock. Last week, my neighbor’s brand-new car had the same issue, and we realized her kid had been playing with the steering wheel. Another possibility is severe key wear—my old key, used for eight years, had its teeth completely worn down, so I had to press it in while turning to start the car. If this happens in winter, check if the brake pedal lock is frozen; pouring some warm water usually helps. Remember, never force it—you could crack the plastic ignition cylinder, making things worse.
