Why can't the car key turn and the engine won't start?
4 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.
This is a common issue in repair shops. The key not turning is mostly caused by stuck lock cylinder pins, especially in older cars that have accumulated dust, making them more prone to this problem. Last time, there was a car owner who hadn't changed the key in five years, and the key was almost worn down to a metal strip. In an emergency, applying pencil lead powder to the key teeth can provide lubrication, but it's only a temporary fix. Once during a rescue, it was found that an aftermarket anti-theft coil had shifted and jammed the lock cylinder. If a car with keyless start suddenly fails, it's likely due to the smart key's low battery, and you'll need to use the mechanical key inserted into the emergency slot in the glove box. Here's a lesser-known fact: washing the car with a high-pressure water gun near the steering column can also cause water ingress and rust.
My experience is to troubleshoot in three steps. First, check if the steering wheel is locked in the straight position, and turning the wheels slightly should release it. Then, try the spare key; if the spare key works, it means your frequently used key is worn out. Finally, gently tap the steering column a few times, as sometimes the lock cylinder spring gets stuck and a little vibration can fix it. I remember once when I borrowed a friend's car and encountered this issue, it turned out that the key in his pocket was constantly rubbing against other metal objects, causing the damage. Now, I always use a silicone cover to protect the key's teeth.
