Why Can't the Car Steering Wheel Turn When the Key Doesn't Lock It?

[DiDawson]

Car steering wheel cannot be turned when the key doesn't lock it because the automatic locking function of the steering wheel is activated. Below are the specific reasons for the steering wheel lock: 1. After starting the vehicle with the key, the steering wheel automatically unlocks. Sometimes, when parking, the steering wheel is positioned at a certain angle, and this angle happens to allow only the key to turn for ignition but not to unlock, resulting in the key being unable to turn. You can gently turn the key with your right hand while lightly rotating the steering wheel with your left hand, and the steering wheel will naturally unlock. 2. Steering wheel lock is a simple anti-theft feature for vehicle safety. When the car is turned off, if the steering wheel is turned left or right or the wheels are not straight when parked, force applied can cause the steering wheel to rotate, triggering the self-locking function. The steering lock pin engages with the steering column, making the steering wheel immovable. Even inserting the key and turning it forcefully won't work. This is the vehicle's anti-theft system detecting a potential theft risk, hence locking the steering wheel to serve its anti-theft purpose.