
Generally, after a vehicle is turned off, the steering wheel will automatically lock, which is a simple anti-theft feature. This situation does not occur every time the vehicle is started. Usually, after starting the vehicle with the key, it will naturally unlock. However, sometimes when parking, the steering wheel is positioned at a certain angle, and this angle happens to allow only the key to be turned to start the vehicle but not to unlock the steering wheel, resulting in the steering wheel not turning. In this case, the owner should gently turn the key with the right hand and lightly rotate the steering wheel with the left hand, and the steering wheel will naturally unlock. Other reasons are as follows: Dirty Power Steering Fluid: The hydraulic pump in a mechanical hydraulic power steering system is directly driven by the engine belt. Component Failure: In a mechanical hydraulic power steering system, if a mechanical component fails, it can also cause the car's steering wheel to suddenly become very hard to turn.

When driving a BAIC New Energy vehicle, I encountered a situation where the steering wheel wouldn't turn, usually due to a failure in the power steering system. New energy vehicles rely on electric power steering; if the battery voltage is unstable or the steering motor burns out, the steering wheel can get stuck. First, check if the relevant fuse in the fuse box has blown, or see if the steering sensor has failed. Loose wiring harness connectors can also interrupt signal transmission. Once this happens, stop the car immediately and avoid forcing the steering wheel to prevent damage to more components. It's best to contact a 4S shop or professional mechanic to diagnose the issue with a diagnostic tool. Additionally, low temperatures or humid environments can cause the power steering system to respond sluggishly, exacerbating the problem. During regular maintenance, have the technician inspect the power steering module and cable connectors more frequently.

When I was commuting with my BAIC New Energy vehicle, the steering wheel suddenly became immovable, which was quite alarming. Upon reflection, it was due to overheating of the steering system causing motor stalling. It might have been caused by frequent steering or the wheels running over foreign objects. I checked the fuses and they were fine, but if the power steering relay is burnt out, it needs to be replaced. It's advisable to avoid excessive force during sharp turns and to be mindful of parking positions to protect the steering column and gear mechanism. If the power steering weakens when the air conditioning is on or when going uphill, it indicates low battery power affecting the motor's operation—try recharging the battery before further use. Avoid attempting DIY repairs; it's safer to seek after-sales service.

If the steering wheel becomes immovable, it's absolutely critical to be vigilant. When I encountered this issue while driving a BAIC New Energy vehicle, I immediately pulled over. This fault commonly occurs due to a malfunction in the power steering motor or abnormal software control. BAIC New Energy vehicles use electric power steering, and a sensor false alarm can cause the system to lock. The first step is to check if the fuse has blown, followed by inspecting for short circuits or corrosion in the cables. Safety comes first—do not risk continuing to drive; have it handled by a professional workshop.


