Why does the steering wheel lock and the car fail to start in an automatic transmission?
2 Answers
Steering wheel lock is a simple anti-theft feature. When the vehicle's steering wheel is locked and the engine fails to start, you can insert the key, press the brake pedal, then turn the steering wheel left and right while turning the ignition key to complete the steering wheel unlocking procedure. Note that if you do not turn the steering wheel while turning the key, the key will not turn. Related instructions are as follows: 1. Observe the tires: After parking the vehicle, you should actively check if the vehicle is properly parked. If you forget the number of steering wheel turns, you can observe the rotation of the wheels from outside. 2. Straighten the wheels: If you find that the tires are not straightened after the engine is turned off, remember not to force the steering wheel back to the straight position. You must restart the vehicle and then straighten the steering wheel to avoid direct damage to the steering mechanism.
That day I was driving an automatic transmission car. After parking, the steering wheel locked up completely and the engine wouldn't start at all, which gave me quite a scare. Later I learned that in most cases it's the steering column lock mechanism at work - this is a vehicle security feature. When the key is removed or not properly inserted, the steering wheel locks to prevent theft. I tried turning the steering wheel while turning the key, and that released the lock. Remember to first check if the key is in the correct position - sometimes just slightly adjusting it can allow the car to start. If that still doesn't work, it might be a faulty ignition switch or a dead remote key battery, in which case try replacing the battery. When parking normally, make sure to straighten the steering wheel to avoid locking - developing this good habit can reduce such troubles. If you encounter this situation at night or on the highway, don't panic - try engaging the handbrake and turning on hazard lights to seek help.
