Why is the key difficult to turn?
4 Answers
Key difficulty in turning is caused by steering wheel lock. You can try turning the steering wheel slightly in its original position with one hand while simultaneously turning the key with the other hand until the key can rotate, which will release the locked steering wheel. It's important to note that when encountering a situation where the car key won't turn, avoid forcing it. The steering wheel lock primarily occurs when the steering wheel was turned while removing the key after the last engine shutdown. At this point, the vehicle's security anti-theft system perceives a theft risk, thus locking the steering wheel to prevent vehicle theft. The function of the steering wheel is to convert the force applied by the driver on the steering wheel edge into torque and transmit it to the steering shaft. It mainly consists of a frame, foam, and mounting clips or screw holes corresponding to the driver airbag (DAB).
I've experienced the embarrassing situation where the key wouldn't turn. Once when I was in a hurry, the car wouldn't start, and it made me break out in a cold sweat. Later, I found out it was because the steering wheel was locked, either from the wheels not being straight when parked or accidentally triggering the anti-theft lock. Gently rocking the steering wheel can unlock it—just don't use too much force to avoid damage. If dust accumulates inside the lock cylinder or the lubricant dries up, it can also cause the key to get stuck. Regularly spraying some lock lubricant can prevent this. Worn or deformed keys are another common issue, like old keys that have chipped or bent over time—trying a spare key might help. If any foreign objects get into the keyhole, just use compressed air to clean it out. Remember to avoid sudden braking when parking and keep the car aligned to reduce the chance of locking. Safe driving is important—don't force the key to turn, as it could damage the ignition system and lead to costly repairs.
The key won't turn usually due to lock cylinder issues or steering wheel lock. Dust in the lock cylinder, insufficient lubrication, or foreign objects stuck inside can affect rotation, causing rough operation. You can spray some specialized lubricant like WD-40 on the key and gently insert/remove it a few times to improve. The steering wheel lock is an anti-theft feature - if wheels aren't straightened when parked, the system automatically locks; try gently rocking the wheel to see if it releases. Worn, bent keys or imprecise duplicates may also cause sticking - check if key edges are smooth. In winter, solidified lubricant makes this more likely, so apply antifreeze treatment beforehand. Recommended maintenance every three months: simple spray lubrication cleaning to prevent minor issues becoming major faults. If problems persist, it might be internal ignition switch failure requiring professional inspection.
When I first started learning to drive, I got really scared when the key wouldn't turn, thinking the car was broken. Later, my instructor said most of the time it's because the steering wheel is locked, and a gentle shake can unlock it, or there might be dirt in the keyhole, so a little lubricant spray would help. Key wear is also a reason, my spare key turns much smoother. It's prone to sticking when frozen in winter, and also common after humid summers. Remember not to force it, as it might damage the lock cylinder.
