Q: Key does not turn and steering wheel locked.

asked by on December 16, 2015

The ignition is locked and the key does not turn. The steering wheel is also locked.

The first thing I would recommend is to try turning the wheel and the key at the same time. Sometimes it is possible for the steering lock to bind the ignition cylinder. Turning the wheel away from the lock can release the tension on the ignition cylinder and allow you to turn the key. If this is not successful, look closely at your key. If the key is worn excessively it will not work properly inside the ignition cylinder. Just like if your house key is worn, it won’t allow your deadbolt to turn. I would suggest that you seek the advice of a mechanic to evaluate your ignition key and recommend a solution.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Car not starting due to battery, starter, or alternator.
When your car will not start, it is natural to assume it is due to a bad battery or starter. Since your car is a newer vehicle, it is very likely that it is one of these two components that...
OBD-II failed for smog check
Unfortunately without more information as to why your Toyota Corolla did not pass the emissions test, it is difficult to determine the cause for the failed smog check. Provided that the ODB2 port itself has power and is allowing the...
Car is showing random misfire code po300
The only sensor that will cause the RPM gauge to read incorrectly and cause a rough running engine is the crankshaft position sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-crankshaft-position-sensor), or its wiring and connector. Try and disconnect the crankshaft sensor connector located above the oil...
Air conditioner pump making noise and no cold air. No power coming to pump in 2011 Nissan Rogue
Hey there, thank you for asking about your 2011 Nissan Rogue. When the compressor pump starts to make noise, combined with not blowing cool air, there are many possible problems. It is quite possible that the compressor itself has frozen....
Vibration during acceleration
Hello there, vibrations issues are a common problem with your 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The most common causes of vibration are wheel and tire balance, engine mounts, misfire condition, control arms, or the struts. A qualified technician such as one from...
My truck won't allow me to change gears even when pressing the clutch. No gears go in at all. Makes it impossible to drive.
Hello, this concern is possibly the slave or clutch master cylinder failure. These two components use brake fluid to apply pressure for movement of the clutch system. This fluid breaks down in time and causes the seals to fail (leak)....
PT Cruiser, replaced radiator and thermostat, dashboard gauge reads normal but car is running hot and having to add coolant daily
Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle is reading normal temperatures because the fluid temperature sensor needs to be in the fluid to give an accurate reading. The second there is a leak and the fluid level drops, that...
2009 vw tiguan p12a2,p0341- camshaft P.S p0343, p0300-misfire,p0016-crankshaft P.S, p0299,p2293,p011,car start but does't have
The codes implicate engine timing (valve versus crankshaft position), but also fuel supply. Either fault could account for the loss of power and misfiring. If you request an engine loss of power diagnostic (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/loss-of-power-inspection) the mechanic will find the cause....
Check engine light P1121 code. Still get warm air. What's the est. to see if the valve needs replacing or if its a faulty wire?
Hi Willow. Thanks for contacting us tonight. The second generation Prius, model years 2004-2009, uses a 3-way valve to control coolant flow between the engine, the hot coolant storage tank (thermos), and the heater core - which is what causes...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Lexus CT200h
Although Although you wouldn’t know it from appearances, the 2012 Lexus CT200h actually shares a lot in common with the Toyota Prius. Mainly, it comes down to their engines (1.8 liters) and hybrid architectures. However, with the CT200h, you also...
How Long Does a Steering Column Last?
Your Your car’s steering wheel is the key to maneuvering on the road, into parking spaces and more. However, it doesn’t do its job alone. In fact, it’s only one part of many in the steering system. The steering column...
How Long Does a Steering Rack/Gearbox Last?
When When you turn the steering wheel, the two front wheels also turn in the direction you want. It actually takes a lot of different components to translate the rotational movement of the steering wheel into side to side movement...