Why a key won t turn in the ignition?
The most common reason that a car key will not turn is that the steering wheel has locked. Pull the steering wheel in the direction that has give, and hold it there. Turn the key toward the accessory position while keeping the steering wheel turned. If nothing happens, rock the steering wheel as you turn the key.
What to do if ignition is stuck?
What To Try When Your Key Won’t Turn Your Ignition
- Wiggle the Steering Wheel to Unlock the Ignition.
- Check the Gear Shift.
- Is the Battery Dead?
- Try the Spare Key to Turn the Ignition.
- Use a Silicon Based Spray in the Lock.
- Jiggle the Key in the Ignition.
- Hit It.
- Hire a local automotive locksmith to come out and fix it.
Why does my steering wheel not turn when I turn the key?
Turn the Steering Wheel The most common reason that a car key will not turn is that the steering wheel has locked. This will happen when the steering wheel has been moved after the key has been removed from the ignition cylinder. Turn the steering wheel to the right and left.
How do you unlock a locked steering wheel?
Unlocking it will require using the ignition key in the same way you would when starting the vehicle. Insert the key into the ignition and see if it will turn. If the key will turn and start the vehicle, the wheel will unlock with the ignition cylinder.
Why is my car key not turning in the ignition?
The following three factors may explain why your key is unable to turn in the ignition: Factor 1: Bent key. Bent keys can sometimes enter the ignition cylinder, but once inside will not line up correctly to allow the car to start. If your key looks visually bent, you can use a non-metal hammer to carefully flatten the key down.
What causes a car steering wheel to lock up?
If the car has power steering, the wheel will lock up if there is no power going to it and if the battery light is on the battery might be low and could be “borrowing” power from less vital systems, like power steering and windows, to get the engine started.
Turn the Steering Wheel The most common reason that a car key will not turn is that the steering wheel has locked. This will happen when the steering wheel has been moved after the key has been removed from the ignition cylinder. Turn the steering wheel to the right and left.
Unlocking it will require using the ignition key in the same way you would when starting the vehicle. Insert the key into the ignition and see if it will turn. If the key will turn and start the vehicle, the wheel will unlock with the ignition cylinder.
What does it mean when your ignition key does not turn?
If it will not move, or moves only very slightly, it is likely locked. A locked steering wheel will not allow the ignition to engage. When you move the wheel back and forth, you will feel it stop abruptly as it comes into contact with the steering wheel lock.
What to do when your steering wheel won’t release?
Apply pressure to the ignition key (twisting in direction to start) while trying to move the steering wheel from side to side. The steering wheel should release.