steering wheel won’t unlock my key turns only to turn lights on but that’s it can’t unlock steering wheel to start the car what to
I went to the shop and got in my BMW but the steering wheel was locked I wiggle it and make sure it's in park and turn my key but the key only turns a little bit so the lights and radio turn on but that's it and it won't unlock the steering wheel so I can turn on the car what should I do because the steering wheel won't unlock so I can start my car and drive
My car has 176000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
The steering lock may not be unlocking either due to a faulty ignition lock housing or more commonly as the cars age a faulty spring at the steering wheel on the under side of the column. If the ignition lock housing is the issue the housing can be replaced. It s a bit tricky as the mounting bolt has break off heads and generally need to be driven out with a punch. If the lock is not disengaging because of a faulty spring on the ignition lock many owners have had the spring removed by having it drilled out of the housing. However, removing the spring may permanently disable the steering lock. The last option would be to replace the steering column. You may want to enlist the help of a mechanic who can recommend the proper repair for your situation.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
To unlock the steering wheel in your BMW, start by pulling the wheel down in the same direction it was in when it locked. With your wheel held in the right direction, insert your key into the ignition to start your engine. Your steering wheel should unlock.
Steering wheels lock as a safety feature to keep the vehicle from moving when the key isn`t in the ignition. You might not have meant to lock your steering wheel when you parked the car, but all it takes is a little bit of force as you turn off the vehicle.
A diagram of the fuse panel where the fuse is located will be found in your owner`s manual; the fuse you are looking for should be labeled “steering lock.” If you would like help, a technician from YourMechanic can come to your home or office to inspect your steering lock issue and make the necessary repairs.
For your safety, the steering wheel has a lock that activates if someone moves the wheel when there`s no key in the ignition. This makes the vehicle harder to steal. However, if you`ve moved the wheel before turning on the car, the lock may still be in place.
Power Steering Fluid Issue.
Low power steering fluid is one of the most common causes of steering wheel issues, so it`s a good idea to have this fluid level checked regularly.
Dead Battery
To work correctly, the ignition mechanism is powered by the battery. If the battery fails, the ignition will automatically get locked up. Then you won`t be able to pull the key out of the ignition.
The steering lock may sometimes seem like an inconvenience, but it is there to help prevent your vehicle from theft. When the ignition is in the off position, turning the steering wheel will cause a spring loaded lever to engage and lock everything in place.
The ignition lock tumblers have fallen down and blocked the key. You can try and get a small thin pick or similar device and try and push the tumbler back up in place and put the key in. If you cannot get it pushed up then the lock cylinder will need replaced.
In fact, most anti-theft devices are defeatable by the right thief with determination and knowledge. Aftermarket steering locks, or The Club, are no exception. Throughout the decades since The Club`s patent, plenty of journalists have shown that it can be sawed off or broken in minutes with the right tools.
Electronic failure is when the electrical systems keeping the power steering running stop functioning. This type of failure can be caused by a fuse issue, so you can easily check the fuse box to see if one of the fuses needs replacing.
The ignition lock cylinder is a mechanical part where the ignition key is inserted to start a vehicle. It`s mounted inside the ignition switch, the electrical component that locks the ignition and “reads” anti-theft coding in the key to allow the vehicle to start.
Once the ignition switch is prompted by key or the push of a button, it activates the voltage from the battery to the ignition coil to produce the engine spark. The engine spark from the coil or coils is directed to the spark plugs to ignite the fuel to make the vehicle run.
Also known as a crook lock, or club lock, the first generation of steering-wheel locks, known as canes, consisted of a lockable bar that connected the steering wheel to the brake pedal or clutch pedal.
Wheel lock keys are special sockets that match the unique pattern on your wheel lock. Without your wheel lock key, the tire, rim, and wheel cannot be easily removed. Wheel locks only protect against the theft of tires, wheels, and rims. They do not protect against car theft.
This usually happens because of low batteries, but shock can also cause the fob to lose its pairing. Most remotes can be reset, so check your car`s user manual for the resetting sequence. If resetting fails to solve the problem, the fob will need to be reprogrammed.
It is believed the steering wheels are being targeted as the airbags are expensive to replace if activated in a collision, and so there is a high demand on the second-hand market. Police are urging owners to consider buying a steering wheel security cover.
Your Key is Dirty
Tape, glue, and other debris can cause your car key to get stuck in the ignition and can also make it difficult to turn the key to start the car. If this is your issue, pull the key out carefully while wiggling the steering wheel to release the tumblers and, hopefully, pull the debris out too.
Modern vehicles are fitted with a steering lock which is an anti-theft device. It is fitted to the steering column usually below the steering wheel.
A faulty power steering pump or a worn (or broken) serpentine belt could also be the culprit. If your car has electric power assist, a bad motor or blown fuse could be the cause.
One of the most common problems power steering systems have is leaks. The high pressure of the system combined with the soft hoses carrying the fluid makes it relatively susceptible to leaks. A low fluid level can cause a whining power steering pump and even a loss of fluid pressure and a loss of steering assistance.
The steering angle sensor (SAS) determines where the driver wants to steer, matching the steering wheel with the vehicle`s wheels. Located within the steering column, the steering angle sensor always has more than one sensor packaged together in a single unit for redundancy, accuracy, and diagnostics.
Hydraulic power steering systems work by using a hydraulic system to multiply force applied to the steering wheel inputs to the vehicle`s steered (usually front) road wheels. The hydraulic pressure typically comes from a gerotor or rotary vane pump driven by the vehicle`s engine.
The fuse panel is located under the instrument panel to the left of the steering column.
Answered by CarsGuide. The power steering is an electrical system, so a problem with the battery could affect the power assistance. You should still be able to steer the car even without power assistance. It won`t affect the braking.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
steering wheel won’t unlock my key turns only to turn lights on but that’s it can’t unlock steering wheel to start the car what to
ANSWER : The steering lock may not be unlocking either due to a faulty ignition lock housing or more commonly as the cars age a faulty spring at the steering wheel on the under side of the column. If the ignition lock housing is the issue the housing can be replaced. It s a bit tricky as the mounting bolt has break off heads and generally need to be driven out with a punch. If the lock is not disengaging because of a faulty spring on the ignition lock many owners have had the spring removed by having it drilled out of the housing. However, removing the spring may permanently disable the steering lock. The last option would be to replace the steering column. You may want to enlist the help of a mechanic who can recommend the proper repair for your situation.
Battery and oil light come on when trying to start car, take keys out try again car starts no problem and lights go away
ANSWER : Of course, don’t switch gears without being fully stopped, unless your Owner’s Manual or the manufacturer has alternative advice. However, the gear shift issue has no relation to the no-start problem you are describing. Inasmuch as you only have 6,000 miles on the car, the "constant on and off" that you believe has occurred is meaningless in comparison to the expected total vehicle service life. That is, assume what you perceive as "constant on and off", during merely 6,000 miles, might be equivalent to using the car "normally" for three years. A new car should be trouble free for at least 5 years, unless there is a defect, so your "constant on and off" is not a causal factor for any fault on the vehicle. What you might have is a defect in the ignition switch, or perhaps the immobilizer system, but if the problem is not in the switch itself, clearly there is an electrical problem.
If your vehicle is under warranty, by law the dealer MUST repair the issue you are describing within a prescribed time frame and number of "attempts", otherwise the dealer will run afoul of Federal and state Lemon Laws that give you very specific rights, and recourse (contact an Attorney; we are Mechanics, NOT attorneys). Consequently, if the vehicle is still under warranty, to save yourself money do be sure to seek a resolution from the dealer. If the vehicle is not under warranty, obviously a certified Mechanic from YourMechanic could identify the electrical fault and resolve this for you. If you want to go that route, please simply request a no start diagnostic -electrical system and the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
Car won’t start. The check engine light, battery light, and oil change light are coming on. I tried jumping the car and nothing happened. Why won’t my car start?
ANSWER : Hi and thanks for contacting Your Mechanic. If sometimes your vehicle will start with the new alternator and sometimes it won’t, then there is a loose connection in your charging system. Check all of the wires to the alternator and to the battery. Make sure that the battery cables are clean and tight. Make sure that the wires to the starter are clean and tight. A loose ground to the ignition system will cause the vehicle to not crank over. Check all of the ground wires from the battery to the starter. Make sure that they are clean and tight. If you need further assistance troubleshooting your no start situation, then seek out a technician, such as one from Your Mechanic, that can assist you.
Car won’t turn over. No lights come on when I turn it. Can’t even lock my doorsvor push the seat up or back.
ANSWER : Your probably correct, it sounds as though your battery is done. But it also sounds like you have charging system issues. I’m not sure that fixing your battery and charging system will solve the problem with the car shutting off, but it’s possible that it will and it’s a darned good place to start. By contacting Your Mechanic, you can have a technician come to your home or office to check out your car and help you figure out what to do next.
Engine turned off but inside of car still on, now engine won’t turn back on.
ANSWER : Hi there. The symptoms you’re describing with your boyfriend’s 2002 Grand Cherokee appear to be related to a broken or worn out ignition switch or relay. The ignition switch on the inside of the steering column is attached to multiple electronic connections that send signals to a relay box; which in turn, sends the signal to the individual components. The issue could be related to the ignition switch, the relay, or any of the components in between. If you want to have the fault pinpointed in person, I would have this starting issue inspected by a trained professional to ensure that the correct repair is made.
Car Won’t Start
ANSWER : Hello. From what you describe it would appear that your vehicle is having some sort of malfunction with the security system. It may be possible that the security system is enabled and preventing the vehicle from starting. This may or may not be related to the the recent battery replacement for the remote, or it could also be related to the EPS light. The EPS light comes on when the computer detects an issue with the vehicle’s electronic power steering system. There are cases where a steering malfunction will prevent the vehicle from starting, if the issue detected is serious enough to significantly affect the vehicle’s handling. It is unlikely that the brake fluid or engine oil are related to the issue, but it would not be a bad idea to make sure that they are topped off. I would recommend retrieving the trouble codes that are setting off the EPS light, as they will likely reveal some information on what the issue may be. Also keep in mind that a no start condition can be caused by other things, such as issues with the ignition system, or even the starter itself. As these sorts of electrical issues can sometimes be difficult to diagnose, I would recommend having a professional technician, such as one from YourMechanic, come to your location to [diagnose the cause of your warning light, and if it may be related to the no start condition.
steering wheel turned to the far right and locked in place while the wheel are straight. and I can’t turn the key.
ANSWER : Hi there. From the description you have provided, concerning your vehicle’s steering wheel is locked far right and key won’t turn with the front wheels in a forward default position, is somewhat confusing to me. It could be, undo pressure is being applied to the steering wheel lock. You could try, physically moving the left front tire side to side in either direction, to relieve the pressure on the steering wheel lock. It could be, the key you are using has a problem, try another key if available. It could be, the ignition lock cylinder is at fault. I recommend having your vehicle’s can’t turn the key be diagnosed and repaired by a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic.
Was driving on the expressway and my car started shaking, check engine light turned on, oil light turned on and off
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. Shaking and vibrating typically comes from a misfire, or poor engine performance. A lack of oil will absolutely contribute to these symptoms and amplify them, if not cause them to begin with. You want to turn your attention to the cause of the oil leak. If external (you can see the leaking oil), then you will want to trace the leak to the component which has failed. If the leak is internal (or the engine is consuming oil), the leak will be harder to find. It will also explain the poor engine performance due to excess oil in the combustion chamber. A head gasket is one of the main components that will fail and cause these issues. It is however not common for a vehicle this age to have these kinds of problems. You will also want to scan the computer, and see what codes are triggering your check engine light. These diagnostic tools will help you determine what system(s) is to blame for the malfunction. For more diagnostic help, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.
