Q: Steering lock malfunction and key wont turn in ignition.

asked by on October 07, 2016

my battery was drained I charged it and my fuses are still good. I disconnected the column integration module but my key is stuck in the ignition on lock and my car says steering lock malfunction and the steerin wheel turns

My car has 128000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Your key could be stuck for several reasons. Since the steering wheel moves, it’s not the steering lock.

The first thing to attempt, is to use an electrical cleaner or air duster to remove any debris that may be stuck in the ignition cylinder. If dirt or debris is stuck inside the cylinder, with all its intricate moving parts, the key may become lodged inside and won’t turn or pull free. Worst case scenario you will need to replace the entire ignition cylinder.

If you need assistance with this, consider YourMechanic to get the job done. One of our mobile technicians can come to your home to diagnose the issue with your key and help you make the necessary repairs.

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 slowly lost power
Hello, there are two possibilities for why your truck is doing this. The first possibility is that your catalytic converter is severely clogged. If this is the problem, the car will start, but once the catalytic converter reaches operating temperature...
car cranks but doesn't start
When this situation occurs, the first thing I look for is checking the fuses or electrical relays to the ECU. In general, the most common cause of being unable to connect to the scanner or to the ECU is caused...
TCS light stays on for days, and then comes off for like a week, then comes back on for days again.
Hello, thanks for writing in. There are a lot of things that can cause this. Most of the time if the vehicle is running fine it comes on from low brake fluid or a failing wheel speed sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-wheel-speed-sensor). If...
Squealing noises from front passenger side
Hello. Thanks for writing in. If the noise and the light are related, then it is the rear brakes that are causing the noise. It is completely possible for an emergency brake to engage when it shouldn't. This means components...
My oil pressure is low light came on
The oil pressure light will usually come on when a few things could be happening. Either the motor is in fact low on oil, the oil pump could be failing or the oil pressure sending unit (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/oil-pressure-sensor-replacement) is not working...
Oil pressure sensor
There are a few common reasons to get a trouble code for low oil pressure (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/oil-pressure-light-is-on-inspection). There could be a low oil level, failed oil pressure sensor, a wiring problem, oil that needs to be changed, an engine that has...
Ac blowing got, brand new 2017 Chevrolet traxx
If your vehicle is covered by a manufacturer warranty, you should avail yourself of that in order to save money. Alternatively, if more convenient, you can request an air conditioning system inspection (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ac-is-not-working-inspection). The responding certified mechanic will come to...
2009 Audi A4 2.0t Quattro, I think the oil sensor might be bad.
The oil pressure light will usually come on when a few things could be happening. Either the motor is in fact low on oil, the oil pump could be failing or not pumping oil sufficiently or the oil pressure sending...
Trying to change odometer to kilometers 2005 ford escape
That sounds like a job for the scan tool. It would have to be the factory tool, a generic scanner like the ones they use at the auto parts stores won't do the trick. In many cars the miles/KM setting...

Related articles

How Often Should the Steering System Be Inspected?
It’s It’s usually better to fix an automotive problem early than to wait until it causes more damage or even an accident. And that general principle applies to the steering system. Luckily, periodic inspection and maintenance of the steering system...
How Long Does a Flex Coupling Steering Damper Last?
There There are a number of different components used in your vehicle to help control the amount of vibration you and your passengers feel as you're driving. One of those is the flex coupling-steering damper. Specifically this part tones down...
How to Diagnose a Shaking Steering Wheel
An issue with your car's suspension or drive system will cause a shaking steering wheel. A tire and wheel out of balance can cause a vibration.