Q: Put the key in the ignition and the car will turn on, but the steering wheel will not turn...Locked in position.

asked by on December 01, 2016

When I pull the key out, I do not hear the "click" that I normally hear that locks the steering wheel. When I open the door, the bell/alarm indicator sounds as if the keys are still in the ignition. I am able to turn the car on, but I cant move the steering. Please help.
My car has an automatic transmission.

It sounds as though the locking pawl is jammed in position. Sometimes that can happen if there is a side force on the steering when the lock is engaged. If the car is parked against a curb, or if the wheel was sharply turned when you shut down, the return force of the wheel could be jamming the lock in place.The answer could be as simple as twisting the wheel in the opposite direction when you turn the key. Try moving the wheel just the slightest bit in one direction or the other, there will be resistance, but you have to hold it so that the force is not on the lock when you turn the key. Then the lock can disengage. If that doesn’t work, then the lock will have to be removed and replaced.You can contact Your Mechanic to have a techniccian come to your home or office and repair your steering lock right on the spot

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 won't start but will still crank - 2001 BMW 325i
Hi - I would check to hear the fuel pump running when you go to start it. If not, check the fuse and relay for the fuel pump. If both of these are good, chances are (with your mileage) that...
Previous owner had a fender bender in rear driver's side. The Service Parking Assist light is coming on. What do I need to do?
The Parking Assist warning message may simply mean that the sensors in the rear bumper are dirty, covered by a bumper sticker, or they are damaged. Wipe the sensors with a wet cloth or paper towel. Drive forward at more...
My Check Engine Light came on and reads the code P0108. What is the problem?
Hello. The code P0108 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/-p0108-obd-ii-trouble-code-manifold-air-pressure-map-barometric-pressure-sensor-circuit-high-voltage-input-problem-by-john-nelson) means the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) circuit is detecting a high input voltage. The PCM and MAP sensor communicate through a 5 volt wire that changes voltages as the sensor's reading changes. When the sensor...
Burning engine oil and have gray smoke coming from below the engine and the tailpipe.
Hi there. If you are getting gray smoke from under the vehicle and in the engine compartment, then there is an external oil leak. The oil is leaking onto the exhaust pipe and then burning off. This is why you...
When the car is running it doesn't want to shift gears. But when it's off it will shift gears 2004 Hyundai Accent
Hi - check your clutch hydraulic fluid level. The clutch reservoir may be one and the same as for the brake system - they both use brake fluid. I believe that most likely your clutch slave cylinder has failed (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/how-does-a-hydraulic-clutch-system-work)...
Ghrr ghrr sound problem at low rpm or constant rpm
Hello Rishabh. It really depends on what type of car you have, and mileage on this vehicle. In some cases, the noise is caused by a clutch plate that is dragging; especially if the noise goes away when you press...
My car keeps showing safety mode, when the rpm crosses 6000 the cars power reduces and wont move.
The gap between the 6K and the 7K line is considered the red zone. This zone is marked as the over-revving speed for the engine as the valves cannot shut any faster and the timing chain creates too much slack...
Car steering wheel seems to being pulled to the right when I turn left and car shakes a lot while driving over 60 mph
Normally on the Hondas, the front end components start wearing out as the car approaches 200 thousand miles. You could have one or more worn control arm bushings, ball joints, or tie rod ends. Your hard braking episode may have...

Related articles

A Buyer's Guide to the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK
If If you’re in the market for a compact SUV, it’s tough to think of a better option than the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK. In case the car manufacturer’s name doesn’t carry enough weight to convince you, consider some of the...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid
The The 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid is Mercedes' first hybrid SUV. It can perform light off-roading tasks while still being able to tow a good amount of weight. It has excellent fuel economy and drives just like the Mercedes-Benz M-Class...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Steering Column
Common signs include steering tilt not locking, clicking or grinding sounds while turning, and the steering wheel operating roughly.