Steering-Wheel Lock Stuck: Key Won't Turn

What the steering lock does

The steering-wheel lock secures the car against unauthorised use. With the key removed, a pin locks the steering wheel. If the wheel was turned while parking, or is under tension, for example because a wheel rests against the kerb, the pin can be under pressure. Then the key won't turn.

How to release the lock

1. Turn the steering wheel slightly the other way from how it was turned when you parked.
2. Turn the key at the same time. The pin releases as soon as the pressure is gone.
3. Don't force it or jerk it. Otherwise the key or pin can break, leaving the car worse off.
4. If that doesn't work: gently move the steering wheel back and forth while keeping light pressure on the key, without jerking.

On cars with an electronic steering lock

Modern vehicles secure the steering wheel electronically. Then a weak or flat battery can be the cause. If the key won't turn or the car doesn't respond to start, try jump-starting, see Jump-starting and a flat battery. With keyless-go, a weak key-fob battery can also be to blame, see Locked out: key inside the car.

If it's still stuck

If the lock won't release, there may be mechanical damage to the ignition lock or the steering lock itself. A worn key can also be the cause. Then only a garage can help. The vehicle is taken there on a flatbed, especially since a vehicle with a locked steering wheel can't be towed safely anyway. Further diagnosis in Car won't start.

Helpful details on the phone

• Whether the steering wheel is locked, or just the key won't turn
• Where the vehicle is (street, car park, kerb)
• Make, model, key type (traditional or keyless-go)
• Manual or automatic

What type of lock does your car have?

On older and many simple vehicles, a mechanical steering lock is used: remove the key and turn the wheel slightly, and a pin engages the steering column, usually with an audible click. Newer vehicles often have an electric steering-column lock controlled by the control unit. There's no key turning against mechanical resistance any more, just a message in the instrument cluster or a car that doesn't respond to start. If you don't know which type your car has, the handbook's section on the "steering lock" or "starting the engine" will tell you.

How to recognise the cause

• The key won't turn to the ignition position, the steering wheel won't budge: typical of a strained mechanical lock.
• The key turns, but the starter stays silent: the cause is more likely the battery, the immobiliser, or the starter motor than the steering lock, see Car won't start.
• The steering suddenly feels locked while driving: that's an emergency unrelated to parking. See Power steering failure.

Keyless-go: starting by button

On vehicles with a start button, the steering lock releases as soon as the car detects the key inside and you press the button, usually with the brake pedal pressed on an automatic. If the car doesn't detect the key, the key-fob battery may be flat. Many manufacturers provide an emergency start where you hold the key against a specific spot on the steering wheel, the centre console, or directly against the start button. Where exactly is in your model's handbook. Whether your vehicle supports this can't be said in general here.

What to avoid

• No force with a lever, hammer, pliers, or a key extension. A key that snaps off in the lock turns a quick fix into a garage job.
• Don't spray lubricant into the ignition lock on the off-chance. Some products gum things up, and modern ignition locks contain electronics.
• Don't alternate jerkily between the spare key and the original. If the original is worn, the spare often works better, but jerking doesn't help with either.

After releasing it: a quick check

Once the lock has released, it's worth looking at the key: if the edges are badly worn or the bit is bent, have a new one cut before the key gets stuck in the lock. If the key looks fine but it jams regularly, the ignition lock itself may be worn. That's a garage matter, but not a case for a towing service, as long as the lock releases and the vehicle starts normally.