So I get into my car to go to work yesterday and when I put the key in the ignition, it wouldn't turn. The steering wheel was locked and I couldn't do anything. I ended up taking a hammer and banging the ignition with the key in it and it finally turned. Any ideas on what the problem is? I don't have time until the weekend to get it fixed. Just frustrating. LOL.
Car Question
- Thread starter Alex_Ontario
- Start date
I drive a Ford van that suffers from the same problem now and then.
I keep an original key around to copy and that solves it for a year or two.
I keep an original key around to copy and that solves it for a year or two.
Turn the Steering wheel in the direction opposite the direction its currently locked in. It will be a little hard and you'll only be able to rotate a slight amount . Hold it there while turning the ignition key.
Too much to explain why, however this happens when the steering wheel (wheels) is(are) close to the end of its travel and the steering lock mechanism gets jammed up.
Nothing to Fix. (except the damage you caused by the hammer).
Too much to explain why, however this happens when the steering wheel (wheels) is(are) close to the end of its travel and the steering lock mechanism gets jammed up.
Nothing to Fix. (except the damage you caused by the hammer).
Had a similar problem with an older car that i owned (1970 Chevelle). If the steering wheel was locked, I had to move it "back and forth" to get the key to turn.
I figured that they would have solved this problem in newer cars
well, whenever you have a lock on an object that moves, there is nothing you can do to relieve the pressure if it locks with pressure on the moving part. All you have to do is park on a slight slope and the wheels will steer into the lock......
or it might be a Pontiac
I rented a brand new Pontiac Grand Am in Sudbury about four years ago. It had 33 km on it. I come out of my hotel the next morning and same as above. Of course, I got a different car but they said they all did that.
I rented a brand new Pontiac Grand Am in Sudbury about four years ago. It had 33 km on it. I come out of my hotel the next morning and same as above. Of course, I got a different car but they said they all did that.
You need lube!
It could be that the mechanism is old and will not turn easily, try a little dry graphite powder. You can get it at the big box hardware store or CDN tire.
It could be that the mechanism is old and will not turn easily, try a little dry graphite powder. You can get it at the big box hardware store or CDN tire.
