Key will not turn, steering wheel isn’t locked

Lately when parking key will not come out of ignition unless I wiggle shifter in park. Now key will not turn at all and my steering wheel is not locked. Tried manually shift from neutral back to park, nothing, turned steering wheel nothing. Key unlocks/locks doors and dings when door open and in ignition.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello. It sounds like you are possibly having one of two different mechanical problems. The first includes the wearing out of the linkage between the transmission and the shift knob. The vehicle must read that the shifter is locked in park before the key can be removed as a safety feature. If the linkage is worn, and the vehicle is not reading it is locked in park, the key will not release. This can be corrected by having the linkage adjusted.

The second revolves around the ignition cylinder being worn and not aligning correctly. As we use the key over and over, the cylinder becomes capable of turning further than its supposed to. This may cause it to be misaligned and need to be replaced if the issues is bad enough. Due to your particular symptoms, I believe the issue is misadjusted shift linkage.

You should have the ignition issue adjusted by a professional, such as one from YourMechanic, if you do not have step by step instructions.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

The most common reasons a Jeep Grand Cherokee key won`t turn are a binding steering column/lock, an ignition switch issue, or a problem with the ignition key.
If your Jeep Wrangler`s key won`t turn, check to see if the transmission is in Park. Many models will prevent the key from turning if the car isn`t in park when turned off. Make sure your car`s parking brake is enabled before you do anything else.
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.
There are generally three possible reasons why your power steering is not working: Loss of power steering fluid. Power Steering Pump Failure. Electric Power Steering Malfunction.
A simple solution to getting the ignition key to turn may be as easy as checking the gear shift. In automatic cars, the ignition key won`t turn in the lock if it`s not parked or in neutral. Gently move the gear shift from side to side to check its fully in position, before trying to turn the key.
The three main reasons why an ignition key will not turn include: problems with related components, issues with the key itself, and ignition lock cylinder problems. Tip: Always make sure your parking brake is on to keep the vehicle secure when following these steps.
If the ignition switch is left in the “Lock” position, this will lock the car until it moves the key from the lock position. That means that if the ignition switch is in the locked position, no matter how you try, the engine will not start. That means, even if the battery is dead.
The two levers on the steering column contain controls for driving features you use most often. The left lever controls the turn signals, headlights, and high beams. The right lever controls the windshield washers and wipers.
The ignition switch has four positions: LOCK (0), ACCESSORY (I), ON (II), and START (III). Use this position only to start the engine. The switch returns to the ON (II) position when you let go of the ignition switch.
All you need to do is turn off your engine, then restart it so the light can reset. In most cases, it should come back on, and this only indicates that it may have thought it suspected a problem due to a mistake in the computer system.
While it is technically possible to drive the car with a failing electric power steering system, it is not going to get any better. The vehicle will need to be serviced as soon as possible. The module is still pulling excess power from the battery and robbing the rest of the vehicle.
Fortunately, this is often an easy fix. Simply grab a can of WD-40, silicon-based lubricant, graphite spray, or a dry lubricant and spray it into the keyway. Once it has been sprayed, insert the key so the lubricant will work into the locking mechanism.
Some common problems found on the 2008 Grand Cherokee include engine issues, failures to start, and transmission failures. Engine issues are the most widespread issue at around 100,000 miles. The main source of the problem is the swirl valve motor, which can cost over $3,500 to replace if it wears out.
The ignition relay is one of the most important electronic relays found on modern vehicles. It is usually located in the fuse and relay panel beneath the hood, and is responsible for providing power to the vehicle`s ignition system, and some of the fuel system`s components.
One of the first symptoms of a problem with the ignition module are engine performance issues. If the ignition module fails or has any problems it can lead to performance issues with the vehicle, such as misfires, hesitation, loss of power, and even reduced fuel economy.
You can use a WD 40 Spray, which is a lubricant to clean any dirt or loosen any solidified locking mechanism. After using a lubricant into the keyhole, you can try turning the keys in the same direction or both ways to unlock a steering wheel.
Lock-To-Lock Time is the time taken to turn the primary steering from full left lock to full right lock (or right to left). You can specify a different value for Lock-To-Lock Time Forwards and Lock-To-Lock Time Reverse.
A simple solution to getting the ignition key to turn may be as easy as checking the gear shift. In automatic cars, the ignition key won`t turn in the lock if it`s not parked or in neutral. Gently move the gear shift from side to side to check its fully in position, before trying to turn the key.
A simple solution to getting the ignition key to turn may be as easy as checking the gear shift. In automatic cars, the ignition key won`t turn in the lock if it`s not parked or in neutral. Gently move the gear shift from side to side to check its fully in position, before trying to turn the key.
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.

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.

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.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

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.

Read Full Q/A … : Key will not turn, steering wheel isn’t locked

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.

Read Full Q/A … : Key will not turn, steering wheel isn’t locked

Ignition won’t turn, steering wheel lock not engaged.
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. I’d be happy to provide my insight. It is possible the ignition mechanism is broken inside the steering column. I suggest trying to turn over your car with a spare key, to see if the ignition turns with the different key. If you do not have an extra key, then look at the key you have to see if it shows signs of wear. If it is, then have a copy made to see if that works.

If you would like help looking at your ignition system, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect and diagnose this issue for you, and make or suggest any repairs as needed.

Read Full Q/A … : Key will not turn, steering wheel isn’t locked

Steering wheel does not center
ANSWER : The problem to me sounds like you have worn out bushings that hold the power steering rack and pinion assembly. This is why your steering wheel gets off center in the direction of the turn. Have the steering inspected and the bushings replaced if they are bad. You should have no problems then.

Read Full Q/A … : Key will not turn, steering wheel isn’t locked

Hard to turn steering wheel when on park.
ANSWER : Hey there. There is a check valve in the power steering pump that quite often sticks after a rebuild. Since these are "restoration" components, they tend to sit on shelves longer than present-day parts. Tap lightly on the power steering pump housing and shaft with a hammer to "unstick" the check valve.

It is also possible that the control valve, which routes high pressure fluid to the "power assist" cylinder, is sticking or was not properly rebuilt. With this power assist system, which acts on the steering drag link to assist turning the front wheels, rather than through the gearbox itself – it is really irrelevant whether the steering gearbox is manual or power.

If you prefer some assistance with this issue, I would recommend having a steering system inspection conducted so that this issue can be repaired correctly.

Read Full Q/A … : Key will not turn, steering wheel isn’t locked

Steering wheel won’t lock. Yellow steering lock warning on dash. Only comes on when removing fob.
ANSWER : Hi there. The issue seems to be the shifter interlock solenoid may be malfunctioning causing the steering wheel lock to not release or not engage.

I suggest having the computer scanned for any codes that would be stored or pending for the steering system as there is a warning light on for the steering lock system. This will give you the correct item to check when dealing with your steering wheel not locking. If you need further assistance with the steering wheel not locking, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

Read Full Q/A … : Key will not turn, steering wheel isn’t locked

Key will not turn, steering wheel isn’t locked
ANSWER : Hello. It sounds like you are possibly having one of two different mechanical problems. The first includes the wearing out of the linkage between the transmission and the shift knob. The vehicle must read that the shifter is locked in park before the key can be removed as a safety feature. If the linkage is worn, and the vehicle is not reading it is locked in park, the key will not release. This can be corrected by having the linkage adjusted.

The second revolves around the ignition cylinder being worn and not aligning correctly. As we use the key over and over, the cylinder becomes capable of turning further than its supposed to. This may cause it to be misaligned and need to be replaced if the issues is bad enough. Due to your particular symptoms, I believe the issue is misadjusted shift linkage.

You should have the ignition issue adjusted by a professional, such as one from YourMechanic, if you do not have step by step instructions.

Read Full Q/A … : Key will not turn, steering wheel isn’t locked

Key won’t turn, Hyundai the steering wheel not locked can’t turn at all. Happened before but now key not turning 2007 Hyundai Sonata
ANSWER : Hi there – your symptoms suggest the key tumbler – the actual lock portion of the ignition switch – has a stuck pin/spring combination. I suggest squirting a bit of dry graphite lubricant into the key opening, then insert the key and work at turning the key. Other liquid light lubricants can also be used (WD-40 is the classic, but liquids attract dust and dirt, and have a bit of a smell. For assistance, I recommend a ignition key won’t turn inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, and give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

Read Full Q/A … : Key will not turn, steering wheel isn’t locked

Eric smoalih

I am a certified master technician with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), and I have been working as an auto mechanic for over 15 years. I am passionate about my work, and I take great pride in helping people keep their cars running smoothly.