cant seem to pull my key out of my steering wheel. I cant tell if the car is going to park or what the problem could be. I tried to put the car in netural and I still cant pull it out!! Any Ideas of what it could be??? and how to fix it??
2007-12-03 14:19:37 · 9 answers · asked by k_kessler85 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The key in most newer model cars will not release unless the vehicle is in park, so putting it in neutral will not help.
When you think you have the vehicle in park, try to start it, if it starts, then it is in park, if it doesn't, then it is in reverse. Automatics as a rule will only start in park and neutral.
Your shifting mechancism on the steering column may be out of adjustment just enough to not allow the key to release.
2007-12-03 14:27:35 · answer #1 · answered by Michael H 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Is the car a manual or automatic?
If it's an automatic, make sure the car is in park. Then, turn the key towards you and make sure the flat part is facing you. If the key doesn't come out then, look and see if you have an unlock button (found on many late 1970s compact cars and some newer Japanese cars). Press the button while pulling the key.
If this doesn't work, try turning the steering wheel slightly towards the driver's side while pulling the key. The wheel will feel stiff, but just try it.
Now if the car is a manual (stick shift), put the car in neutral with the parking brake on. However, this won't work with Saabs, they require the car to be in reverse.
Hope this helps.
2007-12-03 14:29:35 · answer #2 · answered by WJGcaughtya 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, I had this problem the second day I was driving a Ford Free star, Company (Employer) owned van. I was sure something was broken, because the key just wouldn't turn. Then I remembered I had been holding the steering wheel turned with some torque on it when I shut it off. And I applied quite a bit of force to get the wheel to move about 1/2 an inch,(It would only go one way because the locking mechanism was solidly engaged,) Then the key turned easily! after turning it to the "Unlock" position, the steering wheel twisted about 1/2 a turn from the action of rubber on pavement. It took a VERY VIGOROUS twist to get the pressure off the column lock but that is jambing the key. Use two hands, it will move a little one way or the other, when it does the key will unlock easily!
2016-05-28 02:11:58 · answer #3 · answered by nakita 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This has happened to me before and you have to make sure the gear shift is completely in the "Park" position. Also, it's a "locking steering wheel" you'll need to tug the wheel to the left and turn the key immediately after to take it out. Hopefully this helps. I had to talk to someone at the dealership to get this information when it happened to me. Have a great day and good luck!
2007-12-03 14:28:41 · answer #4 · answered by XJerseyGal 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
check to see if there is a button on the column to press to realse the key or to get the ignition to go back to the lock position
2007-12-03 14:28:42 · answer #5 · answered by The Smart Redneck 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
wiggling steering wheel works for me
2007-12-03 15:01:37 · answer #6 · answered by Shay F 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you try wiggling your steering wheel?
2007-12-03 14:27:06 · answer #7 · answered by chuckbo 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
automatic cars have to be in park
2007-12-03 14:27:04 · answer #8 · answered by skifree 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
chuckbo @ax have the answers
2007-12-03 14:31:44 · answer #9 · answered by mjmik1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋