Hello. I'm visiting my mom who has a 2005 TSX. Got in the car last night, stopped at a convenience store, got back in to drive away - I could not turn the ignition - for about 20 minutes until I figured out if you move the steering wheel back and forth violently while turning the key, the ignition will eventually turn. The steering wheel itself can be unlocked, but the ignition switch will not move - like it's the wrong key. Any idea what the problem is exactly andwhat is the fix. I really need to take care of this. Thanks.

 

Ummm.... This is an anti-theft feature. Toyota's do it too!

Just don't leave the wheel turned when you park, then tug on it like a handle when you get in/out of the car.

This locks the steering column so no one can tow your car away easily. Almost all cars do it these days.

 

Thank you for your reply. I think this might be a different situation though. Something new. I'm familiar with the car and have driven it many times since it was purchased in 2005. This has never happened before now. Never happened in my past FJ Cruiser or Camry either. When it happened last night the wheel was straight.

 

Additionally, I'm not talking about the steering wheel or steering column being lock. (they are not). It is the key in the ignition that will not turn in either direction. So you can not turn the car on or shift the gear lever.

 

After discussing the problem with the service advisor, they thought it was the ignition lock or the cylinder itself. But when the technician looked at it, he noticed that the key was badly worn down (it was the original) and asked if I had a spare. I went back to my mother's and found it. And the technician found that it had no problem turning and unlocking the cylinder! Cool. That saved me a lot of money! Having said that they did find a leaky water pump (which they had to get an off-brand replacement as Acura had none to be ordered and I couldn't even find a Honda one in my area). That along with an oil change, the front brake pads & rotor resurfacing and the drive belt replacement left a hefty bill. BUT she's all set now. And for a 15 year old car, that's pretty much just wear and tear items. She looks fantastic and runs very well. Only an Acura, Honda or Toyota could pull this off! I highly recommend this generation of the TSX (2004-2009) if you can find one with no accidents and reasonable miles. I actually influenced my mother to get this as I was living in Britain from 2001 - 2004 and these were being sold as European Honda Accord's before being brought to the states and re-badged as Acura's.