Hi everyone. Just went out to start my 2005 RL, and I can't turn the ignition key. I remember that sometimes the steering wheel disables the key if it's in a certain position, so I turned the steering wheel, and it still won't start. Now the steering wheel won't turn at all (sounds like it ratcheted in to a position). Any ideas? Please help. I'm searching old threads right now. Thanks!

 

im not sure if this is the case....but some cars have a LOCK position for the key to start...my moms GX has it...i think most toyotas and lexus's have it too...try jiggling the steeringwheel and turning the key...that might work...

 

The steering wheel won't move at ALL now. Not even a quarter of an inch. Can't jiggle it. THIS SUCKS! It's the day before Thanksgiving, and the nearest Acura dealership is 2 hours away.

 

u could call the dealership and ask them for assistance...this might be a fail safe thing...for burglars and things like that...maybe they can walk u through something

 

I have had that happen and it would only jiggle a little bit and at the same time I keep trying to turn the ignition - and it eventually worked. But if that doesn't work call roadside assistance and your dealer and have it towed there.

 

Usually what happens is that tension in the steering system causes the steering wheel lock to bind against the lock pawl -- that's why turning it a little can help. This can happen in any car.

I'd pop the cover off the keyswitch and insert the backup key in there -- might give you a little more leverage. Wiggling, not forcing, should do the trick. You probably turned it so much that it went to the next ratchet stop and it's locked up there against the pressure from the suspension and tires.

If it completely doesn't work, and you have a floor jack, you could jacking up the front of the car (i.e. get both front wheels off the ground.) -- that should release the tension in the steering system and give you enough play to turn the wheel. But only do that if you know how to safely get both front wheels off the ground (i.e. floor jack and jackstands... don't try it with your tire jack!)

 

My gut feeling is that vik and jftjr are correct in their suggested solution to your problem. Another thing to consider, while you are "jiggling" the steering wheel, make sure that you push the ignition "knob" in fully before you turn it. It is possible that, if you are focused on the steering wheel, you have not remembered to push the ignition knob in fully before you turn it. Good luck.

 

Make sure you push in the knob.

 

Thank you everyone! I finally got it working. I was making sure to push it in. I sat inside for a bit, let myself cool down, then went out and jiggled and turned over and over and finally it worked. Talk about frustrating. Thanks for the input guys!

 

Good advice for any situation where things don't work - take a step back, calm down, think through the solution and THEN act to fix the situation. Unfortunately, it is easier said than done when you are really pissed off.

 

How true. I usually start throwing stuff . . .

 

That is how I end up when the red wings start losing big games. Poor cell phones....