Has anyone ever had problems starting the car? I mean physically turning the knob? We've had our '06 since July last year and I'd say that it has happened at least 4 or 5 times. Feels like you almost are going to break the knob. You have to force it. Like in my previous car when the wheel was turned too much.
Anyone else had this happen?

 

make sure there is no strain on the steering wheel.
sometimes the wheel is putting pressure on the steering lock mechanism, and that inturn is also putting pressure on the start knob.
when that happens to me, I just put some pressure on the steering wheel to relieve the strain, and its gone.

 

Like sotiro said, just rock the steering wheel a bit. First time it happened I was a little stumped but once I realized it was just the steering lock it's been no problem for the occasional repeat.

 

Also make sure that the key is on you, and not in your coat pocket in the back seat or the front passenger seat. If it doesn't sense the fob, or is you try to turn the key immediately as your sitting down it won't turn.

 

I still have trouble.....I've owned the car since July and I probably have about a 70% first-time success rate starting the car. It's embarrassing. Maybe cars bought in July are hard to start.....

 

Do you keep your fob, and your cell phone in the same pocket? I think I read in a thread somewhere that some cell phones may interfere with the signal from the fob.

 

well does this happen with either fob or just one.
if both, you could have a problem with the LF receiver in the car which is supposed to detect the FOB in the car.

 

I have had an occasional problem turning the "key" and plan on mentioning it the next time it's at the dealer. Yes, I've had the fob in my pocket.

LL

 

It is a proven fact, RL's bought in July have starting problems.



Not, sorry couldn't resist.

 

My FOB is in the left pocket, while my phone is on the right side.

I don't always remember to wiggle the wheel before trying to fire it up. It would be nice if the steering wheel moved once the car was actually started to avoid the jumping wheel whenever I have to retry.

Rob144

 

No way! Drivers who bought in July have starting problems!

[I couldn't resist, either.]

 

the LF sensor is in the center of the dash.
simple and stupid solution... maybe isnt relevant, but could it be that the phone is interfering due to its proximity, closer than the fob?
My blackberry causes issues when they are too close, so knowing that and knowing that the sensor is located in the middle of the dash, maybe its a proximity issue.

 

Is your driveway on an incline? Mine is -- and if the wheel isn't straight when the car is parked, I have to pull the wheel over some to release the tension in the steering system to allow me to turn the key.

I've had to do this with every car I've ever owned and parked at this house, starting in 1985.... except for my 1988 SAAB 9000, which strangely had no interlock with the key. But it was a SAAB, and, well, you just sort of have to expect these things.

 

I've intermittently suffered this issue and find it irritating.