Note - the last time I parked my car, I cranked the wheels all the way to the left, because I wanted to see the tread wear on my tires. Ever since my car has been unable to start. The ignition doesn't turn past ACC. I've cranked my wheels back and forth from one side to the other, while attempting to turn the key. The steering wheel unlocks and I can re-lock it as well. I've put graphite powder in the lock. The locks and the electrical components became faint, but it's possibly because I was constantly trying to turn it. I've looked around online and dirty or worn tumblers seems to be possible. Maybe something electrical or the weak battery signal. I have it at a random mechanic now that AAA took it to, but I think they're milking me or clueless, but I've received little to no feedback from them and they ordered 2 parts including a starter, without consulting with me and the lady at the desk tells me she will call me back but never does. I've yet to talk to anyone of the mechanics about the car. I'm highly skeptical that it's the starter ($189 for the part - which seems high), but that's what they are attempting to do first, but I told her to hold off for now.
First things first, if you can not turn the key lock past ACC you are not doing anything with the starter. The problem with the lock must be in the lock or the linkage connected to it.
The price for the starter may be fair depending on where it is coming from.
You have to be able to turn the key to the start position before anything happens with the starter.
Thank you! I'm picking up my car today and having it towed elsewhere or I may continue trying to trouble solve it myself. They wanted to put in a starter and charge 6 hours labor for something that's not even needed. From what I've been reading online it's not uncommon for mechanics to have a rough time figuring out this issue. When It comes to cars I'm a dingbat, but I've been making more of an effort to understand some of the inner workings lately. I'm fairly certain that cranking my wheels all the way to the left is what created the problem. Is the lock linkage out of alignment potentially? Also the juice in my battery became really weak over the course of trouble shooting. Could the whole thing be electrical in some way (alarm system)? Would disengaging the battery be beneficial at all? Dirty tumblers seems to come up a lot as well.
Several other people had this happen to them upon cranking their wheels after parking. Particularly if they were on a hill, which I was.
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SOURCE: Can't start the car - key will not turn.
I don't know the answer cause I don't have this car, But sometimes keys are pressed too far in, try pull the key out just a hair and trying it there, also make sure the car is in park and try pressing the brake too.
SOURCE: Ignition is locked
I had the same exact problem tonight. My key would not turn the ignition. I could not start by pulling the steering wheel and the tow company could not tow it out of the garage, BUT before this happened as I was driving the car earlier in the day, I noticed it was very difficult to drive and got concerned.
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