What do you do if your car key won’t turn?

What causes the ignition to lock up?

The ignition is mechanically connected to your steering wheel lock. This is for safety reasons, should a thief try to steer the car without the key. When a person turns their car off with the steering wheel turned, or tries to turn the wheel after the car has been turned off, the wheel and the ignition key can lock up.

Why is my steering wheel locked and my key won’t turn?

Why won’t my car start if the battery isn’t dead?

If the car starts right away, your problem is most likely a dead battery. Charge the battery and clean the terminals and cable connectors to ensure good contact. If your car does not start by jump-starting, you may have a problem with your starter, alternator or another component of the electrical system.