Key would NOT turn

[librarianjen]

I backed up my Versa this morning, and realized I had forgotten something inside. Turned the car off, took the keys with me. Came back, and the key would not turn, AT ALL. That totally unnerved me. I wiggled the gear shift, and tried to turn my steering wheel, but it was locked (it seemed) - would only move about a 1/4 inch each way.

After several tries, between wiggling the wheel and turning the key, it finally turned over. Oddly, this happened to my boss's toyota last week, and the problem was her key was bad - but her car is OLD. What happened???

Thanks,librarianjen

[biggie]

The key lock/steering wheel lock is pretty common, just have to wiggle the key and wheel like you did.

[librarianjen]

Do you mean it's common with any car, or is this a common problem with the Versa?? (Is it even considered a 'problem'??)

[biggie]

Do you mean it's common with any car, or is this a common problem with the Versa?? (Is it even considered a 'problem'??)

Common with any car I've been in. Its not really a problem, I'm sure its some kind of safety thing.

[reyes1212]

I did that to my car yesterday when I was taking pictures, I turned the wheel when it was off and it locked. Just turn the wheel left when inserting the key then turn the car on like normal.

[boingo82]

From what I've heard the steering wheel lock thing is common on japanese cars. It's happened to me once in my Sentra. Not yet in the V. All you have to do though is wiggle the wheel while you try and start.

[giggles]

That's what happened to me when my ignition went out. I had a hard time getting the key to turn several times and finally one day after work it just completely locked up. Wouldn't turn even a quarter of an inch, I even had one of the guys from my office come down and try and get it to turn but no luck. Ended up that I had to get the ignition replaced. Hopefully that's not what's going on with you, but keep a watch on it just in case

[reyes1212]

/wtf...if the wheel doesn't turn and neither does your key, it's the lock, if its just your key then its a problem, but maybe you guys tried too hard to turn it and messed it up, but just pull the steering wheel left when turning the key and it'll unlock

[librarianjen]

Thanks everyone, for your input - I appreciate it!

[Ever Victorious]

Common with any car I've been in. Its not really a problem, I'm sure its some kind of safety thing.

Combination of safety and anti-theft.

The safety part is in case your car slips into neutral and doesn't have a working parking brake engaged on it, it will continue to turn predictably in one direction, rather than "where the wind blows".

The anti-theft part is to deter a thief from stealing it by locking the column in one position. Unfortunately, thieves found a way around this REAL fast, so it only works on the dumbest of criminals.

[Driving Instructor]

Too funny, I do this trick to my students........... on the FIRST lesson. If I did not tell them what is going on, they would be there all DAY!!

When I drove tow truck, I had many calls where I would go and perform a magic trick and unlock the steering wheel in 2 secs.

Use some muscle and turn the wheel........... or call Roadside..haha

[justmerging]

I know exactly what you mean about towing. I used to love the calls where "my car won't start" Show up only to find the gear selector in drive.