In 1969 or 1970 General Motors moved the ignition lock from the dash board to the steering column. This allowed the ignition lock to also lock the gear shifter on the column and the steering wheel. The other car manufacturers also started placing the ignition lock on the steering column and they also locked the gear shifter and the steering wheel. The above service call to the locksmith was, and still is in most cases the result of the locking steering wheel.

I am not up on how steering wheels are locked these days, since I stopped working on automotive locks in 2004. I imagine the locking steering wheel has not changed much since 2004. Usually domestic cars (made in the USA) locked the steering wheel with a spring loaded steel pin. The steel pin would fall into one of many slots formed into a steel disc. The slotted disc was usually just under the steering wheel.

Foreign cars (not originally made in the USA) used a different locking mechanism to lock the steering wheel. This involved a large spring loaded steel pin which was part of the ignition lock assembly. The steel pin would fall directly into a slot cut into the steering shaft. It was much more common for a foreign car to jam up the ignition key because turning the key retracted the large locking pin from the steering shaft. If there was any turning torque on the steering wheel when the car was turned off, the steering shaft would pinch the steel locking pin and make it near impossible to turn the key in the ignition lock.

If you find yourself in this scenario, the car started fine when you left the house, you arrived at your destination and turned the car off. When you returned to the car to head to your next destination you cannot turn the key to start the car. Don’t panic yet. While you are applying turning pressure on the ignition key, forcefully turn the steering wheel left and right. This should relieve the pressure on the steering wheel lock and allow the key to turn. If this does not work try shaking the gear shifter, even if it is between the seats. I noticed in newer cars many components are connected with cabling. If you forget to put the transmission in park before you turn the car off you will not be able to remove the key from the ignition until the shifter is moved to PARK.

One last ditch effort you can try if your ignition key will not turn is to vibrate the lock through the key. There is a chance a lock tumbler is stuck. Insert your key. Use the heel of your shoe or something similar to tap on the end of your key. Tap light and fast, the object is to vibrate a stuck tumbler loose.

 DO NOT SPRAY ANY LIQUID LUBRICANT INTO THE IGNITION LOCK. There is a risk you will short out something electronic. This might result in a towing charge and expensive repair bill. It might cause a fire!

If these simple steps do not get you going then it is time to call a reputable locksmith who works on cars. There are many good locksmiths who have stopped working on cars. Many locksmiths find a specialty or a niche market and conclude it is not cost effective to stay current in every specialty of the locksmith trade.

It is best to find a locksmith or locksmiths you can trust and rely on before you need one. The best way to find a local locksmith is to ask around. Who does your employer use for locksmith service? Ask your friends at the gym, church or night class. Someone you know uses a locksmith, maybe on a regular basis. If there is a locksmith shop you pass by on the way to work stop by and get their business card. Ask them if they work on cars, or who would they recommend for automotive lock work. Confident successful locksmiths sincerely want to help the customer get what they need, even if it means sending the customer to another locksmith.