Expert: Dan Roberts - 9/11/2006

Question
Hi, Sometimes in the morning when I try to satrt my car, the keys would not turn at all. I will be unable to press the brakes or move the steering. After playing around with these components for some time, i am able to start pretty well. But can you tell me why this situation would occur?

Thanks,
Vibhav

Answer
Vibhav,
There is absolutely nothing that will prohibit you from pressing the brakes. When the key will not turn that means when you were getting out of the car the night before you either brushed the steering wheel with your leg or you used it as a handle to help yourself out of the car. When this happened you engaged the steering lock, it is a mechanism inside of the steering column designed to keep the steering wheel from turning with no keys in the ignition so people cannot pull the car onto a tow truck. To turn the key after the lock has been engaged just turn the steering wheel to the side to release the mechanical tension from the lock. Don't worry, there is nothing wrong with your car. It is supposed to work this way. All cars since the 1960's do this, BMW's are just a little harder to release than others. And please in the future provide a little bit more detailed info as to the year and engine/transmission of the vehicle so we can provide you with more accurate answers. Good luck.