When I go to start my 2005 330cic the key will not turn unless I shake the steering wheel. After I do that the key will turn and the car will start just fine. This seems to happen when ever the car is parked and the wheels are not straight. The dealer says this is normal for the steering wheel to lock. Doesn't seem right to me. Is the dealer right?
Is it normal to have a locked steering wheel?
- Thread starter Steve176
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Its probably locked over 75% of the time. For it not to happen the wheels have to be straight, and if you wiggle the wheel it will lock. If the steering wheel is off center and you don't move it after stopping it will lock as well. It is annoying as I have to remind anyone who drives the vehice of this issue. I am taking it into the dealership for a couple other issues on Monday and am going to have them check it out. But, I have a strong feeling they are going to say it is normal. I have only had this happen on one other car that I have owned a pontiac SSEI and that was rare. This is my first BMW.........maybe this is how they make their cars.......
The wheel is supposed to lock, just dont rub it or touch it on your way out and it will not lock. I would never over emphasize something like that, just move the wheel a tiny bit and turn the key, and you're off. Also, you're not supposed to park the car with the wheels turned. I observed an old POS car's rear bumper scrape against a parked VW's front wheel tire, as expected the driver just kept on going even though he slightly tore his bumper off. Think of that next time you park with the wheels turned.
Out of curiosity, what other issues will you be bringing it in for?
Out of curiosity, what other issues will you be bringing it in for?
i agree with the other posts, this is a normal thing for all vehicles, it is a security device. When you turn off the car and turn the steering wheel then the ignition locks to prevent theft. I have noticed that Japanese cars steering wheels are less sensitive to the lock but then again the keys they use are also interchangeable.
Steering lock is mechanical in nature - in that the wheel is directly and mechanically locked to the keys - since they are so close to each other. This is very normal in modern cars.
Also, if you do not have the habit, do develop to turn the wheel left/right until it is locked when you take the keys out off completely. That will 'engage' the security aspect of wheel.
My 2cents
Also, if you do not have the habit, do develop to turn the wheel left/right until it is locked when you take the keys out off completely. That will 'engage' the security aspect of wheel.
My 2cents
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