Ignition Key Won't Turn
 

My daughter and I both have 2003 SC-430's. Occasionaly when we try to turn the key it will not turn. The steering wheel must be jerked violently to "unlock" and then it will start. It has to be jerked in the direction that would straighten the wheels. Sometimes this takes several minutes. My mechanic said to always park with the wheels straight ahead, however it still happens even if they are just slightly turned. This happens in both cars so assume it is a common problem. Any comments?

I have not had this problem with the SC, but with other makes, it is often necessary to take any torque off the wheel before the key will turn.

Most car do, just a security feature. The steering will be locked if you turn it w/o the key inserted.

Yeah, this is a security feature called steering-wheel lock. To avoid this from happening, try not to use the steering wheel as a support while getting out of the car.

This is exactly what I was going to say. Usually we tend to use the steering wheel as a support and then it locks. so when we come back and try to turn the key it wont unless we turn the steering.
To avoid that I do the following:-
1- When I park my car and before shifting the gear to P, I first put my steering wheel straight. Then I press the leg break fully then I move the gear to park.
2- When I get out of the car I turn fully toward the door, push myself outside and but my feet on the ground. Then I stand up with my hands one on the door and the other one on the seat.

Hope this help
:)

or get out of the car before you pull the key

There should be no need to "jerk" the steering wheel "violently." The torque in the system is simply putting pressure on the key locking mechanism, and happens in all cars. It's usually mentioned in the manuals. Turning the wheel while applying pressure on the key will let you know when the pressure is released, allowing the key to turn.

Ignition Key Won't Turn
 

Thanks to everyone who answered. I just wanted to know if this is a common problem with the SC-430. Obviously it is. I will try to remember your good advice.

Shivett

It's a common problem with almost all cars made in the last 20 years. It's clearly inherent in the mechanics used, as an electric or electronic mechanism is surely not going to work for this situation.

I disagree that it is a common problem to the SC. It happened to me once or twice in two years. That is about the same average with my other two cars.

it's a feature, not a bug. :D

By common, I meant that it happens with all cars, but seldom.
I consider it a minor annoyance not mention-worthy.