Brake Check

Hello all, it's spring time here and I'm finally able to get some quality street time with my recently purchased RX-8.

Make that finally WAS able to...some wierd gremlin popped up right as I was leaving town to visit family for Easter. Got the RX-8 loaded up, jumped in the driver's seat, inserted the key and turned - only to find that the key physically wouldn't turn on the console. Being way behind schedule I did what any male would have done in this situation, I just kept trying. And trying. And trying. After a couple of minutes, the key finally twisted and my car roared to life with no issues. Got home and drove it a lot for about a week without problems. Then a couple weekends ago I tried to fire it up again and boom, the key wouldn't turn again. I tried my backup key and valet key thinking it might be a chip problem, but no dice. When I say the key won't turn, I mean it won't turn in either direction, just won't budge a bit. I've looked in the manual, searched this site, and used Google to no avail, so now it is with much frustration and embarrassement that I turn to you all. I figure if it's something easy, better find it out here before calling the dealer.

Anybody ever seen this kind of problem before? With any car???

XRX8X

OK OK COOL DOWN! working here at a dealership at times some of the sales people cut the car off while holding the steeringwheel which makes the next person trying to start it have a hard time.when holding the wheel before you cut it off might in some cases cause the car to lock up the key cylinder and you need to pull the wheel left or right to have the key to turn...try this next time and hope all go's well!!!

Brake Check

Hey I'm cool, just wordy.

I asked another friend about it over a break - this one more knowledgeable about cars than most - and he suggested something very similar. So I'll definitely give it a shot tonight.

18bsTiRX8

That should do it.....I just hope you didn't break it when you forced it to turn earlier?!

snkpkp

Yes i suggest the same as XRX8X.

Glyphon

yup. not on my rx8, but on several other cars that i've driven in the past. using the method XRX8X listed has always worked for me in the past.

Brake Check

Thanks XRX8X, that did the trick! Got to drive the 8 around last night. Now it's supposed to rain today for the first time in over a week.

SoFL_RX8

Scream, curse at and hit your steering wheel over and over again, it'll fix itself JK

Had it happen when I was installing my clearcorners cuz I was cranking the wheel all the way over then taking the key out... very frustrating, I have to admit, but a little jarring of the wheel back and forthe while turning the key does it.

Asmoran

I had a similar problem in a new civic a few years ago. The key just wouldn't turn, and I'd have to take it out and put it back in, jiggle it around, and just mess with it for about 5 minutes before it'd turn. Took it to the dealer and they sprayed a silicone version of WD-40 into the lock and on the key, lubbed up all the little parts, and everything worked great.

mysql101

What you describe usually happens if the keys are out and the steering wheel has turned enough to "lock". This prevents someone from turning the wheels of your car after breaking in and pushing it where they want.

Once locked, your keys will not turn properly. Just grab hold of the steering wheel and turn it to either side and you'll find the key will now turn.

Far as I know, every car I've ever owned does this. Strange it seems new to you guys.

18bsTiRX8

It is not a "problem", like ^ mentioned, it is a security feature I think nearly every car made recently has it but not a lot of people turn the wheel to engage it.

snkpkp

for me its part of my instinct to check the steering lock, I dont even notice I do it, after reading this post when i go in to my car I did it and remembered AHA thats why I never notice the lock, its in every vehicle I have ever driven or owned. Its probably the same for a lot of you guys also.

SoFL_RX8

If you park you car on a incline you're supposed to face you front wheels to the curb, so that (if) your car starts rolling it will roll into the curb and stop. The wheel lock keeps it cranked over towards the curb. Like yall said, a safety feature.

XRX8X

glad it worked out i quess we all learn a little more each day!take it easy and enjoy your car!!