We have a 1998 Honda Accord with less than 100,000 miles and I cannot get the key to turn the ignition on. The steering wheel is locked and I cannot move it (used to jiggle to get the key to turn the switch). I don't know what this could be and wonder if any one has had this problem. I worry that this is a problem that is huge! The car is sitting and I cannot start it to get it to a mechanic for diagnosis. Any help out there?

 

welcome enjoy your stay...ask you questions in the Gen tech area of the forum.

 

try pulling the steering wheel hard to one direction which ever the opposite way the wheels are turned. In a 98-02 accord the steering will lock if touched after the key is taken out for theft problems. And the key should go in with no problems.

 

Yeah, turn the steering wheel one way or the other to remove pressure from the locking mechanism.

 

Hey, thanks for the info. I do know about turning the steering wheel, but it is not budging this time. Therein lies the problem. It started happening about a week ago, all of a sudden it was getting stuck and the wheel is not moving at all. The key turns a little in the ignition switch but not all the way. Could it be the ignition switch itself? The starter? Don't know what to do since the car is immobile at this point.

Thanks again for your help. Any other insights?

 

I can't remember the inputs for the key lock. Put on the e-brake. Use the key to release the shifter to N. Then try to turn the key in the ignition switch.

Maybe check for a blown fuse.

If you have another key that you use, try that as well.

 

Thanks for the tip/s. I'll give it a try. We did try our second key...to no avail, still "stuck". The fuse is a thought as well. I'll check that out to. I'll be back once I give it a try. I hate to give up on this car, she's been a good runner and my mother does love her.

Happy New Year!

 

Previous requests on starting the ignition, it worked and the car is in order. However, new problems! I brought the car in for brakes all 'round and the engine light came on. I was told it needed a catalytic converter and of course, I'm ready for inspection. Seems like a lot of work coming down the road and I'm never sure what's right and what's wrong! I'm charged $150 for "diagnostics" for the computer to tell us its the cat. Any insights on this? When I'm having to spend hundreds on brakes, now probably a G on the cat, just looking for expert insight. I realize the car is old and things need to be done, just double checking.

 

If you can, do you have the actual code? Something like "P0420". Could be the cat but there are a few other things that could set this code--old, slow O2 sensors.