The key to my 2006 New Beetle TDI won't turn in the ignition

Asked by midnitebluebeetle06 Jul 06, 2011 at 11:41 AM about the 2006 Volkswagen Beetle TDI

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

This has happened a few times before and all I would have to do is turn the wheel at the same time as I turned the key. Now the steering wheel is locked and I can't get it to turn at all. I called a mechanic at a VW dealer and he said to turn the wheel in the middle of the locked position and tap on the key a few times before turning it to unlock the tumblers. I did. And nothing happened. I moved the steering wheel up and down pretty hard while turning the key and got it to turn, but only once... it won't do it again to save my life.

What's wrong?
Are the tumblers or the pin in the ignition messed up?
Is the key worn out? Should I just get another one? Does the key I have noe have a chip in it?
Could it be that the alarm is still set and that's why the key won't turn? (I don't really think that, but still...)

6 Answers
735

herokid672 answered 13 years ago

Most likely you do have a chip in your key, but that's not the problem. The steering wheel is locked and in order to turn the key you have to somehow jiggle the steering wheel left or right while turning the key in an attempt to unlock it. When you get out of the car do you use the steering wheel to help you get out? If so you could have warped the tumblers from too much pressure and constant use.

12 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
430

IVY answered 9 years ago

I have the same problem. I also turned the steering wheel a lot. I put the key and put in out several times. Nothing works! My husband has the same exact problem with his key, so it's not the fault of the key. I'm about ready to give up and sell this used car that I've only owned a month!!!. Does anyone really know the answer to this question???

6 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

Kenisha answered 7 years ago

When the key won't turn in the ignition its because the steering wheel is locked. I just had this issue I didn't know what was going on lol. I turned it to the left and that worked.

Mark helpful
40

Sophia answered 7 years ago

That originally worked with mine but today it locked the wheel and now turning to the left does nothing. Does anybody know?

4 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
20

Alice answered 7 years ago

I have no answer,I'm waiting to find out how to get this key turned in the ignition, the wheel is locked and what the hec' is a tumbler?

1 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
20

Alice answered 7 years ago

I'm trying to get a battery in my keyfob, somebody tell me how

1 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • The key to my 2006 New Beetle TDI won't turn in the ignition 6 Answers

    This has happened a few times before and all I would have to do is turn the wheel at the same time as I turned the key. Now the steering wheel is locked and I can't get it to turn at all. I called a m...

    2006 Volkswagen Beetle TDI

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • HELP!!! Cannot turn off my 2012 Beetle, key won't come off the ignition cylinder 20 Answers

    My car is running, cannot take the key out of the ignition. Called the dealer and they said it will cost from $500 to $700 to replace the cylinder. What are my options, can a locksmith help me for le...

    2012 Volkswagen Beetle

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • I own a 2007 Beetle and the last two days the key won't turn in the ignition. 2 Answers

    2007 Beetle convertible. Key won't turn in the ignition. When I go to turn the steering wheel it locks and then I have to rock the steering wheel back and forth until it starts. I've owned the car f...

    2007 Volkswagen Beetle 2.5L Convertible

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Key won't turn when put in ignition 2 Answers

    Help! My 2016 turbo beetle with 4500 miles has been giving me a fit. The key will go into the ignition but not turn over. This doesn't always happen but when it does it will go on for 10to 25 minut...

    2016 Volkswagen Beetle 1.8T S

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Can't Turn Key in the Ignition Switch OFTEN--- 25 Answers

    I just purchased a 2010 Beetle a month ago. The car is adorable. I've always wanted to drive a Beetle but now I hate I!!! I sit in my smoldering car in 90 degree heat UNABLE to turn the key in the ign...

    2010 Volkswagen Beetle 2.5L Convertible

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

Beetle

Looking for a Used Beetle in your area?

CarGurus has 168 nationwide Beetle listings starting at $4,490.

Postal Code:

Shortcuts

Search Volkswagen Beetle Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    tenspeed
    Reputation
    3,220
  • #2
    Chris Billings
    Reputation
    2,980
  • #3
    Deathjam4
    Reputation
    2,150
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used MINI Cooper
38 Great Deals out of 708 listings starting at $4,495
Used Jeep Wrangler
131 Great Deals out of 5,022 listings starting at $4,500
Used Honda Civic
195 Great Deals out of 4,045 listings starting at $2,995
Used Toyota Camry
66 Great Deals out of 1,087 listings starting at $3,500
Used Volkswagen Jetta
63 Great Deals out of 1,958 listings starting at $2,495
Used Volkswagen Golf
24 Great Deals out of 454 listings starting at $3,500
Used Volkswagen Eos
37 listings starting at $6,999
Used BMW 3 Series
66 Great Deals out of 1,240 listings starting at $2,950
Used Ford Mustang
54 Great Deals out of 1,375 listings starting at $4,995
Used Honda CR-V
88 Great Deals out of 4,420 listings starting at $1,695
Used Toyota Corolla
147 Great Deals out of 2,420 listings starting at $4,690
Used Porsche 911
23 Great Deals out of 482 listings starting at $21,888
Used Volkswagen Golf GTI
28 Great Deals out of 648 listings starting at $5,888

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.