Steering/Key ect Total Lockdown |

[804jim]

My 1995 540i is totally locked down. I can't get the key to move in the ignition and the steering is totally locked in place with no play. The only things working are the security system, interior lights and the locks.
Even the headlights will not come on. Emergency warning lights work too.

The last time we were in the car my seven year old yanked the steering wheel as I was turning off the car and removing the key.
If he damaged the steering so that I can't get the key to turn would you expect these type of symptoms? Is it something I can easily fix or do I need to have it towed to the dealer?

Could it be something else?
Is this how the drive away theft protection works? Other potential problems? Many thanks in advance.

[BeelZibub]

I had a very similar problem last year in my old peugeot - I arrived home to find I could not turn the ignition key to stop the engine.

It turned out that when I eventually managed to get the ignition to bits a part of the barrel had broken off, causing the rest of the barrel to collapse and hold the key in. It akes a bit of forcing to get the key out and then you will need someone to come and replace the barrel/lock.

Good Luck

[804jim]

Turns out the system was locked out. I cut power by disconnecting the battery for an hour and it reset itself.