Ford Fiesta ignition won't turn

The Pheasant2

The ignition in my 2010 fiesta won't turn at all, completely locked - lights on the dash don't even illuminate when the key is inserted.

I suspected the chip in the key for the immobiliser was gone but my replacement key doesn't work either so I'm not sure it's that...

I now suspect it could be that the steering wheel could be locked and that's what's stopping the ignition. The car is stranded away from my house so I haven't been able to try the fix for that but beforehand when I was fiddling around I pull the release lever for the steering wheel adjustment and the column was locked but I wasn't able to revert the lever back...will this prevent me from just turning the wheel to a point where I can release the lock on the ignition? Or have I just ****ed that completely?

Thanks a mil for the help

JinkyJackson

How do you know its not a drained battery? Have you tried pushing or jump starting it

The Pheasant2

JinkyJackson wrote: »

How do you know its not a drained battery? Have you tried pushing or jump starting it

All the electrics work fine, it's just the ignition won't turn whatsoever

JinkyJackson

Sorry, when you said none of the lights on dash would light ect I presumed no electrics

Atomic Pineapple

Same thing happened my brother on his 2010 Fiesta, a piece either inside the ignition or the steering column broke if I remember correctly, it was as if the steering lock was engaged but there was no moving the steering wheel at all.

He called out the AA but they couldn't fix it and it had to be brought to Ford to be fixed, cost around €300 if I remember correctly.

FortySeven

Have you tried pulling the steering wheel to left and right while trying to turn the key?

The Pheasant2

JinkyJackson wrote: »

Sorry, when you said none of the lights on dash would light ect I presumed no electrics

Apologies, should've been clearer - I just meant the dash lights which will come on usually when the ignition is turned

The Pheasant2

Atomic Pineapple wrote: »

Same thing happened my brother on his 2010 Fiesta, a piece either inside the ignition or the steering column broke if I remember correctly, it was as if the steering lock was engaged but there was no moving the steering wheel at all.

He called out the AA but they couldn't fix it and it had to be brought to Ford to be fixed, cost around €300 if I remember correctly.

Sweet christ I really hope this isn't it

FortySeven wrote: »

Have you tried pulling the steering wheel to left and right while trying to turn the key?

I haven't yet - I'm going to go back to the car soon and try this...I was wondering though, since I released the lever for the steering wheel adjustment will this still work? Upon releasing the lever the column remained locked and the lever couldn't be reverted.

Henry Ford III

Ignition doesn't "turn". Starter motor does however so that might be your issue - or perhaps a battery in decline.

Try using another car and a set of jump leads.

If it starts that way chances are it's your battery or aternator that's the problem.

Atlantic Dawn

Turning the wheel left and right with the ignition set to On should allow the key to then turn

The Pheasant2

Henry Ford III wrote: »

Ignition doesn't "turn". Starter motor does however so that might be your issue - or perhaps a battery in decline.

Try using another car and a set of jump leads.

If it starts that way chances are it's your battery or aternator that's the problem.

You know what I mean, upon insertion the key can't be turned

But the lights etc. all work - surely that points to it not being the battery?

The Pheasant2

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

Turning the wheel left and right with the ignition set to On should allow the key to then turn

Will this work even though I've released the lever to adjust the steering wheel and it won't go back?

FortySeven

It sounds like the steering lock is engaged. This is normal op. Just pull the wheel as far left or right as you can and turn the key. Ignore the adjustment handle, this has nothing to do with it.

Henry Ford III

The Pheasant2 wrote: »

You know what I mean, upon insertion the key can't be turned

But the lights etc. all work - surely that points to it not being the battery?

Aha - if it's the key that won't turn it points to the ignition/sterring lock being engaged/jammed.

martinr5232

Is either of your front wheels against a kerb if so it will make it more difficult to dissengage the steering lock.

The Pheasant2

It was the steering lock, got it sorted!

Thanks so much for the help, you're a great bunch xx