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Car turned off while driving?
I just bought a 2009 Pontiac G6 and while we were driving it for the first time I accidentally hit the keys and turned the ignition, and thus the car, OFF while we were doing 55 down the highway. Our dealership and mechanic both aren't open, but basically I'm wondering if a car is supposed to be able to do this or if there's a serious problem with this car. Can you turn a car off while it's in drive and driving?
I do want to add that I wasn't sure exactly what happened at first, but realized immediately that there was a loss in power steering and that I was decelerating. Any good driver knows not to panic in such a circumstance and I was safely able coast to the shoulder before it stopped and I we realized what had happened. My only concern is if this is something that I should be able to do, or if my ignition switch or cylinder is broken. I have never turned a key off while driving before (why would I !!) and have no idea if this is something that is normal to be able to do :) Thank you all for your advice and time :)
3 Answers
- JoeLv 78 years agoFavorite Answer
You can - but you should not.
As you no doubt discovered, you lost power steering and power brakes. But, assuming that you stopped safely, you didn't hurt the car.
There may be an interlock to prevent you from removing the key with the car in "drive", but no interlock to stop you from shutting down the engine. Under extreme circumstances (stuck throttle) you want the option of turning the engine off. (But your first option with a stuck throttle should be to put the transmission into "neutral", which will let you stop with full power steering and power brake assistance.)
- 8 years ago
I believe there is still supposed to be an ignition lock while a car with automatic transmission is in drive that disallows the keys to turn or be removed.
I maybe wrong I have never tried that with an automatic it works with turning the car off and coasting in a manual is possible
- goodnusedLv 68 years ago
If I understand you correctly...you turned off the key while driving at 55 MPH. Turning the car off is part of the safety of the car...if your throttle sticks wide open or other emergency's that may happen. It allows you to stop the engine....if an emergency happens. I think you are ok..and what happened is normal Good Luck.
