How to get your steering wheel to unlock

The first thing you need to know about unlocking steering wheels is that it should be simple and easy. If it isn’t, then that’s when you have a problem. Since not all drivers are familiar with this feature, most people who actually lock their steering wheels only do it by accident. We’ve listed below some pointers that would help those people to reverse the procedure.

Table of Contents Show

What to do if your steering wheel locks
What if it doesn’t unlock?
Try using a different key
Have your ignition assembly checked
What causes steering wheel to lock up?
How do you unlock a locked steering wheel without a key?

What to do if your steering wheel locks

All you need to do to unlock your steering wheel is to insert the key in the ignition, then turn the steering wheel left and right as you turn the key. You need to turn the wheel and the key simultaneously for this to work.

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When doing this, the steering wheel might seem locked at first. You just need to make sure that as you turn the key, you wiggle the steering wheel back and forth until you hear a click and are able to turn the key all the way.

If that doesn't work, turn the wheel in one direction at first, and then slowly add force. If you feel a slight movement, only then should you twist the ignition.

What if it doesn’t unlock?

Unlocking a steering wheel is simple and should be easy if done right. If you followed the previous instructions and it still doesn’t unlock, then you already have a problem.

Try using a different key

It should be an extra key for the same car, of course. But the reason to try this method out is that in some cases, a different and less-bruised key does the trick. The wear and tear on old keys, specifically on the ridges, may cause it to not turn easily especially when unlocking the steering wheel.

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Use WD-40

That’s right, your trusted WD-40 can sometimes help in these situations, too. It’s best used to lubricate metal and get those rusted parts moving again. As for ignition assemblies, the lock tumblers might have worn out over the years and have frozen solid upon locking your steering wheel. In this case, loosening it up can serve as a temporary solution.

Just spray the WD-40 into the lock cylinder, then insert the key and try to turn it to loosen up the tumblers. Repeatedly do this until you finally free the lock tumblers and unlock your steering wheel. As mentioned above, this is a temporary solution. So in the event that it actually works, you still need to have your ignition assembly checked since it probably still needs to be replaced. Don’t risk delaying the repair for later and get your car to a mechanic while you still have it running.

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Have your ignition assembly checked

If worse comes to worst, then it means the whole ignition assembly might be busted. Unless you have the know-how of a mechanic, then there’s probably nothing you can do. This isn’t a basic repair that you’d want to tinker with if you lack the knowledge.

You should call your trusted mechanic right away to check the ignition assembly. Better yet, have your car towed to the casa as soon as possible and have the manufacturer replace what needs to be replaced in your vehicle. Besides, a busted ignition assembly doesn’t only keep your steering wheel locked

- The most common cause is a gridlock within the power steering pump. The power steering pump enables convenient car steering for drivers. However, an unexpected power loss in the engine can trigger the steering pump to fail, resulting in a locked steering wheel.

2) Security and safety mechanism

- Unless you have any critical problems with your car, the reason will be the vehicle’s security mechanism designed to protect your car from theft by locking the steering wheel. The steering wheel may also lock to prevent the car from rolling back down when parked on a steep hillside or if a handbrake failure occurs.

3) Frequent sharp turns

- Frequently taking sharp turns can cause the steering wheel to lock. It also damages the transmission system and the engine, undermining the overall performance of the car.

4) Sudden lock up

- If the ignition system has debris inside or is worn out, the locked steering wheel cannot be unlocked by inserting and turning the key. Such a failing mechanism can hinder drivers from turning the engine on and off, and if it occurs while driving at high speed, the driver can be put in danger.

5) Engine control unit (ECU) failure

- This is an uncommon cause but still can lead to a steering wheel lock. A broken ECU can result in a sensory issue, triggering the steering wheel locking mechanism to be switched on. Moreover, a faulty ECU hampers power from being sent to the power steering pump, therefore locking the steering wheel.

What causes steering wheel to lock up?

If your steering wheel locks up while the car is in motion, perhaps the most likely culprit is a lack of power steering fluid, or dirty power steering fluid. Especially at lower speeds like parking lot maneuvers, the power steering system allows you to turn the wheels with ease.

How do you unlock a locked steering wheel without a key?

You can try depressing the brake and press the push start button once while moderately shaking the steering wheel back and forth. You can take off your leg from the brake pedal and double press the start button while wiggling the steering wheel as well. Both options will turn on the ignition as well.