How to unlock the steering wheel

Steering wheel lock usually occurs at the most inopportune moment. The good news is that this is easy to fix. The steering wheel is blocked for various reasons. The most important is the car's safety feature, which prevents…

Steering wheel lock usually occurs at the most inopportune moment. The good news is that this is easy to fix. The steering wheel is blocked for various reasons. The most important is the car's safety feature, which prevents the steering wheel from turning without the key in the ignition. In addition, the steering wheel is lockable, allowing the vehicle to be towed and helping to prevent theft.

This article will tell you what to do to repair a locked steering wheel, which consists of two parts: releasing a locked steering wheel without repair and repairing the lock assembly.

Method 1 of 2: Releasing a locked steering wheel

Necessary materials

• Screwdrivers
• Socket set
• WD40

Step 1: Turn the key. The first step, and the one that works in most cases, is to turn the key in the ignition cylinder while simultaneously turning the steering wheel left and right.

This will release most of the steering wheels that have locked up in the crash. When this is done, the steering wheel may not seem to want to move, but you must turn the key and the steering wheel at the same time. A click will be heard and the wheel will release, allowing the key to turn fully in the ignition.

Step 2: Use a different key. In some cases, the steering wheel may lock due to key wear.

When a worn key is compared to a good key, the combs will be much more worn and the patterns may not match. Most cars must have more than one key. Use the spare key and check that it turns fully in the key cylinder to unlock the steering wheel.

The keys wear out in the lugs or, in newer vehicles, the chip in the key may no longer work, causing the steering wheel to not unlock.

Step 3: Using WD40 to Release the Ignition Cylinder. In some cases, the toggle switches of the car lock freeze, which causes the steering wheel to lock.

You can spray WD 40 on the lock cylinder and then insert the key and gently turn it back to try and loosen the tumblers. If the WD40 works and releases the lock cylinder, it will still need to be replaced as it is only a temporary repair.

Method 2 of 2: Replacing the Ignition Switch Assembly

If all of the above steps fail to unlock the steering wheel, the ignition lock assembly may need to be replaced if the key still won't turn. In some cases, a professional service may replace a new ignition switch to use the old keys if they are in good condition. Otherwise, a new key may need to be cut.

Step 1: Remove the steering column panels.. Start by loosening the screws holding the bottom of the steering column in place.

After they are removed, there are several protrusions on the cover, when pressed, the lower half separates from the upper one. Remove the lower half of the steering column cover and set aside. Now remove the top half of the column cover.

Step 2: Press the latch while turning the key. Now that the ignition lock cylinder is visible, locate the latch on the side of the cylinder.

While pressing the latch, turn the key until the ignition cylinder can move back. It may take several times to release the lock cylinder.

• A warning: Some vehicles may have a special lock cylinder removal and installation method that differs from the above. See your vehicle repair manual for exact instructions.

Step 3: Install the new ignition lock cylinder.. Remove the key from the old lock cylinder and insert it into the new lock cylinder.

Install the new lock cylinder into the steering column. Make sure the lock tongue is fully seated when installing the lock cylinder. Before reinstalling the panels, make sure the key turns fully and the steering wheel can be unlocked.

Step 4: Reinstall the column panels. Install the upper half of the column cover panel to the steering column.

Install the bottom half, making sure all the clips are engaged and locked together. Install screws and tighten.

Now that your car's wheel is unlocked, sit back and give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done. Often the problem is solved by simply turning the key, but in some cases the lock cylinder needs to be replaced. In cases where the lock cylinder needs to be replaced but the job seems too much, AvtoTachki is here to help and be sure to ask the mechanic for any questions you have about the process of unlocking your wheel.