How to Fix a Locked Steering Wheel
Method 1
Unlocking Your Steering Wheel
1
Insert the key into the ignition. Your steering wheel is likely locked because there was a bit of force on the wheel as you turned the car off last.Unlocking it will require using the ignition key in the same way you would when starting the vehicle.Insert the key into the ignition and see if it will turn. If the key will turn and start the vehicle,the wheel will unlock with the ignition cylinder
2
Turn the key gently.If the key and wheel both remain locked in place,you will need to apply pressure to the key in the direction you would usually turn it.Be careful not to apply the pressure too high up on the body of the key,as that may cause the key to twist or even break while inside the key hole.Instead,apply firm but gentle pressure until the ignition comes unlocked
3
Apply pressure to the steering wheel.The steering wheel is locked in place using a pin on one side.When locked,the wheel will not be able to move in either direction freely,but one side will not allow any movement whatsoever (the side with the locking pin).Determine which direction the wheel cannot move,then apply pressure in the other direction while turning the key with your other hand.It is the process of turning the key while applying pressure to the wheel simultaneously that will unlock the steering wheel.The wheel will only move slightly in the direction opposite the pin,but won't move at all in the wrong direction
4
Do not shake or rock the wheel.You may be tempted to shake the wheel back and forth while attempting to unlock it,but doing so will actually decrease your chances of successfully unlocking the wheel.Instead,apply steady pressure in one direction on the wheel until it unlocks.Shaking the wheel back and forth could damage the locking pin and likely won't unlock the wheel
5
Pull the key out slightly before turning it.If the key is beginning to wear out it may not be able to turn in the ignition. You may still be able to engage the pins needed to start the vehicle by inserting the key in all the way,then pulling it back out slightly.Try to pull the key back out 1/16 of an inch,or approximately the width of a nickel,then attempt to turn it again.If this works,the key is likely over worn.You should still replace the key as soon as you can before it stops working
6
Turn the wheel and the key at once to unlock it.It may take a few tries,but if you apply pressure to the wheel in the right direction while simultaneously turning the key,it will unlock both,allowing the wheel to move freely and the vehicle to start.While it may take a fair amount of pressure,do not force either the wheel or the ignition to turn if they seem like they won't.It may result in breaking the steering pin,your key,or other internal components.Once the two are unlocked,the vehicle is able to be driven.If the steering wheel does not unlock,you will need to trouble shoot the problem
Method 2
Loosening Sticky Locks
1
Use a small dose of electrical cleaner in the key hole.If the ignition cylinder has seized,spraying a small amount of electrical cleaner into the key hole may lubricate it enough to turn.Be careful not to spray too much into the key hole.A few short squirts should suffice.Once done,insert the key and turn it back and forth gently to work the lubricant in.If this works,you may need to replace the ignition cylinder soon as it gets progressively worse.
Tip: Liquid graphite may also work to lubricate the cylinder.
2
Spray canned air into the ignition.Debris caught in the ignition can prevent the key from turning, which will prevent the steering wheel from unlocking.Purchase canned air from a local retail or office supply store and insert the straw from the nozzle directly into the key hole.It should only take a few short sprays to clean out any debris
3
Gently slide the key in and out a number of times.If there was any debris stuck to the key when you inserted it, it may have gotten caught in the pins of the ignition cylinder.Insert the key completely, then slide it back out.Repeat the process a few times to try to move any debris that may be caught in the cylinder.If this works, the issue will likely continue to occur until the debris is cleaned out from the ignition cylinder.Use canned air to clean out the lock cylinder if this method worked
4
Ensure the key is not bent or damaged.If your key won't turn when you insert it into the ignition it may be because the key has been damaged.Rounded or chipped teeth on the key will no longer engage the pins in the ignition cylinder to the depth necessary to spin it.Any of these could result in the key failing to turn in the ignition,which will also prevent the wheel from being unlocked.If you have an extra key,see if that will work to unlock the ignition.If it does,chances are the key you regularly use has just gotten worn down and needs to be replaced.You will need a replacement key if the key is too damaged to turn the ignition cylinder

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