How to unlock your steering wheel
Monday 18th October 2021
Does your steering wheel feel ‘jammed’, and won’t turn either way? You might be facing a locked steering wheel.
A locked steering wheel is easy to identify: in this scenario, you will be unable to start your car and most likely see a warning light whilst the ignition won’t turn on. Luckily, you can fix this issue really speedily with just a few simple steps. This informational guide tells you how to unlock a steering wheel in just a few minutes, as well as tips for unlocking a steering wheel without a key.
What causes a locked steering wheel?
Firstly, it is important to understand what causes a steering wheel to lock in order to prevent this from happening often. A locked steering wheel does not necessarily mean that there is something wrong with the car – instead, it is likely caused due to a safety feature for anti-theft or, alternatively, as a road safety element. Locked steering wheels can come in handy if you are parked on a hill, as the locked wheel would prevent the car from going downhill in an event that the brake fails.
How to fix a locked steering wheel?
All you need to do is insert your key with added pressure whilst turning the key at the same time. Whilst doing this, you should twist your steering wheel left or right. Keep jiggling the key until the wheel turns – as soon as your car starts, then your steering wheel should then be unlocked.
If this is a reoccurring issue, you may want to lubricate your keyhole with an electrical cleaner - this way, your key is less likely to get jammed and lock the wheel. In some cases, you may even have to replace the ignition lock assembly altogether. In this situation, you should contact a professional – so please do not hesitate to get in touch with our specialist team.
How to unlock a steering wheel without a key?
A lot of modern cars nowadays are keyless and come with both a keycard, and a ‘Start’ button. In this scenario, you should apply a similar method - move your steering wheel whilst pushing the start button. However, do not press on the brake - as your steering wheel should unlock without starting the engine.
It’s also possible that issues with your steering wheel either locking, or pulling to one side, could be due to incorrect wheel alignment. If you have any concerns about your steering wheel, find a branch near you and speak to our team who can help with all your motoring queries
