Power steering wheel problems can be very inconvenient. And one problem that most drivers find irritating is when you get the steering wheel locked up while parked. It makes it difficult to turn your steering wheel when navigating and prevents turning your ignition key.
As a result, your steering wheel can lock when parked or while driving, which is more dangerous as you risk causing an accident.
It’s quite straightforward to disengage a steering wheel locked up while parked. First, you need to insert the key into the ignition and turn the steering wheel back and forth to release the tension of the lock. It will allow you to turn the key successfully, and the lock cylinder will disengage.
This article will explain why steering wheels lock and the three possible ways to disable the steering lock for cars with turn-keys and push-buttons.
Why is my steering wheel locked?
Several reasons can cause your steering wheel to lock up, but it doesn’t mean there is an issue with your vehicle most of the time. Here are the most common reasons your vehicle’s steering wheel has locked.
- Auto-lock feature. Most modern vehicles with turn-key ignitions have an auto-lock safety feature that locks the steering wheel automatically every time you turn off the ignition. Car manufacturers use this feature to prevent your car from moving on its own.
- Anti-theft feature. Car manufacturers also put this feature in their vehicles to prevent car theft. When a car thief tries to steal your car using the hot-wiring technique, the thief will not be able to disengage the steering wheel.
- Steering system problems. Often steering fluid will leak or become dirty and result in the steering locking until the issue is fixed.
- Failure with the steering column, rack, or suspension components can cause the steering wheel to lock while driving. Although rare, it still happens.
How to disable steering wheel lock without key
There are three main ways to unlock your steering wheel without a key. Follow our step-by-step instructions to unlock your steering wheel and get your car running.
Things you’ll need
- Hammer
- WD40
- Screwdrivers
- Compressed air
- Ignition system replacement
- Electrical cleaner
Method 1: Using a key
You have four options when trying to unlock a steering wheel using a key.
- Insert the key into the ignition, and turn the key and steering wheel left and right simultaneously. If the steering wheel locked accidentally, this trick should fix the issue. Turn the steering wheel gently without applying too much pressure to avoid causing more damage to the locking mechanism.
- If the original key fails, try using a spare. Sometimes the issue may be the ignition key. Sometimes keys warp and fail.
- If none of the above steps work, spray some WD40 into the ignition key port. Next, insert the ignition key and turn it back and forth. Dirt, debris, or solidification of the lock tumblers could be preventing the key from turning. If lubrication disables the steering wheel lock, replace the lock cylinder.
- If using the WD40 doesn’t work, try inserting the key halfway and gently tap it with a hammer. If you attempt this method, you need to be cautious about the force and angle you use, as it can damage the lock.
Method 2: Ignition set replacement
This method of unlocking your vehicle’s steering wheel requires more technical expertise, and you may need the help of your mechanic. Removing the ignition system of other cars such as a Ford, is much more complex. Here’s the general process of removing and replacing your car’s ignition key system:
- Take out the column panels in the steering wheel by loosening the screws that hold the lower fork of the hoist.
- Press the tab on the cover and pull down the downside column to disconnect the upper column.
- Locate the lock release tab in the ignition lock system to remove the lock cylinder. Press the release tab and turn the ignition key until the cylinder moves backward. You may have to try it a few times to release the cylinder.
- Install a new ignition lock system by replacing the cylinder lock into the steering column, ensuring the lock tab sets correctly in the cylinder lock. Confirm the key returns fully before replacing the column. And then try unlocking the new ignition lock with the old key.
- Reinstall the columns, starting with the upper part, followed by the lower part. Ensure all the clips engage and lock securely and set all the screws in tightly.
Method 3: Loosening sticky locks
Before proceeding with this method, check the power steering fluid level as insufficient or no steering fluid can worsen the issue.
- Pour a small amount of electrical cleaner into the ignition keyhole.
- Insert your key into the ignition and gently turn it back and forth to work the cleaner in. Use compressed air into the keyhole to clean up the debris. Dirt, dust, and debris can get caught up in the ignition and restrict the key from turning, thus locking the steering wheel.
- Insert the turn-key into the ignition and gently pull it in and out several times to remove any dirt stuck in the keyhole. It helps loosen and pull out any dirt remaining.
- Inspect your key and ensure it is not bent or damaged. Any warped or rounded teeth on the key will not engage the pins in the ignition cylinder enough to spin it. Therefore it prevents the key from turning properly. If the key is too damaged, you will have to replace it from your car dealership.
How to disable steering wheel lock on a push to start the vehicle
Vehicles have different ignition and steering systems. While some cars have turn-key ignition, some modern cars are keyless, and others have an advanced electronic steering system; they have a push button to fire up your car’s engine. Therefore they do not have ignition ports to insert the keys that start the car. Here’s how you will know the steering wheel lock has engaged with you have a push-to-start car:
- The car won’t start after pressing the push button and depressing the brakes.
- The push-button will start flashing.
- A message on the dashboard will appear, alerting you that the steering will have locked.
Here are the two ways you can unlock a steering wheel push-start vehicle:
- First, depress the brake pedal, hold the steering wheel with your left hand and gently turn left to right while pressing the push button.
- Take off your foot from the brake pedal, double press the push button while wiggling the steering wheel back and forth.
Can you disable the steering wheel lock without the key?
Yes, there are two ways you can unlock a steering wheel without a key; by replacing the ignition lock system or loosening the locks with an electrical cleaner. It’s worth noting that you need to have a mechanic replace the ignition lock for you. But you can easily loosen stuck dirt yourself with some electrical cleaner and compressed air.
How do I manually disengage my steering wheel lock?
All the three methods explained in this article will help you disengage a locked steering wheel manually.
Conclusion
This article will help you know all the different ways to unlock a steering wheel with or without a key. Two methods are easy to do yourself with a few supplies from your local auto shop, and the third method will require a professional as it’s very technical.