A locked steering wheel is part of the vehicle's security features. The steering wheel is locked to prevent the vehicle from moving when the ignition gap is empty containing the wrong key. The steering wheel lock can be opened by turning the key in the ignition. However, the ignition tumbler is subject to a lot of movement and thrust so that it can at some point be damaged and prevent the steering wheel lock from opening. If your steering wheel lock won't open, try opening it using ignition before using a mechanic or replacing the ignition cylinder.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Unlocking the Vehicle Steering Wheel
Step 1. Insert the key into the ignition gap
The steering wheel of the vehicle may be locked because there is pressure on the steering wheel when the vehicle is off. You can open it with a key, just like starting a vehicle.
- Insert the key into the ignition gap and try turning it.
- If the key will turn and start the vehicle, the steering wheel lock along with the ignition cylinder will open.
Step 2. Turn the key smoothly
If the vehicle keys and steering wheel are still locked, you will need to press the key in the usual direction of rotation. Be careful not to force the lock to turn as it can twist and even break when in the gap. Instead, press firmly and gently until the ignition key opens.
- If you need to contact a car locksmith, it will cost a lot more to repair an ignition cylinder that contains a broken key.
- If the key doesn't turn after a slight push, it's likely that hard pressure won't change the result. We recommend that you keep light pressure on the lock and move on to the next step.
Step 3. Press the steering wheel
The steering wheel is locked using a pin on one side. When locked, the steering wheel turns towards the locked side of the pin, and the pin prevents the steering wheel from moving in the opposite direction. Determine the direction of the steering wheel that cannot move, then press in the opposite direction while turning the ignition key with the other hand.
- The process of turning the key while simultaneously pressing the steering wheel will unlock the steering wheel.
- The steering wheel will only move slightly in the opposite direction to the pins, but will not move at all in the wrong direction.
Step 4. Try not to shake the steering wheel
You may be tempted to shake the steering wheel to unlock it, but doing so will reduce your chances of unlocking the steering wheel. Instead, press the steering wheel in one direction firmly until it unlocks.
Shaking the steering wheel will damage the lock pins and will not unlock the steering wheel
Step 5. Pull the lock slightly before turning
If the key starts to feel loose, you may want to turn the ignition on. You can also still move the pin required to start the vehicle by fully inserting the key and then pulling it slightly. Try pulling the key back 0.25 cm or about the thickness of a coin, then try turning it back.
- If this method works, the key is probably outdated.
- We recommend that you replace the lock as soon as it no longer works.
Step 6. Turn the steering wheel and ignition lock at the same time to unlock the steering wheel
It may take a few tries, but if you press the steering wheel in the right direction while turning the key, both locks will open allowing the steering wheel to move freely again and the vehicle starts up. While pressing, do not forcibly turn the steering wheel or ignition key if it appears that the steering wheel lock will not open. Steering pins, vehicle keys, or other internal components may be damaged.
- After both locks are open, the vehicle can be driven again.
- If the car's steering wheel lock doesn't open, you need to fix the problem.
Method 2 of 3: Loosening Stuck Locks
Step 1. Use a small amount of electrical device cleaner in the keyhole
If the ignition cylinder has jammed, spray a small amount of electrical appliance cleaner into the keyhole so that it is sufficiently lubricated and capable of turning. Make sure you don't spray too much. A few short sprays will suffice. When you're done, insert the key and gently turn it back and forth to spread the grease.
- If it works, you may need to replace the ignition cylinder as soon as it gets worse.
- Liquid graphite can also lubricate cylinders.
Step 2. Spray canned air onto the ignition
Debris caught in the ignition can prevent the vehicle lock from turning so that the steering wheel lock cannot be opened. Purchase canned air from a hardware or home supply store and insert the straw from the nozzle directly into the keyhole. It should only take a few short sprays to remove all the debris.
Put on eye protection before spraying canned air into the keyhole to prevent debris from getting into your eyes
Step 3. Gently enter and remove the key several times
If any debris gets stuck in the key when it is inserted, it may be trapped by the ignition cylinder pin. Insert the key completely, then take it out again. Repeat the process several times to try to remove all the debris stuck in the cylinder
- If successful, the problem will likely continue until the ignition cylinder is clear of debris.
- Use canned air to clean the lock cylinder if this works.
Step 4. Make sure the lock is not bent or damaged
A key that does not turn when inserted into ignition may have been damaged. A blunt or prying key tooth no longer moves the pin in the ignition cylinder to a sufficient depth to turn it. All of this can also prevent the steering wheel lock from opening.
- You will need a replacement key if the old one is too damaged and cannot ignite the ignition cylinder.
- Do not duplicate broken keys. Replacement keys must be done by an authorized dealer according to the make and model of your vehicle.
Method 3 of 3: Replacing the Ignition Lock Assembly
Step 1. Purchase a new ignition key assembly
The ignition assembly on most vehicles is easy to replace and can be done at home. Before starting, you will need to order a replacement from the repair shop. Make sure you provide the year, make and model of the vehicle to obtain the correct replacement part.
- Usually vehicle manufacturers do not change the part number and it is not difficult to get a proper replacement from a repair shop.
- Purchase a new ignition lock assembly before removing the damaged assembly from the vehicle. Compare the two and make sure they are exactly the same before installing.
Step 2. Remove the ignition cover
Typically, most vehicles have a plastic separator housing covering the steering column and ignition lock assembly. Remove the plastic cover first adjusting the tilt of the steering wheel to its lowest position and then remove the fasteners securing the cover. In some vehicles, this cover includes the parts above and below the steering wheel, while in others the ignition cover will separate.
- If your vehicle does not have an adjustable steering column, remove the clamp that supports the steering column under the dashboard and let the column hang.
- Remove the fasteners from the column cover. Separate the two halves and remove the plastic.
Step 3. Use an Allen key to remove the ignition assembly
Identify the ignition assembly and remove all trim components blocking access to the ignition cable restraint connector and the tumbler release hole. Insert a 0.7 cm Allen key into the release hole while turning the ignition key back.
- Use the ignition wrench to pull the entire assembly by pulling it toward the passenger side of the vehicle.
- Be careful when disconnecting the ignition switch cable connector when removing the ignition cylinder.
Step 4. Make sure the new ignition switch is well lubricated
Once the ignition assembly is removed, compare the new switches and make sure they match. New switches should be lubricated in the package and ready for immediate installation. Ensure that all external moving parts are greased and the new key fits snugly, and that the cylinder rotates smoothly in both directions.
- If the ignition cylinder is not well oiled, apply molten graphite or a similar lubricant to oil the cylinder.
- Purchase lubricant at the repair shop if needed.
Step 5. Make sure the internal lock pin can move freely
You can make sure the internal lock pins are moving properly by fully inserting and removing the lock a few times. The key should not get caught or stuck as it exits the keyhole.
- Snagged lock pins can be lubricated using powdered graphite that is applied directly into the keyhole.
- Graphite is available in small tubes designed to “splash” the powder with enough force to reach the inside of the keyhole. You can wear it whenever needed.
Step 6. Slide the cylinder into place and reconnect the switch plug
When the new assembly fits into the old one and is well lubricated, slide the cylinder back into position and make sure it locks in place. Reconnect the switch plug and reinstall all previously removed components.
- Turn the cylinder forward using the wrench until you hear a click it snaps back into place.
- Make sure you connect the ignition wire switch to the new cylinder before turning it back into place.
Step 7. Start the engine to make sure the steering lock is off
Before closing the steering column (if not connected) and the plastic cover, check to make sure the engine will start and the steering lock will be released. Do this by inserting the key and turning it while pressing the steering wheel in the opposite direction to the lock pin.
- Steering column bolts usually have torque specifications listed in the vehicle's user manual, in the specifications section.
- If you can't find it, tighten the bolt firmly using a long-handled ratchet as a lever. Column bolts must be tightened to ensure they do not vibrate loosely when driving.
Tips
- The ignition lock assembly is the term used to describe the combination of the locked cylinder, electrical switch, and steering lock mechanism. These assemblies are usually purchased and replaced as units and are widely available at repair shops or dealers.
- The vehicle user manual will help you if the ignition key assembly removal process is not clear or easy to understand.
