
The state of affairs: You get within the driver’s seat, and the steering wheel gained’t budge. The steering column lock engages when the automotive is off and the motive force turns the wheel. A locked steering wheel is often a simple repair. These fast suggestions may help you unlock it and get you again on the highway quick.
Steps to Unlocking a Steering Wheel
Push-Button Begin Automobiles
- Maintain the important thing fob contained in the automotive and away from telephones or metallic.
- Relieve pressure by gently turning the wheel within the course that provides.
- Push the beginning button as soon as (ACC). If it’s nonetheless locked, press once more (ON). If wanted, press the brake pedal and begin button on the similar time, whereas holding light wheel strain.
- If it’s nonetheless caught, the important thing fob could be weak. Place it within the backup spot on the column and retry.
- Nonetheless gained’t flip? Verify the 12V battery or contact a service middle for a doable digital column lock problem.
Automobiles With Ignition Keys
- Put the important thing within the ignition.
- Gently rotate the steering wheel to alleviate pressure and switch the important thing to the On/Begin place on the similar time.
- Nonetheless locked? Verify the gear is in Park or the clutch is depressed. Attempt a spare key or graphite lock lubrication if unsuccessful.
Security
Steering ought to by no means lock whereas driving. Heavy, stiff steering whereas in movement is probably going an influence steering problem.
Prevention
A steering column lock is an anti-theft characteristic, not a hill-parking support. Use your parking brake — and Park/gear — to safe a parked automotive. Earlier than shutting down, straighten the wheels, set the parking brake, after which choose Park earlier than shutting down the engine.
Editor’s Notice: We’ve got up to date this text since its preliminary publication.
