Driving a manual transmission car

How to Unlock your Car Steering Wheel

Max. D Gray
By Max. D Gray. Updated: January 16, 2017
How to Unlock your Car Steering Wheel

Intentionally or unintentionally, the truth is that sometimes when we go to start our car we find that the steering wheel is locked. This is due to security mechanisms that are included in some manufacturers so that nobody can move the steering wheel without putting the keys in the ignition. At OneHowTo.com we'll explain in detail how to unlock your car steering wheel so you don't have to go straight to the mechanic and can start your car with no problem at all.

Steps to follow:

1

The first thing you should consider is whether or not the car's wheels are stuck against the pavement. If so, it will be more difficult and you will have to use more strength.

2

Being calm is one of the essential elements in this task, as we need good coordination of movements to get a positive result.

3

What we have to do in order to unlock your car steering wheel is to put ourselves in the driver's seat and insert the keys into the ignition. Then turn the keys while turning the steering wheel slightly from right to left in repetitive movements.

How to Unlock your Car Steering Wheel - Step 3
4

When the steering wheel unlocks you'll feel a click. If you have turned the steering wheel more than three times from left to right and still not achieved the goal, take the keys out of the ignition and start again.

5

Take a close look at your key. Is it worn out? Try to find your car's spare key and try using it instead of your original one. However, make sure it is not a copy of the original key, as those usually only open and lock doors and will not start up the car, so be cautious.

How to Unlock your Car Steering Wheel - Step 5
6

Have none of these tips worked? In this case, it's very probable that your car needs the ignition lock assembly replaced. If you have made sure your key wasn't worn out, then you might need to take it to a mechanic in order to fix the problem.

It's important you take the car to a professional, as each car model will have a different way to remove the lock cylinder and you could make the problem even worse if you try to fix it yourself.

If you want to read similar articles to How to Unlock your Car Steering Wheel, we recommend you visit our Cars category.

Tips

  • Use a spray lubricant in the ignition slot. Sometimes, the slot may become frozen or certain particles may have gathered there, making it impossible for the key to turn. Make sure the lock is totally freed.
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2 comments
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Alfredo C. Alcazar
I followed your post and did the step by step procedure and it work. I was able to unlocked the steering wheel on my 2008 Mazda CX-9. Thanks for the tips.
OneHowTo Editor
So glad to help Alfredo!
Theodera Smith
Thanks to the author for sharing nice views about unlocking the steering wheel. Steering wheel is usually used to have control over the turns. It is the location for a button to activate the car horns. Steering wheels are mounted to the steering column by a hub connected to the outer ring of the it. While driving we must have balance over the car steering wheel otherwise we may face an accident.
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How to Unlock your Car Steering Wheel