Tips on How to Unlock a Steering Wheel

Are you having issues with starting your car? If the ignition is seizing up or you can’t insert the key into it, your steering wheel could be locked! A locked steering wheel is no cause for alarm in most cases. In fact, it’s actually designed to prevent thieves from stealing a vehicle! Want to learn how to unlock or lock a steering wheel in Lee’s Summit? Read on or contact us at Lee’s Summit Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram! Need more help? Schedule service online now.

How to Unlock a Steering Wheel: Step-by-Step Guide

Unlocking your car’s steering wheel is a pretty easy procedure to perform. Here’s what you need to know about how to unlock a steering wheel:

• Pull the wheel down in the same direction you did when the wheel was originally locked.
• Not sure which direction to pull? Try both — the wheel will move a bit when you pull in the right direction. It will stay locked when you pull in the wrong direction.
• While holding your steering wheel in the right direction, put your key into the ignition and then try to start the engine.
• If the wheel doesn’t unlock and/or the engine doesn’t start, turn the wheel in the other direction and repeat the above step.
• Your steering wheel should now be unlocked!

Tips for Unlocking a Steering Wheel

Follow these tips to unlock your steering without causing damage:

• Do Not Force Movement: You could damage parts of the steering column if you use brute force to try to unlock the steering wheel. Instead, follow the steps we’ve listed above while applying light pressure.
• Try a New Key: If you can’t turn the key, the problem may not be the steering wheel at all, but rather the key itself. In that case, try a new key to see if it solves the problem.

How to Lock Your Steering Wheel On Purpose

If you’re looking to learn how to lock your steering wheel so you can deter thieves when in a new and unfamiliar neighborhood or an area that’s known to have a high rate of crime, here’s what you’ll want to do:

• Turn off your car and remove the keys from the ignition.
• Turn the steering wheel one way or the other until you hear a click.
• Your steering wheel will lock until you return, unlock the steering wheel, and start your car.

Learn More with Lee’s Summit Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram!

Looking for more service tips and tricks? We’re happy to help! If you want specific information or questions answered in the meantime, feel free to contact our service center directly online or by phone at816-434-0829.