If the key will not turn in the ignition, period, you might have to take the steering column apart and this will cease being a simple solution. Try to Unlock your Steering Wheel Insert your key into your car’s ignition. Turn the steering wheel to the right and left. Since the steering lock is spring loaded, it is likely unconstitutional as it does not offer freedom of choice, to lock or not to lock, imposing lockup per engine deactivation. Yes I have and it won't budge and it was ok a little while ago. There are several answers to this question. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Mechanic's Assistant: What is the model/year of your … Take care to contact a more seasoned technician before things move from a complicated fix to an expensive fix. If the problem is not with your key, then the reason your car key won’t … Ignition cylinder issues are some of the most difficult to detect and fix, and it is often overlooked when people are trying to figure out why their car won’t start or why their key won’t turn in the car ignition. The wheel is turned about 30 degrees to the right but is locked. My steering wheel is locked and won't unlock any more. If this does not work, try to use your tool on the ignition cylinder. In cases where this goes minutes without working, lubrication is not the answer when your car key won’t turn in the ignition. The ignition key won’t turn when the wheel is locked. Don’t try to overpower your steering wheel. Beyond lubrication, you might need to try something more severe to unjam your lock. This can be due to a number of issues with the lock cylinder in the steering column or dash. If you have a second key, try that one instead. There are several ways to approach this process. Pressure builds up on the wheels which is then transferred into the steering wheel, holding it in the locked position. Your steering wheel is likely locked because there was a bit of force on the wheel as you turned the car off last. When you start out by saying, “my key won’t turn in the ignition,” you might end up saying, “I need a locksmith”. Wipe away the overspray or anything leaking from the keyhole. Winter Driving: When Should You Use Tire Chains for Cars? If you’ve ever been stuck wondering how to unlock a steering wheel that won’t budge, then you know how frustrating it can be when a piece of your car’s safety gear fails to function properly. Route 23 Honda's General Manager shows you how to unlock a steering wheel properly! This should unlock the steering wheel and the vehicle should start as normal. Taking the steering wheel covers off, or manipulating the key as needed can create many opportunities to damage your automobile further. Sometimes the problem is with the key you are using, and addressing that particular point of failure is the only option for solving the issue when the ignition key won’t turn. A locksmith will have key cutters and blanks for every type of car. Remove the key from the old lock cylinder and install it into the new lock cylinder. Contacting a locksmith being the middle ground in terms of price, and handling all the work yourself being the cheapest option. If you’re too forceful when attempting to dislodge the wheel by hand, you can damage the internal mechanism and end up with a wheel that will never lock again. There are actually several reasons why your car steering wheel won’t lock into place after you’ve stopped the car and removed your key. Turn to a locksmith before things get out of hand. This situation can often arise when you park your car on a hill or steep incline. It should unlock! It may not be the lock cylinder that’s thwarting your attempts to unlock the steering wheel. A hard yank is likely to do more harm than good under these circumstances. This will happen when the steering wheel has been moved after the key has been removed from the ignition cylinder. The most simple fix when there is something wrong with your car key is to just replace the key. This can be fixed in two easy steps. A very prevalent cause when a car key won’t turn in the ignition is that the keyway of the ignition cylinder is a little jammed up. If the key is broken, all hope is not lost. Turn and hold the steering wheel with a constant and even pressure in the direction that it feels springy . You might need to shake the ignition cylinder loose or finesse it out of its housing. Copyright © 2021 United Locksmith. If you’re too forceful when attempting to dislodge the wheel by hand, you can damage the internal mechanism and end up with a wheel that will never lock again. Use your tool on the key while trying to turn the key. Having been bitten by the car bug at a young age, I spent my formative years surrounded by Studebakers at car shows across Quebec and the northeastern United States. Diagnosing the reason your car key won’t turn in the ignition is the best way to begin the process of fixing the issue. They require few tools, if any, to execute, and may ensure that your steering wheel won't lock up again. For something as simple as your steering wheel locking, it is not likely to be essential for you to contact a locksmith. All Rights Reserved. If you have a new car, it is unlikely that the key or ignition has worn out. Insert the key into the ignition. If the issue is not clearly visible, assume there is something wrong with electronics. Resist the temptation to stick something other than the key inside it in an attempt to clean it out. Compare the car key that won’t turn in the ignition. Automotive expertise from NAPA AUTO PARTS. Pull the steering wheel in the direction that has give, and hold it there. If you are trying to hit your key hard enough to break a locking mechanism, operate with extreme caution as your desire to break things might be more successful than you intend. How Much Does It Cost For Car Key Duplication? Mechanic's Assistant: Have you applied constant pressure to the steering wheel while turning the key in the ignition? Below are simple solutions that you can use to solve the issue of a key that will not turn in your ignition. Sometimes you can fix a broken key. Insert the key This might be the single most important step in unlocking the steering wheel. If nothing happens, rock the steering wheel as you turn the key. The most common reason that a car key will not turn is that the steering wheel has locked. You will say that WD40 is often the go-to example for lubrication of any kind, but I would not recommend it in this case. Check if Cylinder Would Turn. Share this conversation. Place your car key in the car’s ignition. Fit the new ignition cylinder into the housing. The steering wheel lock is essentially an electronic deadbolt. Buy your supplies and get your service at the. You'll notice it's utterly impossible to move in one direction, but it has a little bit of "give" allowing you to turn it slightly in one direction. For more information on how to unlock a steering wheel, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store. The number-one thing to remember when trying to figure out how to unlock a steering wheel is to avoid the “brute strength” approach. As long as you can get your key out when your car key won’t turn in the ignition, you should be able to investigate the car key. Get free useful tips and resources delivered directly to your inbox. Rekeying will be necessary to remedy this issue. If a locked steering wheel is the problem this will fix it. The tool that you use does not need to be a hammer. The lock was created to prevent auto thieves from being able to start the vehicle. Ok, my gf parked funny and somehow got the steering wheel and ignition locked. Once you hear a clicking sound, the steering wheel will unlock and the key will successfully turn inside the ignition slot. But that’s not always the case. You can move it easily side to side for about an inch or two . It is a classic debate in both the locksmithing and the lock picking hobbyist community as to what the best lubricant is for locks, so at the risk of starting a controversy, I will recommend either using a silicon or graphite based lubricant. When you feel the steering wheel wanting to spring back you have turned hard enough, do not turn the wheel too hard, turn the key with normal pressure (Do not force key). Use a tool of the correct size to depress the lock pin. First, wiggle the steering wheel a bit. Just be very difficult about the amount of force you use in this process as you could damage your key, the ignition, etc. If the key is worn or broken, there is no issue, as a new key can be cut from code. Steering For starters, if your vehicle darts all over the road or suffers from death wobble when you’re driving it, the same thing will happen when you hook it to a tow bar. And unless your car does not start when the key finally turned you will not even need to undergo ignition switch replacement. Today, I’m going to go over some of the most likely reasons why this is occurring. In this case, if you cannot unlock your steering wheel and don’t know why your key won’t turn in the ignition, this is when you should call a locksmith. Here Are the Warning Signs, Dead Car Battery? Instead, it’s a better idea to insert the key and then pull it out slightly and try to turn the ignition and steering wheel at the same time. If your key has been worn down to the point where it’s no longer capable of properly interacting with the lock tumblers, then it won’t be able to budge the steering wheel. How do I unlock my steering wheel? Gently turn the key as far as it’ll go without having to force it (your key ignition will probably be locked as well, so don’t force it to avoid breaking the key). Over ten years of racing, restoring, and obsessing over automobiles lead me to balance science writing and automotive journalism full time. With the key in the ignition turned to the “on” position, it’s safer to quickly wiggle the wheel back and forth or apply varying pressure in one direction and then the other until you feel the lock begin to release. Note what side the wheel cannot be turned to, and the direction that has give. A resource for consumers, locksmiths, and security professionals. Wiggle the steering wheel with your left hand, using significant force. Though it is possible to do this work yourself, a locksmith can solve any complications that rear their head. If this does not work, rock the steering wheel as you jiggle the key in the ignition. Sometimes, the key itself is the problem. The steering wheel is locked in place using a pin on one side. I moved the wheel to the right while turning the key and nuthing happens. Where the dealership might rake you over the coals, in terms of price, a locksmith can deliver all the services you need at a more competitive rate. Rekeying vs. Replace the Ignition Cylinder. Springs can get lost, or other small parts of the inside of the lock can get stuck. Make sure you are buying the right product for your make and model of vehicle, and understand that this process will leave you with an ignition key that is unique from your car door/trunk key. Then, gently wiggle your steering wheel from right to left or vice versa. If you are worried about how much a locksmith costs, know that it should be more reasonable than other avenues of professional help. But if there is some evidence of a break-in, the reason your ignition key won’t turn might not be something as simple as the steering wheel locking. You can’t muscle your way out of a locked steering wheel. Unless you have a spare key, avenues such as a hardware store are not going to be able to provide you with a duplicate once the key is already broken. Overtime, the ignition tumblers experience a lot of mechanical movement and force over time which can cause them to fail, preventing the steering wheel from unlocking. Contacting your dealership being the most expensive option as it is the most obvious and requires no real time into research. Check out all the steering & suspension parts available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. So you are asking yourself, “my key won’t turn in the ignition, what do I do?” The best thing to do is to keep everything simple. It may be dirty inside — having picked up pocket lint or other debris — or it may be on its way out and need to be replaced in the near future. Instead, put your key in the ignition and turn it to the on position if possible, then turn the steering wheel back and forth gently. Where lubrication can fail to unstick or get things to move properly, you can shake things temporarily into positions, just in time to turn the key properly. I currently contribute as an editor to several online and print automotive publications, and I also write and consult for the pharmaceutical and medical device industry. These steps should put your ignition in ACC mode and unlock your steering wheel without starting the engine. Here Are 10 Things I Did To Get Back In, 15 Best Security Cameras That Are Simple And Easy To Set-Up. This will then allow you to discover the many different ways the variety of complications can be solved. Essentially, you are looking for something that is not going to collect dust, grime, and particulates over time, which will eventually jam the lock’s internals to a greater degree. If you go to start your car in the morning and the key won't turn and the steering wheel is locked, here's what to do. Push Button Start method to Unlock steering wheel So to unlock the steering wheel, if your car design is a push-button start system. Both common and uncommon reasons make the steering wheel locked while parked. It is a treat for how to remove steering wheel lock … The most important part of this process is figuring why your car key is not working. You can mix and match with the methods of turning the wheel and moving the key. You have to depress the brake pedal, then you want also push the car start/stop button together and at the same while turning the steering wheel right and left sides. Replacing the ignition cylinder can get rather complicated in this specific case, where you can’t turn the key in the ignition. They won’t use your existing, worn key; rather, they’ll use the serial number of your vehicle to produce a perfectly shaped key for your vehicle’s specific ignition lock. Snow Chains vs Cables: Which Is Right for You? Your email address will not be published. To unlock the steering wheel, depress the brake pedal and push the start/stop button while simultaneously turning the steering wheel left and right. Car steering wheels can lock up for a variety of reasons, but you have a few ways to try to unlock them. Test that the key turns fully and the steering wheel is able to unlock before reinstalling the panels. Required fields are marked *. In order to turn the key and start the vehicle, you will have to move the steering wheel from side to side, while at the same time attempting to turn the key in the ignition. Do not step on the brake. This is the first thing to do in order for you to be able to check on … A steering wheel lock is engaged when the car is turned off, the transmission is in park and the steering wheel is … The number-one thing to remember when trying to figure out how to unlock a steering wheel is to avoid the “brute strength” approach. It is true that bump keys do not work on cars, but by using a hammer or a vibrating mechanism and your key that won’t turn in the car, you might be able to solve your issue. What Is Gas-Line Antifreeze And Why Do You Need It? Insert your new key into the new ignition cylinder. A locksmith can help with any issue where a key won’t turn in the ignition of a car. Avoiding excessive force and not being afraid to engage the services of a locksmith will go a long way toward dealing with any vehicle ignition lock issue. You can use WD40 as long as you are going to be changing out the ignition cylinder after you turn the key successfully. I’ll also tell you what you need to do … This Simple Hack Lets You Shift to Neutral, How To Use Sea Foam: Three Ways To A Cleaner Fuel System, If Your Car Battery Won't Hold a Charge, Try These 4 Steps. It can get a little hairy if you cannot use one of the methods above to get the key to the accessory position. For more information on how to unlock a steering wheel, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your, Know-How Notes: How To Use JB Weld KwikWeld. Check out these three easy tips for dealing with a sticky steering wheel. The wheel should be able to turn s... On occasion, you may find that your steering wheel is stuck, and your key won't turn. Some of the seemingly simple fixes can get complicated, so be sure to keep your eyes out for anything that increase the difficulty of your needed repair. Steering wheel locked while going around curve Hello there, When a vehicle loses power assist in the steering it can definitely be a cause for concern. If you look at your car’s ignition, you will see … The idea is just to get the inside of the lock to move more than you could by shaking your key, car, or dashboard. In terms of how much it costs for car key duplication, the number will go up or down depending on how much you do yourself. (ESCL locks automatically too.) I NEEDED TO GO TO THE STORE BUT WHEN I GOT INTO THE CAR I FOUND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. You can also repeatedly insert and remove the key or wiggle the key from side to side inside the cylinder to activate the tumblers. When there is something wrong with your car key, a locksmith is often the best option for solving the issue. Turn the steering wheel too far in either direction and it will simply stop moving and lock. If the problem is not with your key, then the reason your car key won’t turn in ignition might have to do with a faulty ignition cylinder. If the locking is accidental, you need to make sure that you turn both the steering wheel and the ignition key simultaneously. As long as you buy the proper ignition cylinder, ignition cylinder replacement does not have to be complicated. Mechanic's Assistant: Anything else you want the Mechanic to know before I connect you? At What Temperature Does Diesel Fuel Gel? When your steering wheel gets stuck in the locked position, however, you can be stranded, unable to steer or even start your vehicle. As a standard procedure, the only way to unlock the steering wheel should be by you inserting the car’s key into the ignition keyhole and turning it on. When your car key won’t turn in the ignition, do not let that lead to needing a mechanic and a whole lot of money. Steering wheels lock to make it harder for your vehicle to be stolen and to make it easier to tow a disabled vehicle without having to worry about the side-to-side motion of the front axles. No matter how the key is broken or whether this is something you do yourself or a task that you contract out, there is a solution. If you don’t, you can head to your dealer and have them cut a new key. It can be anything that can create a noticeable vibration that can be applied to the key and/or the cylinder. Elliott, NAPA Team Finish Fifth in Duel 2 at Daytona, NAPA AUTO PARTS/DSR Extend Partnership; Antonelli/Medlen to Lead Capps in 2021, Elliott, NAPA Team Scored 11th Overall in Daytona 500 Qualifying, Elliott Finishes Second in The Clash at Daytona, Sweet Begins Championship Defense with Win at Volusia. All Rights Reserved. Examine for any twists, bends, or breaks. Ask Your Own Car Question. When doing the two actions at the same time you can exit the steering wheel lock and then start your vehicle. I've tried everything to try to get the key to turn. Install the new lock cylinder into the steering column. Calling a locksmith is always a simple answer, but the rest of these simple solutions can get complicated depending on your skills and situation. 1. How to Unlock a Steering Wheel: 3 Easy Tips. Find the locking pin on your ignition assembly. At the same time, use your right hand to tap the start-stop button. Fixing the key can actually be very simple, you just need to know what is wrong. Most cars as of 2010 have a built-in steering wheel lock in the steering column. Make sure the lock tab is fully seated when the lock cylinder is installed. Test to see if the car will start and the key will won’t turn in car ignition. Unlocking Through Ignition Set Replacement. In this video, I show you how to fix a locked steering wheel. hit your key hard enough to break a locking mechanism, lock and key section of your local hardware store, how much it costs for car key duplication. If this does not work, add more lubricant and repeat. You will likely not have to replace the entire ignition assembly. It might be possible that the moving parts inside the key-hole itself might just be stuck and/or dirty. This is not always the case but it is possible. Check If You “Turned Off” Your Car in the Correct Way. Just lubricating the lock may be enough to solve your issue. When you are going to replace it anyway, it gunking up further over time does not matter. You might not have meant to lock your steering wheel when you parked the car, but all it takes is a little bit of force as you turn off the vehicle. Don’t Force It. It would behoove you to be very patient with performing the process described in the first section of this article (Turn the Steering Wheel). If you can’t get the key to “on,” then keep trying to turn the key forward while moving the steering wheel as described. If the key does not turn, then you may have a more severe issue. Show More. Turn the key toward the accessory position while keeping the steering wheel turned. (Note- Shaking the wheel back and forth could damage the locking pin and likely won’t unlock the wheel). power steering, steering, steering lock, steering wheel. Show Less. Your email address will not be published. Look at the bitting on the blade of the key for any wear. It is the process of turning the key while applying pressure to the wheel simultaneously that will unlock the steering wheel. 6 Simple Ways To Get A Broken Key Out Of A Lock, I Locked Myself Out Of My House! For the most part, the steps to unlock your Toyota steering wheel will be the same if you use a key to start the ignition or have push-button start. This can be done with some of the methods listed above (2 or 3, mainly). You will know the steering wheel lock is engaged if you can’t turn the wheel or turn the key in the ignition. How to Free a Locked Steering Wheel. Spray the lubricant into the keyway of the ignition cylinder. for routine maintenance and repairs. As soon as the key turns the steering wheel will unlock, and the car should start. © Copyright National Automotive Parts Association. If you cannot determine the problem your car is having, it is best to contact the professionals. “Immobilizer” is safe and modern auto theft prevention technology that should replace all steering locks. Method #1: WD40 If you’ve found that you can’t turn the key and can’t unlock the steering wheel. This can happen with a wide variety of vehicles. The 2015 Q5 is equipped with electro-mechanical power steering. Replacing Your Locks: What Is The Best Choice For Your Home? How to Jump-Start a Diesel Truck With Two Batteries, Failing Oil Pressure Sensor? Adding some elbow grease to this problem may, in fact, break something. Sometimes the key won’t turn at all while the wheel is locked, which further compounds an already frustrating situation. This “rapping”, if you will, is meant to shake internal components in the lock into the proper position. Unlocking it will require using the ignition key in the same way you would when starting the vehicle. Due to mechanical issues, the vehicle’s ignition system could suffer a faulty locking of the steering wheel. There is always a way to copy a broken key. I CAN'T THINK OF ANYTHING. Try using the pressure by turning the steering wheel in the same direction as the wheels are pointing. Insert the key into the ignition and see if it will turn. There are three main reasons your ignition key won’t turn, and we will get into how a locksmith can help.

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