Why does the steering wheel lock without the ignition on?
Built-in as a safety feature to prevent theft, car manufacturers design the steering assembly in such a way that when the steering wheel is rotated without the engine on or the key being in the ignition without being turned, the steering wheel locks after a little rotation, preventing theft as, without the key, the steering will stay locked.
How do you unlock a locked steering wheel?
Unlocking it will require using the ignition key in the same way you would when starting the vehicle. Insert the key into the ignition and see if it will turn. If the key will turn and start the vehicle, the wheel will unlock with the ignition cylinder.
What happens when your key is stuck in the ignition?
A common problem when your key is stuck in the ignition and when you can’t start the car is that the car battery is dead or low on voltage. Charge your car battery for some time with a car battery charger to make sure that it’s a low voltage problem.
How can I unlock a locked steering wheel?
1. Try pulling the key out a very small amount before gently turning key. (About 1/16 of an inch, the thickness of a nickel). 2. Wiggle key while trying to turn key gently.
What to do if the steering lock pin gets jammed?
The lock pin can either get jammed up or down. Disconnect the electrical wiring clip and gently tap the back of the steering lock device with a rubber mallet to loosen anything which might be stuck. At this point, reconnect the electric plug and attempt starting the car while holding the steering lock.
What causes a locked steering wheel to not turn in?
If a locked steering wheel is the only thing preventing your key from turning the ignition, then follow our instructions below for How to Unlock a Locked Steering wheel and you will be back on the road fast. Problem 2. Dirt, pocket lint or debris (like tape from opening a package) may cause your key not to turn in your ignition lock cylinder.
What to do if your steering column lock fails?
Rotate the side window defroster duct by 180 degrees. Pry downward and outward on the panel behind the water fall console to remove it. Using the T20 torx driver, remove the single screw under the light switch panel. Remove the two T20 torx screws from the footwell area.