Steering Wheel Locked? Here's How to Fix It and Start Your Car

Contents

• Steering Wheel Locked and Key Won’t Turn? Here’s How to Fix It
• Quick Fix: How to Unlock Your Steering Wheel and Start the Car
• What to Do If the Quick Fix Isn’t Working
• Why Is My Steering Wheel Locked When the Car Is Parked?
• What If the Steering Wheel Locks While Driving or None of the Above Works?

Steering Wheel Locked and Key Won’t Turn? Here’s How to Fix It

If your steering wheel is locked and your car key won’t turn in the ignition, don’t worry! This is a common issue and it’s usually an easy fix. Follow these steps to get your steering wheel unlocked and your car started.

Quick Fix: How to Unlock Your Steering Wheel and Start the Car

• Gently wiggle the steering wheel.
• At the same time, jiggle the key in the ignition.

This method works for most vehicles. Whether you drive a Land Rover, Toyota, Subaru, or many other models, this “jiggle and wiggle” technique usually solves the problem!

What to Do If the Quick Fix Isn’t Working

In some vehicles, your steering wheel might only turn in one direction when it’s locked. Here’s what to do:

• Turn the steering wheel in the direction it moves while simultaneously turning the key in the ignition.
• This slight movement should help release the steering lock. If the quick wiggle method doesn’t work immediately, try this approach.

Why Is My Steering Wheel Locked When the Car Is Parked?

Your steering wheel might lock because you’ve accidentally engaged an anti-theft feature. This can happen when you use the steering wheel to help get in or out of your vehicle.

Many cars with traditional turn-key ignitions have a built-in ignition lock feature. After you remove the key from the ignition, turning the steering wheel engages a locking bolt that prevents the wheel from being turned without the key. This feature is a simple but effective anti-theft measure. Even if someone could start your engine without the key, they wouldn’t be able to drive away because the steering wheel would remain locked.

What If the Steering Wheel Locks While Driving or None of the Above Works?

If your steering wheel locks while driving, this is a serious issue. It’s usually not related to the ignition lock feature. A sudden lock could indicate a problem with your vehicle’s power steering system, like low power steering fluid or other mechanical issues. In this case, it’s crucial to have your car inspected by a professional as soon as possible.