How to Lock/Unlock a Steering Wheel

Have you ever leaned down on your steering wheel, heard it click, and found it has seized up? This means that your car steering wheel has locked up. This mechanism was put in place so that you can make it harder for criminals to steal your car. If you’ve accidentally locked your steering wheel, no worries. It’s very easy to unlock. Take a moment to learn about how to unlock your steering wheel and how to lock your steering wheel as well! Then, if you have more questions along the way, contact the service center at Five Star Ford Warner Robins for assistance near Macon!

The Steps of How to Unlock a Steering Wheel

If you’ve accidentally locked your steering wheel in some Perry parking lot, don’t panic. The steps of how to unlock a steering wheel are quite simple. Just:

• Identify the direction the wheel was pushed when it locked up, and then, pull it in that same direction once more.
• If you can’t remember in which direction the steering wheel was pulled, experiment until you feel a give in a certain direction. When the wheel gives, you’ve found the right direction to tug it in.
• Now, keep pulling your steering wheel in that direction, and then, put the key in the ignition and rev the engine.
• If your wheel doesn’t unlock, or your engine doesn’t start up, repeat all the above steps while turning your wheel in a different direction.
• Eventually, you’ll turn your wheel in the correct direction and it will unlock!

And on a side note, make sure not to use brute force when pulling on your steering wheel. You don’t want to risk damaging it! Also, if nothing is working, it could be that your ignition key is worn down, and its grooves aren’t latching onto the tumblers inside the lock well. If that’s the case, we can help you out!

The Steps of How to Lock Your Steering Wheel

Locking your steering wheel brings you added peace of mind, as it makes it harder to steal your car. To intentionally lock your steering wheel, perform the following steps:

• Turn your car off.
• Take your key out of the ignition.
• Turn your steering wheel in one direction until you hear it click, which signifies that your steering wheel is now locked.

Reach Out to Our Service Center for Assistance Near Bonaire

If you followed our steps on how to unlock a steering wheel or how to lock a steering wheel, and you’re still running into issues, don’t hesitate to call our certified mechanics at (478) 310-6743. We’re happy to answer any questions you might have. And in the meantime, explore our service specials to see if there’s an opportunity to save on a service or repair you may need, and read our overview of the reasons why a transmission might slip!