Steering Wheel Lock

Steering Wheel Lock – A Common Problem

Seattle Locksmith Security is a full service locksmith and security company located at 3214 Rainier Avenue South, Seattle, Washington 98144. Our shop is open 7 days a week including weekends and holidays. One of the most common issues we hear from customers is their steering wheel lock being locked. Rest assured in most cases this is a simple steering wheel lock and can be solved by following our simple steps.

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Steering Wheel Lock Vehicle Makes Affected

Steering wheel lock problems are faced by all makes, however European vehicles such as Mercedes-Benz, VW, Audi, BMW, and Volvo are more prone to what we like to call ‘severe lock syndrome’. On the other hand because American and Japanese vehicles are less likely to suffer severe lock syndrome they are more prone to ignition lock cylinder problem.

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Try This First

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If you jiggle the steering wheel while also jiggling the key in the ignition sometimes it can release the steering wheel lock and allow the key to turn.

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Older Model Vehicles

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Some older model vehicles have an ignition where you actually have to push the key in and then continue pushing in as you turn the key.

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If All Else Fails

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Check to see if there is something stuck in the ignition. From pieces of plastic to broken keys anything foreign in the ignition can prevent your key from going in all of the way.

Steering Wheel Lock Solution – Step 1

Steering wheel lock is a common problem. The first step is to determine the position of your front wheel, check to see what direction they are facing, left, right, or straight. Also,examine if the wheels are touching the curb.

Steering Wheel Lock Solution – Step 2

Step 2 of the steering wheel lock solution. Make sure you are sitting in the driver’s seat. Apply turning pressure on the steering wheel in the same direction where the front wheels are pointed. For example, if front wheels are pointing to the right, apply turning pressure to the right. While holding the turning pressure on the steering wheel (do not release this pressure) turn the key in the ignition. If the key does not turn, attempt the same method to the opposite direction. Remember, you are trying to remove the steering locks pressure from your ignition lock cylinder. If turning in the opposite direction does not allow you to start your ignition, you may be facing a ignition lock cylinder problem.

Steering Wheel Lock vs. Ignition Problem

If the above steps do not provide any relief to your steering wheel lock problem, there is a possibility that you may be facing an ignition lock cylinder problem. American and Japanese vehicles face a higher rate of ignition lock cylinder problems then their European counterparts. The most common vehicles that face ignition lock cylinder problems are:

Hondas from 2002 and up (due to transition from regular to high-security cut keys)
Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep from 1998 and up (since the introduction of sidebar ignition lock cylinder)
GM vehicles: Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac from 1997 and up (since the introduction of sidebar of sidebar ignition lock cylinder)
Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury from 1990 and up