How to Unlock or Lock a Steering Wheel

Generally, if you’ve found that your steering wheel is locked as you’re driving around Lincoln, you’ll probably be panicking, or at least wondering why, not to mention how to unlock it. Locking steering wheels are actually a safety feature! If you know this, but don’t know how to lock your steering wheel, you may also be looking for that information. Well luckily, the service experts here at Sid Dillon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram can help you figure out how to unlock a steering wheel you’ve unintentionally locked, or how to lock your steering wheel if you’re looking to allay potential car theft concerns. We can also provide you with plenty of other service tips. So read on to learn more!

How to Unlock a Steering Wheel: Step-by-Step Guide

How do you go about unlocking your steering wheel if it’s stuck in a locked position and not moving, or worse, not letting you start your vehicle and stranding you in an unfamiliar Omaha location? Here’s what to do:

1. Pull the wheel down in the same direction you did when the wheel was originally locked. If you’re unsure which direction you should pull, then you should try pulling in both directions — the wheel should budge when pulled in the correct direction.
2. Put your key into the ignition and start the engine (or utilize your push-button start, if equipped) while you’re holding the steering wheel in the correct position.
3. If the wheel doesn’t unlock and/or the engine doesn’t start, turn the wheel in the other direction and repeat step 2.
4. Your steering wheel should now be unlocked! Congratulations!

Unlocking a Steering Wheel: Tips to Keep in Mind

Looking to unlock a steering wheel without causing further damage to your vehicle or its steering column? Follow these tips:

• Try a Different Key: People often need to unlock a steering wheel so they can start their vehicle in Seward. If this sounds like your situation, and you’re unable to turn the key, the issue could actually be the key itself — not the steering wheel. If you suspect a problem with your key, Sid Dillon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram can make you a new one; just schedule service online!
• Do Not Force Your Wheel to Unlock: Do not — we repeat, do not — use brute force to unlock a locked steering wheel; you could irreparably damage key components of the steering system. Simply apply light pressure when following the above four steps.

How to Lock Your Steering Wheel Intentionally

Why would you want to lock your steering wheel? Because doing so is actually an intentional action for many people, and locking steering wheels have been designed this way on purpose to immobilize a vehicle, often for anti-theft purposes. So, if you find yourself in a new area you’re unsure about, or simply want to exercise every caution, then to lock your steering wheel, you should do the following:

1. Turn off your car and remove the keys from the ignition.
2. Turn the steering wheel one way or the other until you hear a click.
3. Your steering wheel should lock until you return, unlock the steering wheel per the aforementioned procedure, and start your vehicle.

Learn More with Sid Dillon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram!

Want to learn more about common service tasks or questions? Check out our service videos! Sid Dillon Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is here to help with all of your concerns! We want to offer answers to all your questions in addition to providing you the place to go in Crete where seasoned experts can actually take care of your service needs for you!