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A steering wheel system is an important component of any vehicle because it controls the direction. It converts the driver’s rotational gestures into a real-time movement of the vehicle’s wheels. You’ve probably encountered car hard starting issues before, but it doesn’t bother you until the steering wheel locks. Sometimes the steering wheel of the car locks up and you can’t turn the ignition key. The issue could arise for a variety of reasons. If there is no one nearby to help you, you must know how to unlock the steering wheel without the key on your own.
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Method 1: What Causes Steering Wheel Locking?
You might be wondering why your steering wheel suddenly locks when you haven’t done anything to it. There are two main causes of wheel locking. The first reason is safety. As a result, the steering wheel locks every time you turn off the ignition and remove your car key. This feature was added by car manufacturers to ensure that your vehicle does not move on its own.
The second is to keep your car safe from theft. The hotwire technique can be used by a thief or suspicious people to steal your car. To avoid this, automakers include this feature in their vehicles. Now that you understand why steering wheels lock, let’s look at how to unlock a steering wheel without a key.
Method 2: What Are the Necessities for Unlocking the Steering Wheel?
There are three ways to accomplish this feat. And you don’t need an entire toolbox to unlock your car’s steering wheel. You have everything you need in your toolkit to figure out “how to unlock the steering wheel without a key.”
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Method 3: How To Unlock a Steering Wheel Without a Key?
You’ve probably encountered car hard starting issues before, but it doesn’t bother you until the steering wheel locks. Sometimes the steering wheel of the car locks up and you can’t turn the ignition key. The issue could arise for a variety of reasons. If there is no one nearby to help you, you must know how to unlock the steering wheel without the key on your own. Yes, it is possible, and there are two ways to go about it.
But first, learn why steering wheels lock!
1. Try Inserting the Key:
Try inserting the key into the ignition and simultaneously turning the key and the steering wheel left and right. Determine that it is simultaneous. If the locking was unintentional, this trick will fix it with a click. As a result, the key will fully turn, as will the steering wheel.
2. Try Spraying WD40:
If everything else fails, spray WD40 into the ignition slot. If the wheel is locked due to the crystallization of lock numbers, this solution will assist you in releasing the lock cylinder. After spraying WD40, insert the key into the ignition slot and turn it back and forth. Even if this trick works, you may eventually need to replace the lock cylinder.
3. Use a Hammer:
This option is a little unusual, but it works. Place your key halfway into the ignition port and tap it gently with a hammer. You must ensure that the force and angle with which you are holding the key are not bending or breaking it.
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Method 4: Unlocking Through Ignition Set Replacement
It’s a treat to learn how to unlock the steering wheel without a key. This section is a little technical, but you’ll have to use it if the alternatives listed above don’t work. You might also need the help of a mechanic.
1. Remove the Column Panels:
Remove the steering wheel’s column panels. Simply loosen the screws that hold the lower portion of the steering wheel in place. Press the tabs on the cover to release the lower part. Remove the upper column as well.
2. Free the Lock Cylinder:
To release the lock cylinder, locate the lock release tab in the ignition lock system, press it, and turn the key until the cylinder mover moves backward. It may take a few attempts to free the cylinder.
3. Install the New Ignition-Lock System:
Install the new ignition-lock system and try again with the old key. Insert the lock cylinder back into the steering column. Before proceeding, ensure that the lock tab is completely set in the lock cylinder. Now check the key for a full turn. You must ensure that you are capable of doing so before resetting the columns.
4. Reinstall the Columns:
Reinstall the columns now, starting with the upper section and working your way down. Check that all clips are fully engaged and securely locked. Screw it down so that everything is secure. So it all comes down to the second method of unlocking the steering wheel without a key.
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Method 5: Unlocking By Using Loosening Sticky Locks:
Another method for breaking a steering wheel lock without a key is to loosen sticky locks.
1. Spray Electrical Cleaner Into The Keyhole.
Spray a small amount of electrical cleaner into the keyhole if the cylinder has seized. Remember to only use a “small amount” of spray. After that, insert your key and gently turn it back and forth to work the lubricant in.
2. Spray canned air into the ignition.
Because debris caught in the ignition could prevent the key from turning, the steering wheel is locked. Using the canned air sprayer, insert the straw directly from the nozzle into the keyhole. It will aid in the removal of any debris from the keyhole.
3. Slide the key gently in and out many times.
The third step in unlocking the steering wheel without a key is to gently insert and remove the key from the keyhole. The debris may become tangled up in the pins of the ignition cylinder during the second step. Moving the key gently will help to clear any debris that has become lodged in the cylinder.
4. Ensure the key is not bent or damaged.
The rounded or chipped teeth on the key may no longer engage the pins in the ignition cylinder to the depth required to spin it in some cases. That is why, when you insert the key into the ignition, it does not turn. If the key is too damaged to turn the ignition cylinder, you can replace it. You should request that the dealership works on your vehicle because copying the damaged key will not help you solve the problem.
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Summary
So the question is how to unlock the steering wheel without a key. You can Try these maintenance tips to save yourself a lot of trouble at home, and seek assistance from a technician when necessary. Some of the processes we’ve discussed are only applicable to specific car models. When you start having steering wheel problems, you should check the power steering fluid level and condition. If you run out of this fluid, it could cause or worsen your steering problems. Furthermore, if you are not cautious or are unsure of what you are doing, you may worsen the situation. If you’re not confident in your ability to fix a stuck steering wheel, it’s best to consult a professional.
FAQS
1. Is it possible to break a steering wheel lock?
The ability to break a steering wheel lock is dependent on the vehicle model. You could break the steering wheel lock in older car models by simply pulling hard on the steering wheel.
2. How do I unlock my steering wheel manually?
If you have the key but can’t get the steering wheel to unlock, try wiggling it while turning the key. If you don’t have the key, you can unlock the steering wheel by removing the ignition lock mechanically.
3. How do you use a screwdriver to pop an ignition?
To pop an ignition lock with a screwdriver, use the screwdriver and a hammer to strike the pins inside the lock. When the pins are damaged, you can use the screwdriver to turn the ignition lock.
4. Why is my steering wheel locked, and why won’t my car start?
If your steering wheel is locked and you are unable to start the car, the immobilizer system is most likely not recognizing your car key. This could be due to a faulty key fob, a faulty battery, or a faulty immobilizer.
5. Is it possible for a steering wheel to lock while driving?
They can, but only on very rare occasions. The locking system was designed with an automatic locking steering mechanism that only operates when the car is not turned on or parked.
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