Most car models these days come equipped with a steering wheel lock that must be unlock manually in order to drive the car. There are a variety of ways to unlock a steering wheel, depending on the car model and manufacturer. Some cars use a key to lock the steering wheel while others have an electronic locking system with buttons. While some use controls on the dashboard that unlocks the steering wheel. Regardless of the method used, here are step-by-step instructions for unlocking a steering wheel on most vehicles.
Steps to unlock the steering wheel
- Put in your key.
- Apply pressure while twisting the key and keep it up.
- Move the steering wheel left and right.
- While turning the key by jiggling it.
- Start your car, and you’re done.
Unlocking Steering wheel With a push-button ignition
- Turn the steering wheel left and right with one hand.
- Then use another hand to press the engine start/stop button.
- These procedures put your vehicle in ACC mode and release your steering wheel without starting the engine.
- Press the brake pedal.
- Push the ignition button to start your car’s engine and you are done.
Things to Remember while Unlocking
Make sure you apply steady pressure on your key when turning it, and do not turn it any more than necessary. This will help prevent wear and tear on your key and it will also prevent you from causing damage to your ignition switch or the steering column of your car.
You should also make sure you turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction of where you started in order to avoid damaging the lock mechanism inside the steering wheel. You also should not pull hard on the lever or push too hard on the steering wheel as you turn it, as this can cause damage to the internal components of the locking mechanism.
The instructions provided above may vary depending on the model and make of your car, but you can use the general guidelines outlined here to unlock the steering wheel in most cars. If this doesn’t work try using a spare key with the same procedure to unlock your steering wheel. If you are still having trouble unlocking your steering wheel, contact your local car mechanic.
Why Steering Wheel get Locked
The steering wheel locking system is an anti-theft feature to prevent theft of vehicles and expensive parts inside the vehicle. Some vehicles provide mechanical locking of the steering wheel, while others use electric locks.
Many new vehicles today have electronic locking systems for the steering wheel. However, older vehicles may not have this feature and instead have a more traditional lock mechanism that needs to be unlocked using one of the keys. You can unlock a locked steering wheel either by turning the key in the ignition or by depressing a button near the ignition.
The steering wheel lock system has some benefits. First and foremost, it is an anti-theft device. If someone steals your car, the steering wheel will be locked in one direction. Second, it’s a safety feature. When you park on a hill and turn your wheels toward the curb, the locked steering wheel prevents the vehicle from steering down the hill if the parking brake fails.
How to prevent it from getting locked
The steering wheel’s locking anti-theft feature won’t activate unless the driver turns the wheel while the engine is off and the key is out of the ignition. It usually engages when someone utilizes the steering wheel to assist them in exiting the vehicle. In this situation, you won’t have to worry about the steering wheel locking if you don’t touch it.
How to Lock Intentionally
If you’re leaving your vehicle in an unfamiliar area, it can be beneficial to intentionally lock the steering wheel for added security. This makes it more difficult for someone who should not be driving to start your car. Follow these simple steps to intentionally lock your steering wheel:
- Turn off your vehicle and remove the keys from the ignition.
- Turn the steering wheel in either direction until you hear a click.
- Your steering wheel will be locked until you return, unlock it with the above procedure, and start your car.
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