How to Unlock a Steering Wheel

You get into your car in a Overland Park parking lot and turn it on, only to find that your steering wheel won’t budge when you attempt to turn it. What do you do? There’s no need to panic if your steering wheel becomes locked! Learning how to unlock a steering wheel is actually very easy. Keep reading to get step-by-step instructions from the Olathe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram service pros.

Unlock Your Steering Wheel Successfully

Follow these simple steps for how to unlock a steering wheel, so you can get back on the road to Gardner quickly:

• Gently pull the wheel downward and toward the direction it was facing when it was locked. 
• Unsure which direction it was in when it was locked? Try pulling it down in both directions—it’ll start to budge a little bit when you’re pulling in the correct direction. 
• Hold the steering wheel while pulling it in the right direction while you insert your key in the ignition and start up the engine. 
• At this point the wheel should unlock. If not, or if you can’t start the engine, try turning the wheel to the other direction and repeat the above step. 

Tips to Remember When Unlocking a Steering Wheel

Avoid damaging your steering wheel when unlocking it by remembering these quick tips:

• Don’t Force It: If the steering wheel just isn’t budging out of place, don’t attempt to use brute force, as this could end up damaging the steering mechanism. You must be patient and use gentle but firm pressure as you follow the aforementioned steps. 
• Try Another Key: Can’t turn the key in the ignition? The key itself may be the real culprit! Try using a spare key instead. 

Wondering How to Lock Your Steering Wheel?

Why would you want to know how to lock your steering wheel? It can actually prove to be a helpful tip! Let’s say you’re going to leave your car parked in one spot overnight in Springhill—locking the steering wheel can help keep your vehicle safe. Here’s how to lock a steering wheel:

• Turn the engine off and remove the key from the ignition. 
• Turn the steering wheel all the way in one direction until you hear it click.
• The steering wheel is now locked! When you return to your vehicle, follow the steps for how to unlock a steering wheel and you’ll be good to go. 

Explore More Helpful Auto Tips with Olathe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram!

Whether you need to know how to lock or unlock a steering wheel or anything else regarding your vehicle’s mechanics, Olathe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram has the auto service tips you can trust. Need professional help with steering issues? Schedule a service appointment with us in Olathe. Our experts can get to the root of the problem in a timely manner.