Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Unlock the steering wheel lock
• Method 2 of 3: Release a stuck lock
• Method 3 of 3: Replace the ignition switch
• Tips

A steering wheel lock is one of the ways in which your car is secured. The purpose of a steering wheel lock is to prevent someone from driving the car without a key or with the wrong key. You normally unlock your steering lock by turning your key in the ignition lock. However, wear on the ignition lock may prevent the steering lock from unlocking. If that happens, try the steps in this article before taking the car to a garage.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Unlock the steering wheel lock

1. Insert the ignition key into the ignition lock. The steering wheel lock has probably been locked because the steering wheel was moved after the engine turned off. You unlock the lock in the same way as you start the car.
   • Put the key in the ignition and try to turn it.
   • When the key is turned and the car starts, all the steering locks are unlocked at the same time.
2. Carefully turn the key. If both the key and the steering wheel are stuck, you will need to apply a little more force on the key in the direction it is supposed to turn. Do not do this too high on the key, as this can bend or even break the key while it is still in the lock. Instead, gently apply pressure until movement in the ignition switch.
   • If you eventually have to call the roadside assistance, it will be a lot more expensive to repair an ignition lock with a piece of key in it.
   • If the key does not turn with any pressure, then it probably won't make sense to use more force. In that case, keep some pressure on the key and proceed to the next step.
3. Put pressure on the steering wheel. The steering lock is locked by means of a pin on one side. When the lock is locked you cannot turn the handlebars in any direction, but you will not be able to move in one direction at all (the side where the pin is). Determine which side the steering wheel cannot turn, then apply pressure to the other side while trying to turn the key with your other hand.
   • The process of simultaneously turning the key while applying pressure to the handlebars causes the handlebars to unlock.
   • The handlebar can only move slightly in the direction opposite to the pin, but it cannot move towards the pin at all.
4. Do not shake the wheel. It can be tempting to shake the steering wheel when trying to unlock the steering wheel lock, but that will reduce the chances of success. Instead, try to apply even pressure in the same direction until the handlebars unlock.
   • Shaking the handlebars can damage the locking pin and be even further away from home.
5. Pull the key out a little before turning the key. A worn key is sometimes difficult to turn in the lock. Sometimes it can help to insert the key all the way in first and then pull it out slightly. Only do this a few millimeters and then try turning again.
   • If this works, there is probably a worn key.
   • In that case, you should replace the key as soon as possible before it stops working at all.
6. Simultaneously turn your steering wheel and your key to unlock. You may have to try it a few times, but if you put enough pressure on the steering wheel in the right direction while trying to turn the key, both will unlock and you can start the car. You may apply a little force, but never force the steering wheel or key if it doesn't work right away. That way you damage the stem, the key or other parts.
   • When the lock and steering wheel are unlocked you can start driving the car.
   • If you still cannot get the steering lock loose, you have to determine what the problem is.

Method 2 of 3: Release a stuck lock

1. Spray a small amount of contact spray into the keyhole. If the ignition lock cylinder no longer works, it can help to lubricate it by spraying contact spray into the keyhole. Be careful not to over spray. A few short squirts of spray should be enough. After this, insert the key in the lock and move it back and forth to distribute the lubricant properly.
   • If this solves the problem, you will likely need to replace the contact cylinder or the problem will return and get worse.
   • Liquid graphite can also help lubricate the cylinder.
2. Inject compressed air into the ignition. There may be dirt in the ignition lock that prevents the key from turning and you cannot unlock the steering lock. Buy a can of compressed air from an office supply store and insert the straw of the nozzle directly into the keyhole. A few short squirts should be enough to get rid of dirt.
   • Wear safety glasses to prevent the dirt from getting into your eyes.
3. Move the key back and forth in the lock a few times. If there were bits of debris on the key during insertion, the debris may now be in the ignition cylinder pins. Insert the key all the way in and pull it out again. Repeat this a few times to remove any debris left in the cylinder.
   • If this works, the problem will likely return later, until the dirt is completely removed from the ignition switch.
   • If this method has worked, use a can of compressed air to clean the cylinder.
4. Check to see if the key is bent or damaged. If the key will not turn, it could be that the key is damaged. Sometimes the teeth on the key are flattened or damaged, then the cylinder pins may not be reached properly. This in turn can result in a key that will not turn, which will prevent the steering lock from unlocking.
   • Your key needs to be replaced if the key is damaged to such an extent that the cylinder no longer rotates.
   • Never copy the damaged key. A good replacement key must be provided by a dealer who has experience with your make and type of car.

Method 3 of 3: Replace the ignition switch

1. Buy a new ignition lock. Ignition locks are easy to replace in most cars, which can be done at home, even by people with no experience. Before you start, you must have ordered the correct ignition lock from an auto parts store. Please specify the make, type and year of the car to order the correct lock.
   • Automakers are not likely to change part numbers, so getting the right part won't be a problem in most cases.
   • Buy the new ignition before removing the old one. Compare the two locks and verify that the two locks are exactly the same before starting the job.
2. Remove the plastic cover around the ignition switch. Most cars have a plastic housing around the steering column and ignition switch. Remove this plastic casing by first lowering the handlebars to the lowest position and then removing the screws that hold the casing in place. On some cars the housing consists of two parts, on other cars the cover at the ignition switch is a separate piece.
   • If you cannot lower the steering wheel with a lever, you must first remove the steering column support arm under the dashboard so that the steering column comes down.
   • Unscrew the housing screws around the steering column, separate the two halves and remove the plastic.
3. Remove the ignition switch with an Allen key. Examine the ignition switch and remove any trim material to gain access to the lock connector and the hole to release it. Insert a 9/32 ”Allen key into the hole while turning the ignition key back.
   • Use the ignition key to remove it completely by pulling it towards the passenger seat.
   • Carefully disconnect the ignition switch connector when removing the ignition lock cylinder.
4. Make sure the new ignition switch is well lubricated. If the old ignition switch has been removed, compare the two locks again to see if they are the same. The ignition switch should already be lubricated at the factory and ready to install. Check for lubricant on the moving parts on the outside, make sure the new key fits properly and the cylinder turns smoothly in both directions.
   • If the contact cylinder is not properly lubricated, lubricate the cylinder with liquid graphite or a similar lubricant first.
   • If necessary, purchase a lubricant from an auto supplies store.
5. Check that the lock pins can move freely. You can do this by inserting and removing the key a few times completely. The key must not get stuck when inserting or removing it.
   • Lock pins are lubricated with graphite powder which is applied directly into the keyhole.
   • Graphite is available in small tubes designed to force the powder into the keyhole to reach the back of the keyhole. Graphite can be added if required.
6. Slide the cylinder into place and reattach the connector. When everything fits properly and the lock is sufficiently lubricated, slide the cylinder into place and make sure it clicks into place. Reattach the connector and reattach the covering material you removed earlier.
   • Turn the cylinder forward with the key until you hear it click into place.
   • Secure the connector first, so before you secure the new cylinder in place.
7. Start the engine to check that the steering lock is released. Before reattaching the steering column (if you had loosened it) and putting the plastic housing back on, make sure that the engine starts and that the steering lock is released. You do this by inserting the key into the ignition and turning the key while applying pressure on the opposite side of the locking pin.
   • The bolts of the steering column must be tightened with a certain force (torque). These specifications can be found in the repair manual for your type of car.
   • If you can't find these specs, tighten the bolts securely with a long-arm wrench so you can apply enough force. Your steering column bolts must be tight or they may vibrate loose while driving.

Tips

• In this article, with an ignition lock, we mean the combination of the cylinder with key, the electrical switches and the steering lock mechanism. This combination is sold and assembled as a whole, and can be purchased at dealers and auto parts stores.
• A repair manual, specific to your type of car, can be helpful if removing the ignition switch causes problems.