Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Loosening Sticky Locks
• Method 2 of 2: Replacing the ignition switch
• Tips

The steering wheel locked in one position is part of the vehicle's safety system. The main purpose of the steering wheel lock is to prevent the vehicle from moving when the key is missing or the wrong key is inserted into the ignition lock. This helps prevent theft of the vehicle and also provides a high degree of safety when towing or transporting the vehicle. However, ignition toggle switches experience a lot of mechanical movement and over time, they can break down, preventing the steering wheel from unlocking.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Loosening Sticky Locks

1. 1 Loosen stuck locks with graphite powder. Ignition locks usually become difficult to turn or unlock long before they become completely unusable. To extend the life of the ignition switch, it is necessary to pour graphite powder into the key hole during regular maintenance of the car.
2. 2 While turning the key, try to turn the steering wheel left and right. Incompletely pinched toggle switches can function freely by simultaneously turning the steering wheel to the right and left and turning the ignition on / off with a key. This method, as a rule, works a small number of times before attempts to unlock the cotter pin of the ignition switch switches become ineffective.
3. 3 Use a lubricant such as WD-40. Applying a lubricant such as WD-40 can also help loosen the steering wheel. And yet, this is just a temporary measure, and after the steering wheel begins to lock, as early as possible, you will need to plan to replace the ignition cylinder.

Method 2 of 2: Replacing the ignition switch

1. 1 Understand how the ignition switch works. The ignition locks operate with a small steel cotter pin inserted into the corresponding hole in the steering column, providing a simple locking effect.
   • When the key is turned forward to the “on” position, the cotter pin is pulled into the rocker switch (from the hole in the steering column) and releases the steering wheel.
   • Thus, if the steering wheel cotter pin is not retracted, then the ignition switch needs to be replaced.
2. 2 Purchase a new ignition switch block. The ignition blocks are easily replaceable and can be done at home.
   • Vehicle manufacturers do not often change spare part numbers, so there are usually no problems when purchasing them in stores.
   • Purchase a new ignition lock before removing the inoperative one. Before installing a new ignition switch, make sure that it is completely identical to the old one.
3. 3 Remove the ignition cover. Typically, in most vehicles, the steering column and ignition lock are covered by a removable plastic housing. Remove this housing by lowering the steering wheel to its lowest position.
   • If the steering wheel adjustment is not provided for by the design of your car, then dismantle the steering column support bracket, located under the dashboard, so that the column takes a suspended state.
   • Remove the fastening elements from the column case, divide it into two halves and dismantle.
4. 4 Use the universal key to release the ignition unit. Identify the ignition unit and remove the components preventing access to the ignition connector wiring harness and toggle switch outlet.
   • The ignition toggle switches have a tiny hole in which you need to insert a 7.14 mm key. By using this key and simultaneously turning the ignition key in the opposite direction, the ignition unit is released.
   • Release the toggle switch and remove the key together with the ignition unit. Make sure that the ignition switch cable connector is also pulled out.
5. 5 Make sure the new ignition switch is well lubricated. Once you remove the ignition block, compare the new ignition switch with the old one and make sure they are identical. Installation is carried out in the reverse order in which the dismantling was carried out.
   • The new ignition locks are pre-lubricated at the factory and ready to install. Check for grease on the outer moving parts, make sure the key fits in the lock and that the cylinder rotates smoothly in both directions.
   • If the toggle switch turns out to be dry, it does not hurt to apply a little white lithium grease to its moving parts.
6. 6 Make sure the inner cotter pins of the lock move freely. To do this, insert and remove the ignition key several times in / out of the hole.
   • Sticky cotter pins are lubricated with graphite powder, which is poured directly into the keyhole.
   • Graphite comes in small tubes designed to “inject” the graphite with enough force to hit the back of any keyhole. You can add it if necessary.
7. 7 Reinsert the cylinder and reconnect the plug. After making sure the new block is properly and properly lubricated, insert the cylinder into the seat and make sure it is locked in place. Reconnect the plug and reinstall the previously removed elements.
8. 8 To unlock the steering wheel, start the engine. Before attaching the steering column (if detached) and installing the plastic housing, start the engine and check if it starts correctly and if the steering wheel is locked / unlocked.
   • The steering column bolts, usually, have standard tightening parameters, which are indicated in the car repair manual, in the technical data section.
   • If you cannot find the tightening parameters, then tighten the bolts securely with a long handled ratchet to increase the torque. The steering column bolts must not vibrate freely when the vehicle is in motion. This fact can lead to loss of control.
9. 9 Refer to your vehicle repair manual for specific instructions. This procedure is standard for most foreign and domestic cars, however, there are always new technologies and developments introduced by manufacturers. In the event that the vehicle ignition unit cannot be replaced using the standard procedure, then refer to the workshop manual for specific instructions.

Tips

• Car ignition block is a term used to describe the combination of a cylinder, an electric switch, and a steering wheel lock. This unit is purchased and replaced as a whole. It can be found at any auto parts store or dealership.
• A specific repair manual will be helpful if the dismantling process is questionable or incomprehensible.