If your steering wheel is locked, you likely already know that putting the key into the ignition will unlock it in an instant. But what do you do if you do not have the key? Do you know how to unlock the steering wheel without the key? Fortunately, there are different options available to you.
In this guide, you will read about the reasons for when the steering wheel lock; I outline your options when you do not have the key available. I will also tell you at the end of the article if the steering wheel can lock up while you are driving.
Why Does the Steering Wheel Lock?
If you don’t know the steering wheel locks, you’ll think something is wrong when it happens- it is actually normal vehicle operation.
The steering wheel lock is supposed to be a simple safety feature to keep someone from stealing your car when they don’t have your key.
The wheel should lock up when you shut down the vehicle and take the key out of the ignition. This feature made sure the car was not going to go somewhere without you and protect your car when not in use.
In addition to these, steering wheel locks can occur when you have turned the steering wheel too far or as a result of a dead battery.
In all cases, the key is going to unlock it as long as the system is presenting as normal. If you don’t have the key or can’t get it to function, you need to go to one of our other options.
The information in this article is for educational purposes only that should never be used for any other car than your own. All methods can damage parts, and you undertake everything at your own risk.
How to Unlock Steering Wheel Without a Key
You can unlock a steering wheel without a key by removing the ignition lock. On older models, you can easily destroy the steering wheel lock mechanism by pulling hard and using the hammer in your ignition lock.
#1. Remove the Ignition Lock.
The best way to unlock a steering wheel without a key and without causing any damage is to remove the ignition lock from the steering column. This may require basic mechanical skills and tools.
You must remove the coverings around the steering column to access the ignition lock, and you will see bolts that are holding the ignition lock.
#2. Destroy the ignition lock.
You can also destroy the ignition lock with a large screwdriver and a hammer.
Once you destroy the pins in the ignition lock, you should be able to turn the ignition lock to unlock the steering wheel lock. However, this will obviously cause damage to the ignition switch, so you should probably first try a different method.
#3. Destroy the steering wheel mechanism.
There is one option for older models that you may only be able to break the steering column, and you may be able to break the steering wheel lock mechanism pin by pulling hard.
If you have a modern vehicle, destroying the steering column may be against your best interest anyway as modern vehicles have enforced the pins.
You could cause greater damage to your steering column than if you did one of the other options However this may be a method of last resort and only for older models.
#4. Pick the Lock.
Another method is to pick the lock and turn the ignition to unlock the steering wheel lock. You may have some skills in picking locks, but also picking the lock to only unlock the steering wheel lock is possible.
Most vehicles since the late 1990’s have systems in place to prevent you from doing this to start your car.
An engine immobilizer also may not even allow you to start the vehicle without your key. Even if you can pick the lock, you will at some point need to replace the ignition in order to operate the vehicle normally.
These methods of unlocking a steering wheel are best practiced when you have no key for your car, that we did want to consider what you could do if you have your key for the car, but just can’t unlock the steering wheel lock.
#5. Use a Spare Key.
If the standard key is having a problem or you lost the key, you might try another key. When you get the car, you should have received a few additional keys. Even though you probably do not use ones, do not disregard having a back-up.
If you do not have a back-up, you probably will need to move on to one of the other steps. You do not want to be jamming a key into an ignition, which is not supposed to go into the ignition, possibly leading to further damae.
#6. Spray WD40.
What do you do if the key will not go into the ignition? In some cases, there is dirt buildup in the ignition that needs to get cleaned out.
Another case might be that there may be some solidification going on in the tumblers that is not allowing the key to properly register. In this case, a simple spray of WD40 may work.
In your best judgement, use a spray of WD40 directly into the ignition port. After spraying WD40, you can try inserting your key again.
#7. Canned Air.
We had mentioned that WD40 could help to lubricate the lock while cleaning it out. But, if the key will not go into the ignition simply because there is contamination, compressed air might help more.
You can spray some of the condensed air directly into the lock mechanism. You may probably see dirt and contamination lightly fly out as a result. Then try and insert the key again after cleaning it out. An air compressor could also be used in place of the can of air, if you do not have a can of air.
#8. Get a New Key.
If you have not been able to get your key working, or if you lost the key, it probably time to get a new key. You really have some options for getting a key
For a simple key, it is probably best to go through locksmith. Usually, locksmith are less expensive than dealerships, plus it is typically quicker as well.
For tranponder keys, smart keys and others it can be more complicated than just cutting the key; it may need to be reprogrammed to work with your car. Or, it may just make more sense for you to go through the dealership.
Unlocking Steering Wheel with a Keyless Car
If you drive a smart key vehicle, there is no ignition port to get contaminated, just the push button to start and stop. When you have a locked steering wheel, you may be thinking how do I unlock it. It’s simple.
You will start with your left hand while wiggling the steering wheel until you push the start and stop button. Keep repeating this action until the steering wheel unlocks. If it seems stubborn, push in the brake pedal while repeating the same actions.
FAQs.
Will a Steering Wheel Lock When Driving?
If a steering wheel locks while driving, it can be catastrophic, but can it lock up while driving? Yes, it can. In very rare circumstances, a steering wheel may lock while driving.
However, the automatic steering wheel lock systems today are not supposed to lock unless the vehicle is in Park. The systems are only intended to deploy when they need to safeguard the car from theft and provide more safety.
It is more likely that you can’t turn the steering wheel not because it is locked, but because of low fluid, or other issues. With any luck, the only thing you need to do is fix the condition so you may turn normally.
Can you break a steering wheel lock?
Whether you can break a steering wheel lock is dependent on the model of car. In older models of cars the steering wheel lock could be broken just by pulling hard on the steering wheel.
However, there is an enforced lock in modern cars that may be impossible to break manually.
How do I unlock my steering wheel manually?
If you have a key but cannot unlock the steering wheel, try moving it slightly while turning the key. If you do not have the key, you can unlock the steering wheel by mechanically removing the ignition lock.
How do you pop an ignition with a screwdriver?
To pop an ignition lock with a screwdriver, you will need to hit the pins inside of the lock with the screwdriver and a hammer.
When you destroy the pins, you will be able to turn the ignition lock with the screwdriver. However, this depends on the model of car and may or may not be possible.
Why is my steering wheel locked and car won’t start?
If your steering wheel is locked and you cannot start the car, it is probably because the immobilizer will not recognize your car key. The reason may be a broken key fob, bad battery, or broken immobilizer.