The Science behind Steering Wheel Locked Up While Parked

Are you tired of your car’s steering wheel locked up while parked ? Well, you are not the only one here. We have been there too. So, Why does it happen, and how to avoid it? What is the solution to it? In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about the locking up of your steering wheel when you park your vehicle. So, make sure you stick right through the end!

Why Steering Wheel Locked Up While Parked?

A lot of people face the issue of the steering wheel locked up while parked. Well, the most common reason behind it is that sometimes you accidentally press on the steering wheel when you get out of the car. So, if this happened with you too and you heard a clicking sound, then this is the reason behind the locking up of your steering wheel. So, you always need to look out for the clicking sound so that you can avoid it.

Apart from this, some modern cars are also equipped with turn-key ignitions with an ignition lock feature. If you want to activate this feature, all you need to do is turn the wheel once you remove the key from the ignition. This will activate a locking bolt that will stop your car’s steering wheel from turning on in the absence of the key. This feature is extremely handy as it prevents thieves from stealing your car.

However, if you are not familiar with this feature, it can create an alarming situation for you. You might inadvertently activate the feature and will have no idea what to do when your steering wheel gets locked up. So, if you want to deactivate the feature, all you need to do is turn the key in the ignition. But, you need to remember that there will be a lot of tension on the lock cylinder. As a result, it can prevent the key from turning on.

So, if you want to release this tension, you must turn the steering wheel lightly. When it will move a little bit in one direction, it will release the tension on the lock and you will be able to use your steering wheel.

Some Other Common and Uncommon Reasons of Steering Wheel Locked Up While Parked

Apart from the reasons that we mentioned above, there are some other common and uncommon reasons that might cause your steering wheel to lock up while parked.

One of the most common reasons is that you have accidentally engaged the safety features of your car while parking it. This can happen when you turn off your car and turn its wheels a bit in the left or right direction. As a result, the lock slot can get blocked and you will have a stuck car.

Some uncommon reasons include damaged keys, sticky locks, and internal wearing. For example, dirt and debris can enter your car’s chamber and lock it or it might be possible that you have a worn-out or bent key. As a result, your keys will not work anymore. Moreover, the components of your car can wear off with time. This includes ignition lock cylinders as well.

How to Unlock Your Steering Wheel?

If your steering wheel locked up while parked too, you don’t need to worry anymore. We have some common solutions for you. Want to know what those solutions are? Keep reading then!

1. Try Through the Ignition

The first thing that you need to do while your steering wheel has locked up is to try through the ignition. All you need to do is insert the key into your ignition cylinder and try to turn the key gently. But, you need to remember that a hard twist might result in the breaking of the key.

If the lock does not unlock with the gentle twisting, then you need to determine the side where the locking pin is located. Try to check in which direction the steering wheel does not move. This will be your locked side. Once you have located the locked side, you need to apply pressure on the free side while turning your key gently. Hopefully, this will unlock your steering wheel.

2. Try to Un-Jam the Ignition Cylinder

To un-jam your ignition cylinder, you will require a pressurized air sprayer and some aerosol cleaner near you. That’s because this process will require cleaning your key lock. The procedure to clean the lock is as follows.

1. Spray aerosol cleaner into your car’s lock chamber.
2. Apply a light lubricant such as liquid graphite into your car’s ignition cylinder.
3. Try to slide the key gently in and out of your chamber. Repeat this step around ten times.
4. Your car will hopefully unlock.

Note: You must not use this method if your car has a high-security key.

3. Work on Your Key

There is a high possibility that your car’s key is worn out. So, to solve this problem, you will need to follow the steps mentioned below.

1. Free your key from other ornaments.
2. Try the first method again.
3. You can also try wiggling the key while gently turning it.
4. If this works, then good for you. But, you will have to replace the key as it is damaged.

4. Replace Your Ignition Lock Cylinder

If the above methods do not work, then there is a possibility that there is something seriously wrong with your ignition lock cylinder. So, you might need to replace it. To replace your ignition lock cylinder, you will need to call up some locksmith and order a new cylinder for your car. However, you can replace the ignition lock cylinder yourself too if you know how to.

Final Words

The steering wheel locked up while parked can be quite exhausting. But now that you know the possible reasons and solutions mentioned in this guide, it will not be a problem anymore! Need more information? Contact us now !