Unlocking your steering wheel is usually a simple adjustment. Sami Sarkis / Getty Images If your steering wheel is locked, you won't be able to start your car: either your ignition switch
won’t turn or, if your car has a start-stop button, you'll see a warning light about the steering lock. Fortunately, it’s easy enough to unlock your steering wheel and get your car started with the following simple steps. The steering wheel lock is directly connected to the ignition cylinder. To unlock your steering wheel, use your left hand to
wiggle the steering wheel left and right with significant force. At the same time, use your right hand to turn the ignition key from the LOCK position to the ACC (accessory) or START position. The steering wheel lock is essentially an electronic deadbolt. Wiggle the steering wheel with your left hand, using significant force. At the same time, use your right hand to tap the start-stop
button. Do not step on the brake. These steps should put your ignition in ACC mode and unlock your steering wheel without starting the engine. The steering wheel lock can wear out, break, or glitch in other ways. On vehicles with an ignition cylinder, try
spray lubricant or a different key. If the ignition cylinder is worn or broken, replacement might be necessary. On push-button start vehicles, check that the key fob battery is good, or try a different fob. If you still can’t unlock your steering wheel, you may have an electrical or electronic problem. The best way to prevent a locked steering wheel is to steer the wheel where you want it, rest the vehicle on the parking brake, release the steering wheel, put the transmission in PARK, and shut off the engine. Then, don’t touch the steering wheel until you’re ready to start the engine again. Most of the time, a locked steering wheel does not mean
there’s a problem with your vehicle, but simply that you have engaged one of its safety features. The lock only activates if the vehicle is turned off and you turn the wheel a few degrees left or right, at which point the lock will engage with one of the lock slots, preventing it from moving any further. There are two good reasons for the steering wheel lock to engage. First, it’s an
anti-theft device: if someone breaks into your car, the steering wheel will be locked in one direction. Second, it's a safety device: when you park on a hill and turn your wheels toward the curb, the locked steering wheel will keep the vehicle from steering down the hill in the event that the parking break fails. Cars With an Ignition Cylinder
Cars With a Start Button
Additional Solutions
Causes of a Locked Steering Wheel
14-06-2008, 12:41 AM #1
Registered User
How to unlock automatically locked steering wheel of a NISSAN altima
I turned the steering wheel of my Nissan Altima (1999 Model) while the key was not inserted in the ignition slot. Consequently the steering got locked and i cannot even insert the key in the ignition slot. please let me know as to what should I do to unlock the steering.
I appreciate the help in advance guys.
14-06-2008, 12:52 AM #2
DILLIGAF
Re: How to unlock automatically locked steering wheel of a NISSAN altima
umm for a guess its like most cars and u need to turn the wheel a bit so its not pushed against the lock, then the key will insert?
14-06-2008, 12:53 AM #3
Studmuffin
Re: How to unlock automatically locked steering wheel of a NISSAN altima
Try wiggling the wheel as you insert the key, works on most girls, errrr sorry cars
14-06-2008, 05:47 PM #4
One Great Ordeal!
Re: How to unlock automatically locked steering wheel of a NISSAN altima
I have had this happen on my car, pull the wheel to either the left or right and insert the key and start the engine, the steering wheel will loosen up and should freely move as normal
14-06-2008, 07:05 PM #5
radix lecti
Re: How to unlock automatically locked steering wheel of a NISSAN altima
Yup, even still happens on the Corsa Hire car I've got. Give the wheel a bit of a wiggle and push the key in, it will slot in and allow you then to turn it.
Someone will probably be able to explain why, I've just satisfied myself that its not a problem, rather a minor niggle.
15-06-2008, 06:33 PM #6
Senior Member
Re: How to unlock automatically locked steering wheel of a NISSAN altima
It happens when you try to move the steering wheel whilst the ingnitions off. I guess this is to stop theives pushing the car as they wont be able to steer it
18-06-2008, 03:22 PM #7
Registered User
Re: How to unlock automatically locked steering wheel of a NISSAN altima
Originally Posted by BenWIt happens when you try to move the steering wheel whilst the ingnitions off. I guess this is to stop theives pushing the car as they wont be able to steer it
I think you are right on the money. Precisely the right reason18-06-2008, 03:25 PM #8
Registered User
Re: How to unlock automatically locked steering wheel of a NISSAN altima
Originally Posted by dave87Yup, even still happens on the Corsa Hire car I've got. Give the wheel a bit of a wiggle and push the key in, it will slot in and allow you then to turn it.
Someone will probably be able to explain why, I've just satisfied myself that its not a problem, rather a minor niggle.
Thanks yeah you were right; I was sweating over a minor niggle. I tried out your advice and now my steering wheel is unlocked.Time to hit the road again!!18-06-2008, 03:26 PM #9
Registered User
Re: How to unlock automatically locked steering wheel of a NISSAN altima
Thanks a lot to one and all who posted their suggestions and advice on this thread. I have successfully unlocked the steering wheel.