It is obvious that you can’t drive a vehicle with a locked-up steering wheel, but if the steering is simply difficult to turn, it could be an issue with the power steering, and this is true whether the steering is electric or hydraulic.
Locked-Up Steering Parts, Locked Up Wheel, or Just Difficult to Steer?
If your steering wheel locks up when driving, it’s a serious mechanical problem and you need to do what you can to get the car off the road and call a wrecker because something serious has happened either in the steering column or in the actual steering components that turn the wheels.
If it’s just difficult to steer, there’s a good chance it’s due to a bad steering pump, low power steering fluid, or the lack of a key in the ignition. Problems with the power steering system or the steering linkage could also be the culprit.
Here are some possible causes of a steering wheel that is locked-up or difficult to steer:
Bad Steering Pump, Low Fluid, Loose or Slipping Belt, or Clogged Screen
An inoperative steering pump won’t be able to provide the hydraulic pressure to provide steering assist. Power steering pumps can go bad without warning and fail to produce pressure even if there’s plenty of fluid.
But there is a reservoir in the bottom of the power steering fluid reservoir (see illustration) that can starve the pump and cause it not to provide power assist. If you keep driving with a whining power steering pump that is starving for fluid, you’ll eventually need a new pump. If the belt is slipping because of oil on the belt, a bad belt, or a loose belt for whatever reason, the pump won’t be able to do its work either.
If you keep driving with a whining power steering pump that is starving for power steering fluid, you’ll eventually need a new pump. If the belt is slipping because of oil on the belt, a bad belt, or a loose belt for whatever reason, the pump won’t be able to do its work either.
–Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
No Key in the Ignition
Obviously, if there’s no key in the ignition, your steering wheel’s lock will engage. When the key is in the full OFF position, the steering wheel and shifter are both locked.
Power Steering System Problems
If your steering is very difficult when you try to turn the wheel in one specific direction but not the other, there’s likely something wrong with the power steering system. It’s a good idea to let a mechanic diagnose the problem.
Problems With the Steering Linkage
Inoperative steering linkages are rare, but they can be disastrous for your vehicle if left unresolved. They can cause the steering system to lock up, among other issues. It’s a good idea to bring your vehicle to a professional for maintenance and repairs if you suspect you’re dealing with steering linkage problems.
Can You Drive With a Locked Steering Wheel?
No, you can’t. Don’t even try. But if the steering is simply difficult, you can drive if you’re strong enough to fight the steering, but It’s not advisable.
It’s best to pull over and stop your vehicle as soon as you feel any problem with the steering to minimize the risk of any accidents. Any car that cannot be controlled is not a safe car to drive.
How to Fix an Inoperative Steering Wheel Due to Ignition Lock Issues
Inserting the key into the keyhole of the lock assembly and turning it usually solves the problem. Of course, you can’t drive the car if you can’t start it, and you have to have the key to start it unless it’s a push button start. However, there are some cases where the lock will malfunction as if you’re trying to use the wrong key even though you’re using the same key you’ve always used.
Pro Tips are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.
Pro Tip: This can and has happened, and usually necessitates the drilling out of the bad lock cylinder and replacing it, which is something most DIY people shouldn’t try unless the vehicle is very old. Newer vehicles have chip keys and transceivers, etc. Locksmiths can usually handle this kind of issue, but if they won’t come to where you are you’ll need to get the vehicle towed.
Clean Your Vehicle’s Steering Wheel Lock
Follow these steps to clean your steering wheel lock.
- Use a can of compressed air to clear debris. Insert the nozzle into the keyhole to blow away anything that might interfere with a key’s ability to unlock the steering wheel.
- Apply WD 40 or silicone spray to the keyhole to lubricate it enough to turn. Don’t use too much.
- Insert the key and pull it back out a few times and gently turn it back and forth to let the lubricant reach deeper parts of the ignition cylinder.
- Gently slide the key in and out numerous times to get any other debris stuck in the keyhole out.
- Use the can of compressed air again to cover all your bases and clean out the lock cylinder.
- Start your vehicle’s engine and confirm that the steering wheel lock disengages properly.
Replace Your Vehicle’s Ignition Lock Assembly
Follow these steps to help you replace the ignition lock assembly if you’re’ savvy enough to drill out the old lock that wouldn’t turn. Note that this process is extremely complicated, so stop right here if you haven’t done this before.
If you have done this already, the procedure is different for different vehicles. Usually the electrical part of the ignition switch isn’t part of the lock cylinder. Here are some generic instructions (note again that these may not apply to your car. If possible, find a resource for your exact vehicle).
- Prepare your vehicle’s new ignition lock assembly for installation.
- Take off the housing that covers the ignition by removing the fasteners from the column cover.
- Single out the ignition assembly and remove it. Don’t forget to unplug the ignition switch wire connector before taking it out.
- Ensure the replacement ignition switch is lubricated by confirming if there’s grease on all the moving parts. If not, apply grease to the new cylinder.
- Test the replacement ignition lock assembly by inserting your key in and out of the keyhole. It should not get stuck or get jammed halfway through.
- Slide the new ignition cylinder into the vehicle and reconnect the ignition switch wire connector. If any other components were removed to make way for the new ignition lock assembly, reinstall them.
- Start your vehicle’s engine and confirm that the steering wheel lock disengages properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about steering wheel locks.
What does it mean if my steering wheel is locked up while parked?
There’s a good chance you might have accidentally engaged the steering wheel lock while you were parking it. This can happen when you turn off your vehicle in the middle of turning the wheels, inadvertently locking the steering wheel.
Why does the steering wheel lock itself when my car is off?
Your vehicle’s steering wheel locks itself when your car is off to deter thieves. It’s almost impossible to drive a vehicle without a functional steering wheel, preventing thieves from making it very far with your ride.
What happens if you lose your steering wheel lock key?
If you lose your steering wheel lock key, contact your car dealer or manufacturer right away. There’s a good chance they can help you by providing you with a replacement key or offering you alternate methods to unlock the steering wheel lock.
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