Steering Wheel Locked Up While Parked? Here’s What You Need to Do

There may be times when your steering wheel won’t unlock while your car is parked. These instances can be frustrating. But, they are often easy to resolve.

How to Fix a Locked Steering Wheel

If your car’s steering wheel is locked while you’re parked, here are three things you can do to address the problem.

1. Use the Ignition

Insert your key into your car’s ignition. From here, turn your car on, as this may instantly unlock your steering wheel.

2. Apply a Small Amount of Pressure When You Turn Your Car Key

You may find that your steering wheel won’t unlock, even after you insert your key and try to turn on your car. In this instance, apply pressure as you turn your key. Use only a small amount of pressure; otherwise, you risk having your key break off in the ignition.

3. Replace the Steering Wheel

Get in touch with a professional mechanic to replace your steering wheel.

Why Does My Steering Wheel Lock When Parked?

Your car may engage a safety feature that causes the steering wheel to lock when your vehicle is parked. The feature may be activated if you turn your car off and its wheels are turned to the left or right. When this happens, one of your steering wheel’s lock slots may be blocked. The result: your steering wheel gets locked.

In addition, dirt and debris can enter a steering wheel lock chamber. They can contaminate the chamber and cause it to lock.

A worn-out or bent key can also cause your steering wheel to lock up. There is also wear and tear that can affect the performance of your ignition lock cylinders and causes them to lock.

How to Prevent a Steering Wheel From Locking Up While You’re Parked

You may be able to prevent your car’s steering wheel from locking up while your vehicle is parked. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Steer Your Car Where You Want to Park

Figure out where you want to park your car. Next, drive your car to this spot.

2. Park Your Car

Once your car is where you want to park it, release the steering wheel. If you’re driving a car with an automatic transmission, put your car into park. Or, if you’re driving a car with a manual transmission, activate your car’s parking brake and put your vehicle into neutral or first gear. Then, shut off your engine.

3. Don’t Touch the Steering Wheel While Your Car Is Parked

Keep your hands off your car’s steering wheel until you are ready to drive your vehicle once again.

How to Tell if You Need To Replace Your Steering Wheel

If your car’s steering wheel constantly locks up when you park, you should replace it. Other signs that your steering wheel needs to be replaced include:

• You hear clicking, clunking, or other strange sounds when you turn your steering wheel.
• It is tough to turn your steering wheel in one or both directions.
• It is difficult to center your steering wheel.
• Your steering wheel feels loose.

Don’t wait to replace a defective steering wheel. By bringing your car to a professional to get your steering wheel inspected.