What to do if the Volkswagen Polo steering wheel is locked?
2 Answers
The solution for a locked Volkswagen Polo steering wheel: 1. Start the engine and activate all the vehicle's electronic systems; 2. Press the top of the toggle lever located on the right side of the steering wheel, hold it down without releasing, and continue holding for more than 5 seconds until the steering wheel unlocks. A locked car steering wheel is an emergency response of the car's active anti-theft security system. The Volkswagen Polo is a compact car produced by SAIC Volkswagen. Taking the Polo 2021 Plus 1.5L Manual Panorama Enjoyment Edition as an example, its body dimensions are 4053mm in length, 1740mm in width, and 1449mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2564mm. The body adopts a 5-door, 5-seat hatchback structure, with a fuel tank capacity of 42.5 liters and a curb weight of 1145kg.
The other day when I was driving my friend's Polo, I also encountered the steering wheel lock. It actually happened because I accidentally turned the steering wheel after turning off the engine, triggering the anti-theft function. Unlocking it is super simple: after inserting the key, gently wiggle the steering wheel with your left hand while turning the key with your right hand, and the lock cylinder will click open. The key is to use finesse—don’t yank or force it, or you might snap the key. Once in winter, the lock cylinder froze up, and I sprayed some WD-40 lubricant into the keyhole, which fixed it. Also, after parking, it’s best to straighten the steering wheel so the lock tongue doesn’t get stuck. If you need an emergency unlock on the roadside, remember to pull the handbrake and shift into Park (P) first to avoid rolling. For regular maintenance, it’s recommended to check the steering column dust cover for damage every six months—sand and dust getting in can easily cause sticking.
