What to Do When the Buick Steering Wheel Locks?

[Emil]

Press the brake, hold the steering wheel with your left hand and gently shake it, while simultaneously turning the key with your right hand to unlock. If you are not skilled, you might not succeed in unlocking it the first time. Don't worry in such a case; just pull out the key and repeat the above steps a few more times.

[MacSarah]

Don't worry, I've encountered this situation several times. The steering wheel lock is a theft prevention feature in Buick vehicles, usually triggered when the steering wheel is accidentally turned after parking. The solution is quite simple: Insert the car key, then gently turn the steering wheel with your left hand—remember to wiggle it slightly left and right—while slowly turning the key with your right hand to start the engine. You'll hear a subtle clicking sound from the steering wheel, indicating it's unlocked. If it doesn’t work on the first try, adjust the force of the steering wheel wiggle, but never force it. This design is actually quite thoughtful, preventing car theft. I always follow this method whenever it happens, and it’s never made me late. Just remember to keep the steering wheel straight when parking to avoid triggering the lock.

[OKaden]

I understand your frustration, as this is a common issue among Buick owners. When the steering wheel turns unexpectedly after removing the key, the locking mechanism activates. Don't rush to restart the car; here's a more efficient approach: Sit in the driver's seat, insert the key, then gently rock the steering wheel left and right with your palm to find some play. Simultaneously, slowly turn the key with your right hand. The steering wheel will feel heavier than usual, requiring a similar finesse to unlocking a bicycle. I've had my new car lock up twice before, and I found the key lies in synchronizing both hands' movements. The steering wheel needs much less rotation than you'd expect—just slight pendulum-like movements. Additionally, regular lubrication of the steering column can reduce locking occurrences, though this has limited effect on older vehicles.

[Smith]

The steering wheel locking is a common anti-theft feature. The solution is straightforward: after inserting the key, gently turn the steering wheel while turning the key simultaneously. Apply balanced force and avoid turning the steering wheel more than 15 degrees. If significant resistance is felt, straighten the wheel and try again. This usually occurs when the steering wheel is bumped after parking. Remember to operate gently to avoid damaging the steering column.