What to Do When the Steering Wheel Locks Up?

[CourtneyLee]

When the steering wheel locks up, insert the steering wheel key and gently wiggle the steering wheel left and right to unlock it. Typically, steering wheels can be categorized into power-assisted and non-power-assisted types. The former requires 1.5 full turns to lock, while the latter, found in older models, requires 2 full turns. The steering wheel locking mechanism is a basic anti-theft feature of the car. Its principle involves a spring-controlled steel pin that, when the key is removed, pops into a pre-drilled hole if the steering wheel is turned, thereby locking the wheel in place. When the steering wheel is locked, it cannot be turned, the key won't turn, and the car cannot be started, thus achieving anti-theft.