What to Do When the Steering Wheel of an Automatic Car Locks?
2 Answers
Pull the handbrake in time and turn on the hazard lights. Inform the vehicles behind that your car has encountered a problem. Then turn off the engine, shift the gear back to P, and gently turn the steering wheel to straighten it. Restart the car, and the steering wheel will unlock.
When I first bought my car, I encountered a locked steering wheel and was at a loss. Later, I learned that the anti-theft system locks the steering wheel after an automatic transmission car is turned off. The solution is simple if the car is in the P position: gently wiggle the steering wheel about 1-2 cm without using too much force, while simultaneously turning the key with the other hand to start the engine. Performing both actions simultaneously will unlock it. If there's no response, don’t panic—check if the car battery is low or dead, or if the key fob battery is drained, requiring a replacement or a jump start. To prevent this, always straighten the steering wheel before parking to avoid locking. Safety first—never force the steering wheel, as it may damage components or break the key. Address any occurrences promptly to avoid getting stranded on the road.