Why is the steering wheel not locked but unable to turn?
2 Answers
If the steering wheel is not locked but cannot be turned, it is most likely due to the activation of the automatic steering wheel lock function. The solutions are as follows: 1. First, insert the key, press the brake, and then turn the steering wheel left and right. Although the steering wheel is in a locked state at this time, it can still be slightly turned when attempting to steer. While turning the steering wheel, turn the key to complete the steering wheel unlocking procedure. 2. If the vehicle is equipped with a one-button start function, the operation steps are basically the same as above, with the step of inserting the key omitted. First, press the brake, then turn the steering wheel left and right, and finally press the start button to start the car.
When you find the steering wheel unlocked but unable to turn, it may be related to minor issues in the ignition system. Sometimes the key is inserted into the lock cylinder, but the ignition switch gets stuck in the ACC position and doesn’t fully turn to the ON position, causing the power steering to fail and making the steering wheel feel frozen. As a mechanic, I often encounter this issue: a weak battery can affect the electric power steering system, especially during cold starts; or there might be slight mechanical resistance in the steering column, requiring an engine restart. In such cases, avoid forcing the wheel to prevent damage to the power steering pump. First, check if the ignition key is in the correct position—if the engine starts, the steering wheel usually becomes operable. If the problem persists, have a professional mechanic inspect it with tools to avoid sudden failure while driving, which could lead to accidents. It’s advisable to pay attention to steering smoothness after parking, as this helps prevent similar malfunctions and ensures safe, reliable trips every time.
