Among the safety systems of a vehicle there is also the steering lock mechanism; its main purpose is to prevent vehicle movement when the key is not inserted or the wrong one is used. To unlock the steering wheel you have to turn the key, but the ignition cylinders are subjected to a lot of work and mechanical movement; therefore, over time they can break, preventing you from reactivating the steering. If you can't unlock the steering wheel, you should find a solution before calling a mechanic or replacing the ignition lock.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Unlock the Steering
Step 1. Insert the key into the ignition
The steering wheel is probably immobile because you exerted some force on it the last time you turned the car off. To proceed, you just have to insert and turn the key as if you wanted to start the engine.
- Insert the ignition key into the slot of the cylinder and try to turn it.
- If it moves and the engine starts, the steering has unlocked at the same time.
Step 2. Gently move the key
If the ignition lock and the steering wheel remain stationary, you need to apply some pressure on the first one in the same direction you follow when you start the car. Be careful not to exert force on a point of the key too far from the coupling, otherwise you run the risk of twisting or breaking it inside the lock; press firmly but gently until the ignition unlocks.
- If you have to call a vehicle locksmith and have an ignition lock replaced with the broken key inside, the bill will be much higher.
- If you don't get any results even with light pressure, remember that being more energetic does not solve the situation; in this case, move on to the next step.
Step 3. Move the steering wheel
The steering wheel is blocked by a lateral piston which, when activated, prevents its free movement in both directions; however, it is absolutely impossible to move the steering in one of the two directions, ie the one that corresponds to the side on which the piston is mounted. Determine which side is that side and apply gentle pressure in the opposite direction as you turn the key with your other hand.
- This simultaneous action should free the steering.
- The steering wheel moves slightly in the opposite direction from the piston, but you are absolutely unable to turn it in the wrong direction.
Step 4. Do not shake the steering wheel or swing it
It may be tempting to spin it left and right in an attempt to free it, but doing so reduces the chances of success. Instead, keep pressing steadily in one direction until the safety mechanism disengages.
Shaking the steering wheel could damage the piston to no avail
Step 5. Pull the key out slightly before turning it
If it is a little worn, you may find it difficult to operate the ignition cylinder. You can free the pistons of the lock by inserting it completely and then pulling it out slightly, for about 1 mm or for the thickness of a coin; at this point, you can try to rotate it again.
- If this works, the key is likely to be too worn.
- You should replace it immediately, before it stops working.
Step 6. Turn the key and the steering wheel at the same time to unlock it
It may take a few tries, but if you apply pressure in the right direction as you turn the ignition key, you should be able to move both of them, starting the vehicle and allowing the steering to rotate freely. While some force needs to be applied, don't overdo it if you feel a lot of resistance, otherwise you can break the locking piston, key, or internal components.
- Once the mechanism has been deactivated, you can drive the vehicle.
- If you don't get results, you need to fix the underlying problem.
Method 2 of 3: Free the Sticky Lock
Step 1. Spray a small amount of electrical contact cleaner
If the ignition cylinder has become jammed, this remedy will allow you to lubricate the internal components just enough to make it rotate. Be careful not to overdo the quantity, a couple of sprays are enough; afterwards, insert the key and turn it gently in both directions to spread the product.
- If you manage to solve the problem, it is necessary to replace the block as soon as possible, as its condition progressively worsens.
- Alternatively, you can use liquid graphite.
Step 2. Spray canned compressed air
Dust can accumulate in the slot preventing the key from moving and, consequently, from unlocking the steering wheel. Purchase a can of compressed air at an office supply store or supermarket and insert the tip of the straw into the slot in the pad. You should release two short sprays to get rid of any residue.
Before proceeding, wear protective goggles to prevent dust from getting into your eyes
Step 3. Gently slide the key into the lock several times
If there is any debris in the lock, it could get stuck between the pistons of the mechanism. Insert the key completely and extract it; repeat the movement a couple of times to loosen the dirt inside.
- If this method leads to any results, be aware that the problem may reoccur until you clean the ignition lock.
- If so, use compressed air to remove the residue.
Step 4. Make sure the key is not bent or damaged
If it doesn't turn when you put it in the cylinder, it may have been damaged. If the indentation is rounded or partially broken, it no longer adapts to the sequence of pistons found in the ignition cylinder and is unable to rotate the mechanism; all this prevents you from unlocking the steering and starting the engine.
- If the key is too worn to work, you need to change it.
- Do not make a copy of a damaged key; you need a new part supplied by an official dealer of your car.
Method 3 of 3: Replace the Ignition Switch
Step 1. Purchase a new ignition lock
It is a part that you can easily change on almost any car model and is a job within the reach of almost any amateur mechanic. Before starting you must order the spare part at a specialized shop; Provide the salesperson with the exact model, make and year of manufacture of the machine to get the right part.
- Car manufacturers don't change part numbers very often, so you shouldn't have a hard time getting the exact part from an auto parts store.
- Buy the new block before disassembling the damaged one; compare them to make sure that the spare part is identical to the original before proceeding with the installation.
Step 2. Remove the cover
Typically, there is a plastic housing that hides the steering column and block; you have to remove it by lowering the steering wheel to the minimum (if your car is equipped with a steering position adjustment system) and removing the fixing mechanisms that hold it in place. On some vehicles the cover consists of two elements that are located below and above the steering wheel, while in others there is a separate element for the ignition.
- If the car does not have a steering wheel height adjustment system, remove the support bracket located under the dashboard to which the steering column is attached.
- Remove the fasteners from the column cover, separate the two halves and remove the plastic piece.
Step 3. Use an Allen key to remove the ignition lock
Locate it and disconnect any components that prevent access to the wiring and cylinder release hole. Insert a 7mm Allen key into the release hole while turning the key backwards.
- Use the ignition key to extract the entire lock towards the passenger side.
- Remember to unplug the wiring as you remove the cylinder.
Step 4. Make sure the switch on the new block is well greased
After you have disassembled the worn component, compare it to the replacement to make sure they are identical. Usually, new parts are sold pre-lubricated, ready to install. Check that there is grease on all external moving parts, that the key enters and activates the mechanism correctly in both directions
- If the block is not greased, apply liquid graphite or a similar product.
- If necessary, buy the grease at the auto parts store.
Step 5. Make sure the pistons move freely
You must make sure that the ignition mechanism is activated correctly by inserting and extracting the key completely several times; the latter should not get stuck or get stuck as it slides into the lock.
- The embossed cylinders are lubricated with graphite powder which is applied directly into the crack.
- Graphite is sold in special tubes that allow it to be sprayed with sufficient pressure to make it reach the bottom of the lock; if necessary, you can add it to the ignition cylinder.
Step 6. Slide the replacement into place and connect the harnesses
When you are sure that the new piece is well lubricated and identical to the old one, insert it into its housing and make sure it is fixed; then restore the electrical connections and reassemble the elements you removed previously.
- Rotate the cylinder forward using the key until you hear a "click".
- Make sure you have connected the ignition wiring to the new switch before inserting it.
Step 7. Start the engine to make sure the steering wheel is unlocked
Before attaching the steering column (if you have detached it) and the plastic cover, check that the engine starts, that the steering wheel can move freely and lock without problems. Insert the key and turn it while applying gentle pressure to the steering wheel away from the side where the piston is.
- The steering column bolts should generally be tightened to the specified torque values, which you can find in the maintenance manual within a particular section.
- If not, tighten the nuts firmly using a socket wrench and handle extension for extra leverage. The steering column bolts must be tightened correctly to prevent them from vibrating and loosening while driving.
Advice
- The term "ignition lock" refers to the cylinder assembly with a key, the electrical switches and the steering lock mechanism. This item can be purchased as a stand-alone unit at auto parts stores or dealerships.
- It is useful to have a specific repair manual, in case the disassembly process is not intuitive or clear.
