How to Unlock a Steering Wheel

Hands on a steering wheel

 

If you get into your vehicle in Lawrenceville and you’re unable to turn the steering wheel or the key won’t turn in the ignition, don’t panic. Your steering wheel probably became locked by accident, but unlocking it doesn’t take long. Learn how to unlock a steering wheel using the directions from our service team below, and you’ll be back on the road in no time! We’ll also cover how to lock a steering wheel intentionally so you can understand how it happened in the first place.

 

 

Unlocking a Steering Wheel, Step-by-Step

Sitting in a Suwanee parking lot wondering how to unlock your steering wheel? Try not to stress, and follow these steps to mobilize your steering wheel:

  1. If you can discern what direction the steering wheel was last turned, you can start by pulling it downwards in that same direction.
  2. Try pulling in both directions if you aren’t sure which one is correct. You’ll feel the steering wheel start to budge a little bit when you’re turning it in the correct direction.
  3. Hold the steering wheel in position and insert your key into the ignition. Start the engine and test the steering wheel’s movement. 
  4. If you still can’t move the steering wheel, turn the car off. Turn the wheel in the other direction, then repeat step three.

After following these steps, your steering wheel should be unlocked. If you’re still having trouble, read some additional tips below.

Additional Tips For Unlocking a Steering Wheel

If you’re struggling with unlocking your steering wheel, consider these tips:

  • Don’t Be Too Forceful: There’s no need to strongarm your steering wheel to unlock it; you could actually damage parts of the steering mechanism, making it all the more difficult to unlock it. Use the steps laid out above and maintain gentle pressure when you pull the wheel down.
  • The Problem Might Be Your Key: If you can’t turn your key in the ignition, it might be the key itself at fault rather than the steering wheel. The key might be too worn out to engage your car’s tumblers, which you can confirm by trying your spare key. If the spare key works, you can get a replacement for the original key at our parts center.

How to Lock Your Steering Wheel Intentionally

Knowing the trouble it can cause, why would you want to know how to lock your steering wheel? Understanding how a steering wheel locks can help you avoid locking it by accident in the future. However, there may be other times when you want to lock your steering wheel as a security measure. Learn how to lock a steering wheel, below:

  1. Remove your key from the ignition after turning off your car. 
  2. Gently turn your steering wheel as far as it can go in one direction. 
  3. That’s it! When you get back to your vehicle, follow the instructions up above if you need help unlocking your wheel again. 

Visit Our Service Center for Assistance

Are you experiencing continued problems with your steering wheel or ignition? Schedule service with Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Duluth and our technicians will get to the root of the problem. If you’re looking for additional service tips you can trust, take a look at our service information hub where we answer questions like how to clean leather seats and when to replace your battery.

More from Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Duluth

  • 2022 Chevy Colorado Towing Capacity

    While the 2022 Chevrolet Colorado is technically a mid-size pickup, this beast offers performance on par with some of the biggest trucks around. For 2022, the Chevy Colorado towing capacity reaches a formidable 7,000 pounds. That’s more than enough muscle to help you take on work projects in Lawrenceville and weekend adventures in Suwanee. If…

  • What is the 2022 Chevy Blazer Towing Capacity?

    The new Chevy Blazer is a popular choice among adventurous drivers in Lawrenceville! With an available 3.6L V6 engine and a spacious cargo area, the 2022 Blazer can rise to any challenge with ease. But, how much can a Chevy Blazer tow? If you have lots of weekend toys or you’re an avid DIYer, this…

  • 2022 Chevy Equinox Towing Capacity

    If you’re impressed by the Chevy Equinox fuel economy and the fun range of colors, you might be ready to take the leap and upgrade your ride at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Duluth. But some drivers will also want to know, can a Chevy Equinox tow? Yes! The 2022 Chevy Equinox towing capacity maxes out at 1,500 pounds. Learn…

Hendrick Vehicle Disclaimer
$949.00 Dealer Administrative Charge included in advertised price.

All prices exclude all taxes, tag, title, registration fees and government fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all taxes and government fees and title/registration fees in the state where the vehicle will be registered. All prices include all manufacturer to dealer incentives, which the dealer retains unless otherwise specifically provided. Dealer not responsible for errors and omissions; all offers subject to change without notice; please confirm listings with dealer. All vehicles may not be physically located at this dealership but may be available for delivery through this location. Transportation charges may apply. Please contact the dealership for more specific information. All vehicles are subject to prior sale.

Additional Disclaimers:


**Monthly payment is $16.67 for every $1,000 you finance. Example down payment: varies by model. Must finance with GM Financial. Down payment required at signing, if applicable. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 12/2/24. **Savings include all dealer discounts, conditional OEM incentives, and non conditional OEM stackable incentives. Savings vary by model and stock number. Not available with lease and some other offers. Must trade in a 2010 model year or newer vehicle. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 12/2/24. ***Well-qualified customers who purchase any new vehicle or a pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between November 4, 2024, and December 31, 2024, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 72 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by December 31, 2024. See dealer for complete down payment options and details.

*Monthly payment is $16.67 for every $1,000 you finance. Example down payment: varies by model. Must finance with GM Financial. Down payment required at signing, if applicable. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 12/2/24. **Savings include all dealer discounts, conditional OEM incentives, and non conditional OEM stackable incentives. Savings vary by model and stock number. Not available with lease and some other offers. Must trade in a 2010 model year or newer vehicle. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 12/2/24. ***Well-qualified customers who purchase any new vehicle or a pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between November 4, 2024, and December 31, 2024, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 72 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by December 31, 2024. See dealer for complete down payment options and details.

*Savings include all dealer discounts, conditional OEM incentives, and non conditional OEM stackable incentives. Savings vary by model and stock number. Not available with lease and some other offers. Must trade in a 2010 model year or newer vehicle. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 12/2/24. **Well-qualified customers who purchase any new vehicle or a pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between November 4, 2024, and December 31, 2024, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 72 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by December 31, 2024. See dealer for complete down payment options and details.

*Savings include all dealer discounts, conditional OEM incentives, and non conditional OEM stackable incentives. Savings vary by model and stock number. Not available with lease and some other offers. Must trade in a 2010 model year or newer vehicle. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 12/2/24. **Well-qualified customers who purchase any new vehicle or a pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between November 4, 2024, and December 31, 2024, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 72 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by December 31, 2024. See dealer for complete down payment options and details.

*Monthly payment is $16.67 for every $1,000 you finance. Example down payment: varies by model. Must finance with GM Financial. Down payment required at signing, if applicable. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 12/2/24. **Savings include all dealer discounts, conditional OEM incentives, and non conditional OEM stackable incentives. Savings vary by model and stock number. Not available with lease and some other offers. Must trade in a 2010 model year or newer vehicle. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 12/2/24. ***Well-qualified customers who purchase any new vehicle or a pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between November 4, 2024, and December 31, 2024, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 72 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by December 31, 2024. See dealer for complete down payment options and details.

Menu

Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Duluth 33.96436, -84.12224.