The steering wheel system is remarkably trouble-free considering you use it every time you get in your car. But is your steering wheel locked up? Thatâs probably why youâre here. Weâre going to try to help solve your locking steering wheel.
A locked steering wheel is unnerving to say the least, especially when youâre driving. Even if it locks when you just got in your car, it makes your heart drops because you wonât be able to use your car. And youâre going to have to spend at least half the day sorting it out. Anyway, hereâs our table of contents to help you navigate:
Steering Wheel System: What & How?
We always like to explain the basics of the component in question before we get into solutions and repair costs. Understanding how it works will help you make an informed decision when going to an auto shop for repairs. And sometimes it helps to make sense of the expensive costs.
We wonât get into too much detail about the steering system itself though. What you need to know is that most cars use a rack and pinion system, which is essentially some gears at the end of your steering wheel that operate the steering knuckle.
Additionally, cars have a power steering system. The two most popular systems are hydraulic and electronic. Hydraulic power steering uses hydraulic fluid to multiply the turning force from the driver onto the steering mechanism.
Meanwhile, electric power steering uses a motor to multiply that force. Again, we wonât get into too much detail but you can learn more here or watch the video below:
What you need to know is that these systems can fail, especially if you donât take proper care of them. And it can result in a locked steering wheel. In addition to the power steering systems, most cars have had a locking mechanism in the steering column since the late â60s.
This is an anti-theft feature so that even if morally-compromised individuals can get in your car and start it, they wonât be able to use the steering wheel since it needs the key to be unlocked.
The system works by engaging a metal pin into the steering column when you take the ignition key out. Note that many cars donât have this feature anymore since transponder keys are usually enough to prevent theft.
Steering Wheel Locked Up: Causes
Now that you understand why your steering wheel can lock up, letâs get into the causes. The three most common causes include power steering issues, faulty ignition lock assembly, and steering column problems. Hereâs what it might be depending on the scenario:
Steering Wheel Locked Up And Car Turned Off While Driving
The steering wheel locking up when the car dies while youâre driving is actually quite normal but that doesnât make it any less terrifying. The good news is that your steering system is probably fine.
The cause for the lock-up here is the power steering system shuts off since the system is powered by the engineâs drive belt. This applies to all hydraulic power steering systems and certain electric ones. Some electric power steering runs on the battery instead.
Anyway, when the engine dies, the drive belt stops spinning and therefore the power steering system stops working as well. If this happens, try restarting the engine. If the engine starts and the steering wheel works again, then you donât need to worry about your steering system.
Youâll still need to address why your engine died while driving though, as that indicates a faulty part with either the engine or the electrical system. If the engine dies but the electronic accessories still work, itâs likely an engine issue. But if the electronic accessories die along with the engine, youâre likely looking at an electrical problem. You can learn more in our guide.
Anyway, if this ever happens to you, turn on your hazard lights immediately. Always turn on your hazard lights when youâre having issues on the road, itâs there to signal to other drivers that youâre having issues and they should stay clear from you.
Then try to coast to a safe space, provided that there are no obstacles in front of you. Otherwise, brake as soon as possible since itâs likely the braking system isnât fully working either. If this isnât the scenario you encountered, keep reading:
Steering Wheel Locked Up While Driving
If the steering locks up while driving but the engine stays on, there are two potential causes: a faulty power steering or a faulty ignition lock assembly. However, in the case of the power steering, you should still be able to turn the steering wheel while the car is still moving.
This is because thereâs less resistance on the tires if you turn the wheel when the car is in motion. In most cases, the steering can still turn albeit it feels much heavier. On the other hand, an ignition lock issue will cause the steering to completely lock up. It feels like thereâs something in the way of the steering wheel.
Another key difference is that the steering will usually be stuck at either the 11 oâclock or 1 oâclock position depending on the carâs make and model. This is because thatâs where the lock engages, and even when it does, you should be able to wiggle the steering wheel by about 5 degrees before it refuses to move.
Note that a power steering issue is more likely. Itâs practically unheard of for the steering wheelâs lock mechanism to engage while youâre driving. In any case, you shouldnât attempt to continue driving as itâs dangerous. Try to stop at a safe place, and you should call for a tow truck.
Steering Wheel Locked Up While Parked
If you just got in your car and youâre about to drive away but the steering wheel is locked up, this could be an issue with the power steering, the ignition lock mechanism, or the steering column. Weâve already explained the first two, so letâs focus on that last one.
The steering column is the rod that connects your steering wheel to the steering mechanism. Damage is unlikely to occur to them, but it can wear out over time and cause a steering lock-up. Additionally, it can get dirty with grime and makes it hard for you to turn the steering wheel. Sometimes to the point where the steering wonât turn.
Steering Wheel Locked Up While Parked And Key Wonât Turn
If this happens to you, then the most likely culprit is a faulty ignition lock assembly since the key itself wonât turn. Sometimes itâs nothing serious though, and hereâs what you try:
- Wiggle the steering wheel while trying to turn the key. Some cars will prevent the key from turning if the steering is not at the correct angle. Be careful not to force the key to turn.
- Check the battery. Some cars wonât allow the key to turn if the battery is flat, and you can check it by using a multimeter. Read our guide to car batteries to learn more.
- Try the spare key. Your main key may be worn and isnât engaging the lock wafers, which prevents it from turning.
- Spray a WD-40 dry lube to clean out the wafers inside the lock. Dust and debris may prevent them from engaging and prevents the key from turning.
- Make sure the transmission is in Park. If it is, then jiggle the gear shift. This is more common when you have issues taking out the key, but some cars may prevent you from turning the key if the transmission isnât Park. Try jiggling the shifter as it may not have engaged the gear properly.
If nothing worked, this seems to be more of an issue with the ignition key cylinder assembly. Youâll probably find our guide to ignition keys more helpful. If else, stick around:
Car Brakes And Steering Wheel Locked Up While Driving
This is very rare but itâs the most terrifying scenario of the lot. Your brakes and steering wheel locking up together essentially removes any control you have over the car.
While itâs rare, some people have experienced it. Even worse, this is quite difficult to diagnose since the brake and steering wheel lock systems have no connection whatsoever.
Our best guess is that thereâs an issue with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) that causes the brakes and steering to lock up. The PCM is the computer that controls almost every aspect of your car, combining several computers and sensors to ensure the car works properly.
We have an article about PCM repairs, and you might find it helpful. But if this happened to you, we think itâs best to consult with a trusted mechanic. Do not attempt to drive the car as it may happen again.
How To Diagnose A Locked Steering Wheel
We wonât lie, troubleshooting a locked steering wheel is quite difficult. But hereâs what you can do to rule out some of the possibilities:
1. Check The Power Steering Fluid
As mentioned, a power steering issue can be the cause of your troubles. The main sign that you have a power steering issue is whining noises when you try to turn the steering wheel. This can be caused by either a low power steering fluid or a faulty pump (if you have hydraulic power steering).
You can easily check the fluid level inside the engine bay. Locate the fluidâs reservoir, which is a plastic container that usually says âpower steeringâ on the cap. Remove the cap, and then wipe down the dipstick with a clean cloth.
Afterward, reinsert the cap, and then take it out again. The dipstick has a minimum and maximum marker, and see where the fluid ends. If itâs below the minimum marker, refilling the power steering fluid will temporarily fix your problem.
However, youâll need to find the leak, as your car is not supposed to lose power steering fluid. You should also check if the fluid is dirty, has bubbles in it, or has become thick (they should have the same viscosity as new engine oil). These can cause the power steering to lose its effectiveness, and even damage components over time.
Meanwhile, an electric power steering doesnât use fluids. But since itâs electric, there are usually trouble codes that signal to the driver when thereâs an issue with the system. This segues us into the next section:
2. Scan The OBD System
If the power steering fluid seems fine and you donât recall any signs of power steering issues, you may be able to diagnose the problem by scanning your carâs On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system. The OBD system registers a trouble code when the carâs control unit detects an issue it canât fix.
Keep in mind that these trouble codes usually trigger a warning light on the dashboard. So, if there arenât any warning lights, you wonât find any trouble codes to help you diagnose the problem. Additionally, this only applies to cars that have electronic sensors for the steering system.
Anyway, if you have a car with an OBD-2 system (which is every car after 1996) this is pretty simple to do:
- Get hold of an OBD-2 scan tool.
- Locate the carâs OBD port, usually underneath the dashboard on the driverâs side behind a plastic panel. See your ownerâs manual if you canât find it.
- Plug the scan tool into the port and turn it on.
- Scan the OBD system, some scanners will require you to input your car make and model or VIN.
- It will then display the trouble codes. Some scanners may show what the code means. If it doesnât, then take note so you can search what the code means.
One of the codes that signal a steering wheel lock issue is the U0236, which is a generic code that means âLost Communication With Column Lock Module.â This module is what operates the steering wheel lock mechanism among other things. And it may need replacing or wiring repairs.
There are other codes as well, such as the P0637 that indicate an issue with the power steering controls. Once you find the trouble codes, you can then research further on how to fix the issue.
3. Inspect the Steering Column (Or Call A Professional)
Last but not leastâand certainly not the least difficultâis you can inspect the steering column. As mentioned, the steering column can wear out or locks up because of grime. In the case of the latter, cleaning it may solve your problem.
By removing the steering column cover you can also check if the ignition lock assembly is locking the steering wheel. If this is the case, then youâll need to remove the ignition lock and replace it with a new one.
Note that inspecting the steering column will require you to disassemble and remove your steering wheel, and then remove the column cover itself. The difficulty depends on the carâs make and model, but itâs certainly not for those who are not fond of DIY work. Take a look:
The video above shows how to remove the column, and then remove the ignition lock to free the steering wheel. As you can see, itâs not exactly an easy process.
Also, the steps differ depending on the carâs make and model, with some cars requiring you to disassemble the steering wheel before you can disassemble the cover. You should call a trusted mechanic to do the diagnosis for you if youâre not comfortable with dismantling the steering column.
Repairs And Cost Estimates
There are quite a lot of potential repairs here, and here are the cost estimates:
- Power steering fluid change and top-up cost $125 at most for most cars.
- Power steering pump replacement costs between $400 and $800 depending on the carâs make and model.
- Other power steering repairs include replacing the hoses and the reservoir tank. The cost ranges from $150 to $450 for most cars.
- Electric power steering module replacement costs between $155 and $185 on average.
- Electric power steering motor replacement costs around $800 on average.
- Ignition lock assembly replacement costs around $200 for most cars.
- Steering column replacement can be anywhere between $500 and $900 depending on your carâs make and model. Certain cars can go up to $1,500.
Note that the costs above include labor costs, but theyâre a very rough estimate and your carâs make and model, as well as local labor rates, can affect the actual cost greatly. Always inquire to several shops to compare prices.
Lastly, a rack and pinion replacement may be necessary. This is the heart of the steering system. While issues with the rack and pinion usually result in a loose-feeling steering wheel or play, in some rare cases, it may cause the steering wheel to lock up as well. They can cost up to $1,800 to replace in some cars.
Most of the replacement jobs are difficult to do at home and we donât recommend you do it yourself. Itâs better to just save yourself some time and pay a professional to do it for you.
Steering Wheel Locked Up FAQ
If you still have questions about your locking steering wheel, these answers might be helpful for you:
Why Is My Steering Locked Up
The steering wheel has a locking mechanism that works with the carâs ignition key system. When the key is taken out of the slot, the ignition lock mechanism inserts a metal pin into the steering column to prevent the steering wheel from moving. This is a theft prevention system. Itâs also possible that you have a power steering problem. In this case, the steering wheel isnât locked, but without the power steering, it becomes so heavy to turn that it seems like itâs locked.
How To Fix Locked Up Steering Wheel
Try wiggling the steering wheel while turning your ignition keys to the âACCâ position several times. The ignition lock mechanism might be faulty, and doing this may help to disengage the lock. If you have an automatic transmission, ensure that the transmission is in âParkâ. If that doesnât help, youâre going to have to repair the power steering system, the ignition lock mechanism, or the steering column depending on the cause.
What To Do When Your Steering Wheel Locked Up
If it locks up when your engine dies, try restarting the engine. The power steering will seize to work when the engine shuts and restarting the engine will probably fix your issue. If the lock-up occurs while driving and the engine is still on, try to coast to a safe space and put the car out of harmâs way. Afterward, call a tow truck to get back home or to the nearest repair shop. Do not attempt to drive it, this applies as well if the steering wheel locks while youâre parked.
How To Disable Steering Wheel Lock
You canât disable the steering lock mechanism. Itâs a theft-prevention system and carmakers have no way to disable the system. But if youâre talking about how to unlock a locked steering wheel, try wiggling the steering wheel while turning the ignition key several times. Sometimes the steering wheel needs to be at the correct angle for the ignition lock mechanism to disengage.
Final Thoughts
To summarize, the three most common causes of a steering wheel lock is a faulty power steering, faulty ignition lock mechanism, or problems with the steering column. Additionally, damage to the rack and pinion mechanism of the steering can also cause this, although itâs much less likely.
Whatever the cause, itâs best not to attempt to drive the car if youâre having steering issues. Even if you can unlock it, it may lock again during driving and youâll lose control over the car.
Checking the steering system is quite difficult as it often requires you to disassemble some parts. Even disassembling the steering column cover requires quite a lot of work, and you can do more harm than good if youâre not mechanically adept.
Best leave the diagnosis and repairs to professionals. While the repairs are potentially expensive, they will save you time and the hassle of trying to repair them yourself. Itâs crucial for your driving safety as well, best not to compromise. Donât forget to shop around and compare prices before proceeding to make sure you get the best quote. Good luck!
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