How to Unlock Steering Wheel Without Key?(Solving Problem)

Indeed, in the process of operating and using the car, there will be several times when we forget, lose the key, or encounter problems related to the lock, thereby hindering the use of the steering wheel and the activation of the vehicle.

While these incidents will not happen too often, it would be terrible to encounter these risks when we need to move quickly.

So you will need to know the skills to help unlock the steering wheel without a key to be able to act when required. And in today’s article, we will introduce you to all you need to know about the necessary skills and manipulations.

What is Steering Wheel Lock?

The steering wheel lock is a protection mechanism that almost all models from the classics of the last decade to today’s newer models have built in. If SRS is a mechanism to protect the user from danger, the steering wheel lock is a mechanism to protect the car from thieves.

Usually, we can’t see the working mechanism of the lock directly because the system is generally inside the floating shaft between the steering wheel and the car, but just a few simple steps, the lock is closed, and your car will be locked.

What Causes The Steering Wheel To Be Locked?

Usually, manufacturers will set the lock inside the steering wheel to work every time the car is off, and the key is no longer in the car. In other words, as long as you turn off the car engine and then remove the key or take any action that leads to the key leaving the lock, the steering wheel lock will automatically activate.

So just like failures in the ignition lock cylinder chevy, a problem with the ignition will also prevent the vehicle from operating.

Besides, the following reason your steering wheel is still locked is to ensure the vehicle’s safety. Because even if you remove the key, thieves can still use hotwire technology to activate the car without needing to lock the vehicle indirectly.

 And if there is no lockset, the thief can efficiently operate the car and perform his theft.

What Do You need To Unlock The Steering Wheel?

To perform steering wheel unlocking operations, you will need some specialized tools in repair. Although they are specialized tools, you can easily find these items right in your home.

• WD40: Rust is always the leading problem leading to the failure of mechanically operated mechanisms. But fortunately, thanks to the introduction of WD40, we can quickly deal with these damages and prevent rust from appearing again.
• Screwdrivers, hammers, chisels: Basic tools that almost all the steps range from as complicated as editing internal engine parts to as simple as open a locked car door need to be used
• Compressed air tank: A can of compressed air is an effective tool for dealing with the amount of dust that collects in the joints of the lock.

Read More: How to remove steering wheel cover once it’s worn out?

How to Unlock a Steering Wheel Without a Key?

There are a total of 3 main ways you can experiment. Each method will require different steps.

Method 1: Unlocking The Steering On Your Own

The easiest method that you can try is through the following 4 steps:

• Plugin the car key and try the operation: First, you need to prepare the key before operating. When starting out, we will try to insert the key and turn the ignition simultaneously, but be careful to apply moderate force to avoid damaging the lock and key. You can also try turning the wheel in the direction you turned before the wheel locked, or try both sides if you can’t remember.
• Try a different key: Most likely, the problem is with the key you are using because with just a minor damage, the key and lock grooves will no longer fit together, and you will have to replace a new key
• Using WD40: Rust, dirt, or other solids trapped in the lock will not survive and prevent you from activating the unlocking mechanism.
• Use a hammer to knock: An operation that seems quite strange but compelling is to try to insert the key into the lock and hammer a few times. We need to be careful not to hit it straight to avoid bending or breaking the key.

Method 2: Unlocking Through Ignition Set Replacement

Similar to the first method, you will need to use 4 steps to complete this operation

• Step 1: Remove the mast plates in the hoist by unscrewing the screws securing the lower fork of the hoist.
• Step 2: Lock the cylinder. To locate the cold cylinder lock, you need to release the tab in the locking system and push it down. At the same time, you need to turn the lock until the cylinder moves backward.
• Step 3: Install the new electric lock system and try to unlock it with the old key.
• Step 4: Reassemble the column plates in the hoist. You need to fix and tighten the screws back to their original position.

Method 3: Unlocking By Using Loosening Sticky Locks

• Step 1: Spray cleaner like WD40 on the lock.
• Step 2: After using the cleanser, you need to spray compressed air into the lock. This way, you will remove dirt and foreign objects from the safety.
• Step 3: Use the key to turn it back and forth many times until the steering wheel is unlocked. In some cases, the legend has chipped teeth, making it impossible to connect the key to the steering wheel. You need to replace the key with a new one or contact the service agent to fix it.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ’s)

+Can a steering wheel lock while driving?

The steering wheel never locks itself when we are using it unless this part encounters severe errors from the inside of the system. So you don’t have to worry about the steering wheel suddenly becoming unusable while on the road.

+How much does it cost to unlock a steering wheel?

The cost of unlocking the steering wheel can range from $100-400 depending on the stage of the damage. In some lucky cases, you will have to pay the exact cost of patching a tire.

+What happens if my steering wheel locks up?

If your steering wheel suddenly locks while driving, you won’t be able to turn your wheels to navigate out of the way, leading to a severe car accident if a vehicle tries to pass you.

Conclusion

Through today’s article, we hope that you can know the methods to unlock the steering wheel without the key and apply them in vehicle operation and maintenance.