If this happens to you, then you must try to bring your vehicle to a stop at once and determine the cause of steering wheel lock-up before you drive your car again. Q: The steering wheel is constantly locking on its own. The 2006 Chevrolet Malibu has 31 problems reported for steering locked up while driving. Both common and uncommon reasons make the steering wheel locked while parked. Do not shake or rock the steering wheel. These sharp turns can trigger the locking mechanism in the steering wheel, causing it to lock. If you are replacing the power steering pump, it is crucial to inspect the serpentine belt. Average repair cost is $520 at 77,750 miles. I have a recurring problem with my 1996 Toyota Camry. If there is any fault in the steering lock bar, this would make it difficult to unlock the steering even when the ignition is turned ON. Answer Save. if you turn in so much after you take the key out, the wheel will lock up. My steering wheel keeps locking. The steering wheel tilt function does not lock, Grinding sounds while turning the steering wheel, The steering wheel remains shifted to one side. For something as simple as your steering wheel locking, it is not likely to be essential for you to contact a locksmith. The ignition lock assembly or ignition lock cylinder is the tumbler used to start the vehicle when the key is inserted. I recommend seeking professional assistance to check your ECU. Source(s): https://shrinks.im/baxqH. What is causing this? It is the wheel that the driver himself has to control to make the vehicle run. Have your auto mechanic check your car's entire front end to determine the cause. When the steering column is damaged or begins to malfunction, it can cause the steering wheel to lock up. £29.86 £ 29. This could also lead to steering wheel lock up while driving. 4 years ago. I have to keep jiggling the steering wheel back and forth and after 10 minutes or so it’s freed. 19 out of 20 … Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA ) website (see Resources) for information about recalls #04006B and #04006C or call your Chevrolet dealer. Below you will find there are a few things you can try to fix your locked steering wheel quickly. Your Toyota steering wheel is programmed to lock anytime the steering wheel is moved and the vehicle is off. It will only cost you around $200 and $250, including labor. There are several answers to this question. If it's low or empty, it would cause your steering wheel to lock up. Only 9 left in stock. UKB4C Steering Lock, Universal Steering Wheel Lock for Cars, T-Bar Steering Wheel Immobiliser Deter Thieves and Secure Your Car. my steering wheel keeps locking up and I have stop and turn off and then start back and then it's fine. General Motors issued a pair of recalls for the C5 Chevrolet Corvette (1997-2004 models) due to problems with locked steering. You will have to turn your wheel to the left and right while turning your key to fix this. Popular Answer. We've rounded up the best steering wheel locks available in 2020, so you can pick the one which suits your needs Credit: Alamy. This is because your engine will lose power triggering the steering wheel lock. This problem is due to a lock pin that fails to withdraw fully, allowing contact between the pin and lock plate. In this post, I am going to break down the main reasons that your steering wheel is locking up and what you can do to fix it. Microfiber Cleaning Cloth and an Interior Cleaner. Many different reasons can cause your engine to stall. 45. You may need multiple flushes if there are metal flakes in the fluid. If your power steering pump is faulty or broken then the best solution is to replace your power steering pump. WD 40 can be sprayed into the lock cylinder and then the key inserted and rocked back in forth gently to try to loosen the tumblers. Insert the key into the ignition. This is very dangerous because it can lock your steering wheel in the position that you were turning. Now newer vehicles include a power steering pump to make steering smoother. The solution for this problem is to change the belt or pump fluid or even the pump if necessary. Below are some of the reasons your engine could be stalling: This is usually not a major concern, and it is most likely the safety feature. Power steering pumps can also cause issues with your steering wheel. So, it’s no wonder that drivers find it horrible and troublesome when the steering wheel locks while driving. 3 Answers. The steering wheel allows the driver to control the vehicle. Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media. It stops turning and then all of a sudden loosens up. Ph3nix18 New Member. As a result of the steering wheel locking up during driving, the driver won’t be able to drive the car. More than likely the key assembly has worn out and needs to be replaced. But, it can also be sudden if your power steering pump completely fails. I had to restart the engine and it didn't lock up the steering wheel before I get home. While im driving the wheel will lock cant move it then the car will shut off an i have to turn it off an turn it back on then it works Posted by venuscampbe1 on Oct 24, 2012. This is one solution you can take to replacing your power steering pump. Be extra careful not to scrub too hard on areas on the steering wheel that are heavily worn. Why does my steering wheel lock when parked? Get it Wednesday, Feb 10. Report; Follow; Asked by Gurminder Dec 30, 2015 at 09:39 AM about the 2008 Pontiac G6 Base. Every now and then, for no apparent reason, I am unable to turn the key in the ignition because the steering wheel seems to lock up. Charles Green is a freelance writer in North Carolina who has been writing since 1992 and freelancing since 2002. Step 2. If the problem is not as simple as unlocking the steering wheel due to a lock bar then you can try a few tricks below. It is essential to ensure that all mounting hardware is tight to the cylinder head or engine block. If your engine stalls while your driving, it can cause your steering wheel to lock. Other factors which could cause similar symptoms are: Power Steering Module Software For Tough Grime Use an Interior Scrub Pad. It will lock up if the steering wheel is moved while the key is not in the ignition. To finally unlock it, you must turn the wheel and the key, Find a mechanic to repair or inform you of the cause, Beck Arnley 201-2083 Ignition Lock Assembly, What Causes Car Battery Corrosion and How To Remove It, Best Cold Air Intake Systems For Every Situation. Another reason that your steering wheel is locking while you are driving is if your engine stalls. If it's broke or loose, it could cause your power steering to stop working. Whether the result of a sharp turn, an unexpected malfunction, or some other occurrence, a jammed power steering pump quickly causes your steering wheel to lock up. Difficulty turning or slow response times can be a sign of a worse out or damaged power steering belt. Hyundai Wheel Locks. Thread starter Ph3nix18; Start date Dec 30, 2018; 1; 2; 3; Next. His work appears in "435 South Magazine," "Wisconsin Golfer" and for various websites. Maintenance/Repairs. (1) there is a transmission lock notch next to the shifter. Another sign of a faulty steering pump is that your steering wheel will vibrate excessively. FREE Delivery. First Name Holly Joined Dec 30, 2018 Messages 3 Reaction score 1 Location Gaylord, Mi Vehicle(s) Wrangler Rubicon JL Dec 30, 2018. Once this happens, there is the risk of that driver getting into a serious accident or collision. So, obviously, it’s very dangerous to … However, before calling your auto mechanic, try to move the wheels to the left and to the right as sometimes the steering column "catches," a problem that can be resolved if you jiggle the wheel. Not go and fix your steering wheel so you can start driving again. Pressure must be applied to the steering wheel. A faulty belt can cause this to occur. (Page 1 of 2) can you show us the work order remedy so we can know what went wrong with your car and what was needed to fix it? Typically when your engine stalls, you will power steering and your power brakes. Contact an auto mechanic for assistance, or if you are handy with repairs, consult a Haynes or Chilton repair manual for guidance. Losing control of your car's steering is a terrifying experience, one that can lead to a crash with horrific consequences. Tex G. Lv 6. In some cases, the vehicle’s lock tumblers are frozen solid resulting in a locked steering wheel. If you suspect your steering column is damaged, there are some key symptoms you can inspect for, including: One way you can fix your faulty steering column is by cleaning it. This can cause damage and rub off some of its colorings. September 07, 2010. ok that a normal characteristic of your car. Question type: Maintenance & Repair. 1 of 3 Go to page. New fluid is required when flushing the power steering system. If your steering wheel is locked, your Subaru’s power steering pump may be jammed. Jeep Wranglers built between 30 November 2017 and 08 May 2018 were affected by this steering defect. It can take hours for the wheel to unlock so that I can start the car. Steering wheel locked up while driving battery light, Quick FixesTo Fix A Locked Steering Wheel. A key detail to keep in mind is to never spray the wheel directly with a cleaner. This is typically a symptom that will progressively get worse until your steering wheel locks in place. My husband has been out of work for over a year. September 07, 2010. There are a number of reasons why your car's steering has suddenly locked up including: Most cars today have power steering with a pump utilized to help turn your steering wheel with ease. 1 answer & 0 comments. Good luck!! Stoplock HG 134-59 Original Steering Wheel Lock Secure Car Anti-Theft Bar LED W/Keys, Black, 1 Unit. Below are some key signs that you have a faulty power steering pump: Steering wheel slow response or difficult to turn If your steering wheel is hard to turn or is not responsive, this can sign of a faulty power steering pump. Slightly pull out the key before turning it. Insert the key into the ignition and see if it will turn. I have to turn the wheel for it to start.? This batch of Wranglers were built with defective steering Pumps which resulted in the steering wheel locking up, usually while cornering, and at speeds of 60-75mph. Unlocking it will require using the ignition key in the same way you would when starting the vehicle. Want Answer 0. Relevance. That is why it is very troublesome and terrible when the It would behoove you to be very patient with performing the process described in the first section of this article (Turn the Steering Wheel). A steam cleaner is a great alternative. The steering wheel will lock up in 3 or 4 positions after you take out the key,so turn the wheel into the kerb slightly(or any other position you like) and then remove key.when the wheel locks up you only need to wiggle it one way or the other to release the lock when trying to turn the key. If your engine stalls while your driving, it can cause your steering wheel to lock. Next Last. Lv 4. 0 0. This can result in your battery light to turn in. ShaneG on . This is because your engine will lose power triggering the steering wheel lock. The steering column facilitates the steering wheel’s movement and the car in the direction of the driver. Clicking this will make more experts see the question and we will remind you when it gets answered. Susan_Santo. Hood of the car exhibiting whining noiseIf you hear winning or grinding noises coming from the hood of your car, this is a sign of low powering steering fluid. For a gentle approach, try to use a toothbrush dipped in a mixture of all-purpose cleaner with some water that is a 3 to 1 ratio. My steering wheel keeps trying to lock up. While the three causes mentioned here are among the top reasons why a steering wheel may lock up, there could be other reasons. Below are a few different options you can take to cleaning your steering column. To get more bang for your buck, choose a protectant that is multipurpose as a cleaning product. Frank V . Sharp turns, and erratic movements to your steering wheel can cause your steering wheel to lock up in a short amount of time. Steering wheel locking up. I don't know if I have add. 9 years ago. A simple cleaning can help you solve this problem. Open the tab and use a key or something to push it down and shift the car to neutral. It is essential to ensure that you use a foam attachment that will not scratch any surfaces. July 4, 2016, 7:52pm #1. To avoid damage, never use a hammer to remove the pulley or to install it. Green earned a Bacheler of Science in business administration from Ramapo College of New Jersey. One of the main functions is to regulate the vehicle’s fuel consumption to ensure optimum engine performance.In newer vehicles, the ECU controls sensors located inside the steering wheel and steering column. I recommend taking slow, gentle turns to avoid your power steering pump from getting stuck while driving. X represents steering lock, Y represents steering wheel degrees TIP - we suggest you adjust wheel rotation in software OR Steering Sensitivity in game, not both. When I drive to the roundabout, my steering wheel get lock-up and the engine get cut off. In addition to being locked while starting, owners complained that in some cases their cars could be driven but with no control of steering. Note: Steering wheels most often get locked when people use the steering wheel to assist them getting out of the vehicle. Engine stalling is easy to identify when you are driving. Start with non-linearity all the way to the left and adjust to the right bit by bit until the centre-of-travel sensitivity feels good to you. One of the men at work checked the fluid and it had plenty. You can also lose power steering assist, and the water pump will not circulate coolant and can result in the engine overheating. Unlocking your steering wheel is not always as easy as inserting your key and starting your engine. However, before calling your auto mechanic, try to move the wheels to the left and to the right as sometimes the steering column "catches," a problem … So sit back, grab a snack, and let’s get started. A steering wheel (also called a driving wheel or a hand wheel) is a type of steering control in vehicles.. A real truck has a lock-lock steering wheel angle of close to 1800 degrees, just leave your wheel at maximum and adjust sensitivity and non-linearity settings until it feels right. In a normal car, the steering will only lock if you switch of the engine and remove the key while the car is in motion and then steer So as long as the engine is on? This is great for washing different parts of your vehicle. Favorite Answer. Not every steering wheel problem occurs when you have the transmission engaged and are heading down the road. Sometimes, drivers report that their steering wheel stays locked even after inserting the key into the ignition. Your steering wheel is likely locked because there was a bit of force on the wheel as you turned the car off last. After all the hard work you put into detailing your vehicle, the last step is to protect it. Internal Wearing – other components getting worn out. Replacing the ignition lock assembly is relatively simple and can be completed by a professional in 20-30 minutes. To determine the reason that your engine is stalling, you should seek professional assistance. Go. While it is true that the majority of modern vehicles have an automatic steering locking mechanism, this is only meant to engage when the ignition is turned off, and the car is stationary. Or, if your engine dies, the same thing applies, as this pump operates off your car’s engine. Another reason that your steering wheel is locking while you are driving is if your engine stalls. Having your steering wheel lock-up while driving is a very rare phenomenon. Steering pumps are easy and inexpensive to fix. When you lose your power steering, this can cause your steering wheel to lock up. (2) push the car a bit. Engine stalling is easy to identify when you are driving. More than likely the key assembly has worn out and needs to be replaced. The locking feature is most often accidentally activated when exiting the vehicle if the driver bumps the steering wheel on their way out or grabs it to pull themselves up. Fixing a locked steering wheel does not always have to be a difficult situation. There a sign of power steering. You could also check and make sure your serpentine belt is still intact. What should I do next? The ignition lock assembly is located on the right of the steering column. If your belt breaks or the belt tensioner fails, your alternator can fail to supply your vehicle with electrical power. Although this is pricey, this is a non-chemical approach. My car steering wheel keeps locking up on my 2006 Chevy Impala.