The second most likely cause, if turning the key while simultaneously turning the steering wheel didn’t work, is a broken key or ignition lock.
Car keys are inserted and twisted countless times, and when the groove wears down over time, the key may flex slightly or crack off entirely. Examine the key’s condition and clean it with some rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab. Try turning the lock now to see if it operates.
The ignition lock will slowly start to malfunction as the dirt from the key builds up within. Spray two to three extremely brief spurts of WD40 into the ignition lock after giving the can with the smart straw a vigorous shake to fix the issue. Avoid going overboard to avoid doing more harm than good.
Distribute the WD40 by gently inserting and moving the key. Till it can function properly, work it in and out of the hole. Spray a small amount of WD40 inside the key grove and use that to lubricate the lock if you’re worried you’ll spray too much in the lock.
In This Article...
Locked ignition
There are several new cars with ignition locks and turn-key ignitions. Once the key has been taken out of the ignition, you must turn the wheel to use this feature.
By doing so, a primary locking bolt that prevents the steering wheel from being turned without a key will be engaged. This effective anti-theft mechanism prevents the steering wheel from moving, so even if someone managed to start the engine, they couldn’t drive the vehicle.
The key must be turned in the ignition to deactivate the lock, but you should be aware that there will typically be a great deal of tension on the lock cylinder, making it difficult or impossible to turn the key.
Turn the steering wheel a little to let this stress go. This ought should be capable of moving slightly in at least one direction. The lock’s tension will then be relaxed, allowing you to turn the key to disengage it from the lock cylinder.
Remember that if you enter or exit your car using the steering wheel, you could unintentionally activate the steering lock.
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While I was away from home, my 2007 Sonata performed this. When I called my dealer, the technicians advised me to turn the key while jiggling the steering wheel as a routine fix. The failure. They said that I wasn’t wriggling it vigorously enough. Same solution when I called Hyundai Road Service. I called AAA Roadside Assistance; same solution.
Finally, I dialed a tow truck operator I had previously used. He approached the spot where I had parked and did the wiggle move. No outcomes. He then forced the ignition key to turn, which is something I was frightened to do. I was concerned that it would separate. He managed to turn it. Engine operation began. Since then, no issues.
I won’t buy another Sonata if this is a common occurrence. I’d like to know whether it’s something so uncommon that I shouldn’t be concerned.
When the engine is off, turning the wheel unlocks the first-level lock. Simply turn the engine a little bit more in the same direction to release pressure, then turn the key simultaneously. For instance, if your front wheels are facing to the right, then turn to the right a little bit more, retain that position, and turn the key simultaneously.
You reach the second level of wheel locking if you don’t turn the key in the ignition and keep turning the wheel left and right. You’ll discover that your wheel is rigid and immobile. Actually, you can still spin the key a little bit on one side while holding it with one hand and turning it with the other. The car can still be started without any issues, although it might affect how the steering wheel is aligned. Driving can reveal an off-center steering wheel.
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How do you unlock the wheels on a Hyundai Sonata?
Let’s look at how to unlock the steering wheel now that we understand why it locks. The steering wheel might still move somewhat after the key is removed from the lock. If you pull it, a click will indicate that it has fully locked, making further movement impossible.
This situation is where the majority of steering wheel issues originate. The ignition key won’t turn again, and you won’t be able to turn it back and forth. The remedy is fairly straightforward: try inserting and turning the key while firmly pulling the steering wheel from left to right.
In order to operate the key and fully open the steering column, you need to find the sweet spot where the tension on the ignition lock just barely releases. This answer will get you moving quickly and is trivially simple.
Why does a Hyundai Sonata’s steering wheel lock?
Because there was some force applied to the steering wheel when you switched the car off the last time, your steering wheel is probably stuck. It must be unlocked by using the ignition key in the same way as you would to start the car. Check to see whether the ignition will turn after inserting the key.
How can you start your car with a push button if the steering wheel is locked?
To release the lock, try turning it in the middle, to one side, or back and forth. You might wish to do this and depress the ignition button at the same time in some circumstances. To avoid damaging anything, use as much finesse and force as you can.
The wheel on your vehicle should move. If this is not the case, adhere to the guidelines listed below.
On a Hyundai Sonata, how do you unlock the ignition switch?
Best Response. It’s the steering lock. Insert the key, turn the steering slightly (on both sides), and the vehicle should start.
When driving, what should you do if your steering wheel locks?
While you’re driving, the steering wheel locks If it occurs, it’s likely the result of a suspension, steering rack, or column breakdown. If this occurs, keep attempting to turn the wheel while cautiously slowing down. Put on your hazard lights and move away from traffic as quickly as you can.
Can Hyundai open my vehicle?
Users of the Hyundai Digital Key system can use their smartphones to start and unlock their cars. The new Digital Key, which takes the place of a physical key, may be downloaded via an app and used by up to four authorized individuals. Not only is this technology unique to Hyundai, but it is also largely new to the market. The most common inquiries about Hyundai Digital Key are addressed below.
If your steering wheel locks, what happens?
You won’t be able to start your automobile if the steering wheel is locked; either the ignition switch won’t turn, or if your car has a start-stop button, a warning light about the steering lock will appear. Fortunately, by following these straightforward procedures, you can unlock your steering wheel and start your vehicle.
Why won’t the key on my Hyundai Sonata turn?
A binding steering column or lock, a malfunctioning ignition switch, or a fault with the ignition key are the three most frequent causes of a Hyundai Sonata key that won’t turn. To chat with a specialist about your problem, look through our network of RepairPal Certified stores nearby.
How is the steering column unlocked?
Consequently, how can you unlock the steering lock? First, insert a screwdriver between the steering column’s plastic cover and the steering wheel. To remove the cover off the column, use your hands or a breaker bar to exert force. Remember that the plastic cover could shatter and that replacement might be required.
When parked, why do steering wheels lock?
The most common cause of a steering wheel lockup while driving is possibly a lack of power steering fluid or unclean power steering fluid. You can easily move the wheels with the power steering system, especially at lower speeds like parking lot maneuvers.
What is a steering lock that is electronic?
The latest feature to be eliminated as a result of the current global microprocessor scarcity will have an impact on all Cadillac Escalade models built after July 5, 2021. 2021 Cadillac Escalade models were created with the feature intact prior to this date.
Cadillac made the decision to stop manufacturing the Electronic Steering Column Lock in order to devote its limited microprocessor supply to the ongoing production of the wildly successful luxury SUV.
This modification is anticipated to be in place through the conclusion of the 2021 model year. Customers who purchase a Cadillac Escalade without the function will be given a $50 discount off the MSRP to make up for the absence of the anti-theft device, which is identified by the manufacture code R7N.
With the driver’s side door open and the engine off, the electronic steering column lock prevents theft by locking the steering column. Until the key fob is used to start the car, the column will stay locked. The drivability won’t be impacted by the absence of this feature.
Both the standard naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 engine (production code L87), with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and the optional turbo-diesel 3.0L I6 engine (production code LM2), with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, are affected by the removal of the electronic steering column lock.
My ignition is locked; why?
My Key Won’t Turn in the Ignition; Why? The key may have stopped turning the ignition for a number of reasons. Because of a safety feature on the automobile, a worn-out key, or broken or damaged wafers inside the ignition, your car key may have ceased turning the ignition.
How can a broken lock be fixed?
When dust and filth start to accumulate inside a lock cylinder, one of the most common problems with locks and keys arises. When this occurs, pins may become jammed, making it difficult for the plug to turn properly. Thankfully, resolving this is frequently simple.
Simply grab a can of dry lubrication, graphite spray, silicon-based lubricant, or WD-40 and spray it into the keyway. After spraying, insert the key to allow the lubricant to enter the locking mechanism.
Why won’t my ignition key completely deactivate?
It can be very simple to forget to take the necessary procedures to switch off your car, especially when you’re in a rush. The safety mechanism that stops the driver from withdrawing the key from the ignition when the car is not in park or neutral is found in many automatic transmission cars. Make sure your shifter is in one of these two positions before attempting anything else.
Your failure to properly turn off the car itself could also be the cause of your key becoming stuck in the ignition. The key must be fully turned into the lock position in order to turn the ignition off (in most cars, this means all the way down). Before attempting to take the key out of the ignition with force, try turning the car on and off properly first if your key won’t come out of the ignition.