After determining the cause of your steering wheel’s lock, we’ll examine the area that you’re presumably most curious about: how can I unlock the steering wheel on my Hyundai Tucson? It’s time to find a solution since you’re presumably at home and eager to leave for work. There are 3 ways to unlock the car’s steering wheel:
- Turn off your Hyundai Tucson’s anti-theft system? This approach is the simplest and will unquestionably resolve your issue. Simply insert the key into the ignition cylinder of your vehicle, turn the key, and it should become blocked (don’t hesitate to read our report that addresses the issue of a blocked key on a Hyundai Tucson). To unlock the steering wheel of your Hyundai Tucson, you will need to turn the steering wheel while turning the key in the ignition cylinder. The steering wheel should be locked, but there should be at least a small amount of flex to allow you to perform this micro rotation and, as a result, resolve the steering wheel locked issue with your Hyundai Tucson.
- The second option is that, if the conventional method has failed to unlock the steering wheel on your Hyundai Tucson, you may be dealing with a different issue that is not related to the steering wheel lock system. To remedy this, unscrew the barrel on your Hyundai Tucson. Your cylinder may have been seized up over time. You will need to use a spray, such as WD40, to coat the interior of the barrel in order to open it. Wait a few minutes for it to take effect before attempting to unlock your steering wheel once more. Keep in mind that if it works, you will need to consider replacing the barrel in your car because it will eventually happen again.
- Your Hyundai Tucson’s lock cylinder need be changed: The final option is to simply replace the ignition switch on your Hyundai Tucson if you have tried to unblock your cylinder but it has proven futile and your steering wheel is still locked due to your key refusing to turn. If you are familiar with some basic mechanics concepts, this method is not particularly difficult. Simply make sure the model you purchase is compatible with your Hyundai Tucson. If not, take your vehicle to a mechanic who can perform this task for you.
Visit our Hyundai Tucson category for more guides on the Hyundai Tucson.
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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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The best way to unlock your steering wheel
You wouldn’t believe how frequently clients call us with locked steering wheels. Many people go years without this happening, so when it does, they are at a loss for what to do. It could be really frustrating. So, here are some things to be aware of.
Why it occurs: A few locations on your car serve as deterrents to theft. Your car will lock up and prevent you from turning it on if you park it in one of these spaces. The typical scenario is when you have turned into a parking space and your steering wheel is still turned, like in the illustration.
What to do: To release the pressure, simply turn your wheel a little bit further in the direction it was locked in before starting the car. You would continue moving it counterclockwise in the illustration to release the pressure.
A reminder: Since automobiles with factory push-button starts don’t have steering locking devices, this doesn’t apply to them.
I hope this is useful to you. Give our service department a call and they will walk you through it if your steering wheel does lock up and you need further help. 940-243-6233.
How to Unlock the Hyundai Sonata’s Steering Wheel?
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.
Method 2: Using an ignition swap kit to unlock.
This procedure calls for technological expertise. However, you should first try the procedure described above before moving on to this one. You might need to get professional help. And before attempting this procedure, you must consult your owner’s manual.
Remove the column panels by removing the screws holding the steering wheel’s bottom panel to the column panel in the steering wheel. Locate and press the tab on the cover. In this manner, removing the negative column won’t cause any difficulty. You should also get rid of the top column.
Find the lock cylinder to release the cylinder lock. Turn the key while releasing the tab in the ignition lock mechanism and pressing it down until the cylinder pushes backward. Repeat this procedure a few times to unlock the lock cylinder.
Install a brand-new ignition lock system, then try using the old key to unlock it.
- Restore the cylinder lock to its original position in the steering column.
- Before moving forward, make sure the lock tab is put in the cylinder lock.
- Verify that the key returns entirely.
- Prior to fixing the column back, you should make sure the key returns.
Install the upper column first, then the lower, when reinstalling a column. Replace the screws and tighten them as necessary.
How do you unlock the steering wheel manually?
The ignition cylinder is directly connected to the steering wheel lock. Use your left hand to firmly jiggle the steering wheel to the left and right in order to unlock it. Likewise, turn the ignition key with your right hand from the LOCK position to the ACC (accessory) or START position.
How do I use a key fob to unlock my steering wheel?
The steering wheel on Honda vehicles with push-button starts locks when the engine is turned off. This will stop someone from stealing the automobile and taking off in it when it is not running. There is a technique to unlock the steering wheel if you need to move your Honda car with the push-button start but it is locked.
You’ll need the car’s key fob in order to release the steering wheel on a Honda with a push-button start. Press and hold the unlock button on the key fob until you hear the horn beep.
By doing this, you can unlock the steering wheel. You can move the car by turning the wheel after it has been unlocked.
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.
How can I unlock the ignition on my Hyundai?
Turn the key while moving the wheel back and forth. Wiggle the steering wheel back and forth while gently turning the key until the lock disengages. This will enable turning of the key and the steering wheel.
Why is my battery light on and my steering wheel locked?
A broken or detached serpentine drive belt could be the blame for the rigid steering wheel and blinking battery light. It may have been the serpentine idler pulley that seized or the serpentine belt tensioner pulley that was producing noise.
When the automobile is off, why does the steering wheel lock?
Steering wheels do really lock. When the wheel locks on purpose, it’s a fantastic safety feature, but when it does so due to a technical issue, it becomes dangerous.
The wheel should lock whenever you park and walk away from your automobile. This prevents the wheels from turning in the opposite direction if you are rear-ended. This is the safest method because your car will follow the direction you last pointed the wheel.
Additionally, it serves as a deterrent to criminal activity. The wheel will lock into place if you move it while your automobile is off. The key will remain turned if you don’t turn it while putting it in the ignition.
Since they won’t be able to turn the wheel, thieves won’t be able to steal your car as easily. Even while newer cars can still be hotwired, this locking mechanism will dissuade thieves.
Do automobiles with push-button ignitions have steering locks?
Most cars have steering locks installed to prevent forward motion when parked.
Vehicles with manual shift cables require steering locks more than others since they run the risk of being stolen if they don’t have them.
Since keyless cars have automated shift cables connected to the key fob, they essentially do not need steering locks.
Normal cars without steering locks can be easily shifted into neutral and rolled away.
Even though keyless vehicles don’t have steering locks, you can rarely shift from park to drive without the key fob.
These vehicles lack steering locks for another reason since most of their power is provided automatically.
For instance, it would be risky if a keyless car’s steering locks were activated while it was moving.