A steering wheel lock’s main purpose is to deter potential car thieves. It’s not the most effective system in the world, but it’s an extra layer of security.
If your steering doesn’t lock, it becomes easier for thieves to take your car. Naturally, nobody would notice that from the exterior side!
You might notice that your steering wheel won’t lock, and the car won’t start. One would expect these two issues to be entirely unrelated.
That’s because the steering wheel lock on standard bladed-key cars is mechanical. The apparatus is only connected to the starting system in that they share the input from the ignition cylinder.
If you have a keyless entry (or a key-in-dashboard) model, there might be an electrical issue.
In this comprehensive guide, I will describe what these combined issues are caused by in great detail. However, in the end, remember that they’re likely to be two separate faults.
There are numerous reasons why your steering wheel might not lock. There are also many causes why your car won’t start. But there are very limited possibilities that could cause both.
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What Is A Steering Wheel Lock?
A steering wheel lock is a theft-deterrent device. It locks the steering in place, making the wheel unfeasible to turn.
The steering wheel lock only clicks in when someone attempts to turn it without first inserting the key in the ignition.
It should release once you insert the key in and wiggle the steering wheel.
It’s a good job they exist, as cars (especially those with manual transmissions) would be oh-so-simple to steal.
Without the steering lock, all a car thief would have to do is break a window, put the transmission in Neutral, release the handbrake, and push it away. Not ideal.
How Does The Steering Wheel Lock Work?
Ah, well, it’s not quite as uncomplicated as that.
Manufacturers design their own steering wheel lock systems. They don’t then exhibit the systematics and designs to the public; that would make them entirely futile features.
As a general rule, the lock mechanism is connected to the ignition cylinder.
Since your key is the solitary one that can enter the cylinder and rotate, there should be no way around the lock.
This is the principal thing of note if the steering wheel won’t lock and your car won’t start. Both the steering wheel and the starting system rely on the ignition cylinder.
As a result, if the symptoms are linked, this is probably the root cause. It’s exceptionally improbable, though.
Steering Lock For Keyless Entry
If you have a push button start (or key-in-dashboard), the lock mechanism is either electronic or nonexistent. This makes the issue more likely to rest with an electrical component or the power source.
Many of these vehicles have electronic power steering. When these systems turn off (with the engine), the steering wheel locks immediately.
Why Won’t My Steering Wheel Lock?
The steering wheel should lock if you jiggle it when the key isn’t in the ignition. You might have to put additional force into some cars than others.
Note that the list below details potential causes of a steering wheel that won’t lock. They don’t all mean your engine won’t start either! See the subsequent section for that.
If the wheel won’t lock and you have a standard blade key, the issue could lie with any of the following:
- A seized locking mechanism – detent (“lock catch”)
- Ignition cylinder is badly broken
Push-button and key-in-dash ignition methods could be caused by the following:
- Actuator failure
- Electronic power steering fault/parasitic drain
- Battery (or alternator)
- Other electrical issues (ECU, wiring, connections, grounds, etc.)
Before condemning your vehicle and taking it to a shop, ensure it’s nothing trivial. Some modern cars don’t even come with a steering wheel lock.
For instance, new GM full-size SUVs don’t have them. That’s primarily due to the global computer chip shortage. It’s a non-essential system they can afford to omit.
If your car has one, perhaps you weren’t shaking the steering wheel with sufficient force to make it lock.
Sit in the driver’s seat and turn the steering wheel as far as you can in either direction. It shouldn’t get more than 30 degrees. If you’re still rotating it at 90 degrees, there’s certainly a more serious problem.
Steering Wheel Not Locked And Car Won’t Start
Most of the causes for a steering wheel not locking mentioned above could also prevent your car from starting.
Note: The non-locking steering wheel could be a coincidence if your engine turns over. Consider having the two issues examined as separate difficulties.
Standard Blade Key Causes
The ignition cylinder is the sole possible cause of this problem, even if it’s improbable. That is, provided the two symptoms are connected.
Ignition Cylinder
The ignition cylinder is what you put your car key into. If this seizes up or breaks down, you won’t be able to turn it. This could mean the steering lock mechanism can’t engage.
The telling sign of a faulty ignition cylinder is that your key won’t turn and might be stuck. You’ll also likely have experienced difficulty inserting the key over the previous weeks.
This is by far the most likely root cause. However, you’d usually expect the wheel to get stuck locked, not unlocked.
Keyless Entry/Key-In-Dash Causes
With these systems, there’s no way physical to engage or disengage a steering lock. Thus, they’ll be controlled electronically.
Note that some new cars have no steering lock at all. Instead, they have electronic power steering (EPS). When the vehicle shuts off, the mechanisms lock in place, acting as a steering wheel immobilizer.
EPS Fault
The electronic power steering is a motor attached to the steering column. It aids your driving by inputting additional effort when you turn the wheel.
When you turn the engine off, the EPS should lock up. It’ll be unfeasible to rotate the steering wheel.
If there’s a parasitic drain connected to the electronic power steering, it might stay activated even when your vehicle is stationary. This could drain the battery (preventing starting) and mean the steering doesn’t lock.
Battery And Alternator
If your keyless entry car has an electronic steering wheel lock, it’ll be automatically activated. That is, the battery turns it on and off.
If the battery is drained of power, it might not be able to engage the steering lock.
For this to occur, the battery must be scarce on charge at the end of your journey when you turn the engine off. This would suggest there’s a defective alternator.
You should see other warning signs, such as the battery cautionary light. Your engine might even stall while driving (which is dangerous!).
Other Electrical Issues
The electrical system of cars nowadays is increasingly complex. Everything is interconnected and designed by experts.
Any number of grave electrical issues could be at play.
For example, the battery terminals could have weak connections, or a circuit connected to the power switch may have a loose wire. Significant ECU glitches might also come into play.
Thankfully, faults as serious and hard-to-find as these are rare.
How Do You Fix It When The Steering Wheel Won’t Lock & The Car Won’t Start?
How do you fix it? You go to a skilled automotive locksmith.
That might not be the answer you’re looking for, but in most cases, it’s the inescapable reality.
These mechanisms are too complex and specialist for anyone to work on at home. This guide is an attempt to show the complexity involved with these systems and symptoms.
If you know how the detent works or how to inspect the EPS, it’s a different story. But then, if you’re reading this article, you probably don’t (no offense!).
You’ll need a tow (on a flatbed) to a nearby reputable shop. These repair jobs are even best left to experienced mechanics. Fitters and technicians might not know how to access the detent. Ideally, you should look for an auto locksmith or an auto electrician.
Although expensive, your automobile will function once more.
In the end, if your steering wheel won’t lock, buy a bar-style one. As long as your car starts and operates correctly, this isn’t the absolute end of the world.
