A steering wheel lock’s main purpose is to deter potential car thieves. It’s not the most efficient system in the world, but it’s an additional layer of security.
If your steering doesn’t lock, it becomes simpler for thieves to take your car. Naturally, nobody would realize that from the external side!
You might notice that your steering wheel won’t lock, and the car won’t start. One would anticipate these two problems to be completely 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 reasons why your car won’t start. But there are very few 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 impossible 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-easy to steal.
Without the steering lock, all a car thief would have to do is smash 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 straightforward as that.
Manufacturers design their own steering wheel lock systems. They don’t then display the systematics and designs to the public; that would make them utterly futile features.
As a general rule, the lock mechanism is connected to the ignition cylinder.
Since your key is the only one that can enter the cylinder and turn, there should be no way around the lock.
This is the first 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 related, this is probably the root cause. It’s very unlikely, 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 electromagnetically.
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 more energy 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 following section for that.
If the wheel won’t lock and you have a conventional 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 starting 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 minor. Some new 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 worldwide computer chip shortage. It’s a non-essential system they can afford to omit.
If your car has one, perhaps you weren’t jiggling the steering wheel with enough 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 definitely a more significant problem.
Steering Wheel Not Locked And Car Won’t Start
Most of the causes for a steering wheel not locking mentioned above could also stop your car from starting.
Note: The non-locking steering wheel could be a coincidence if your engine turns over. Consider having the two issues inspected as separate problems.
Standard Blade Key Causes
The ignition cylinder is the only realistic cause of this problem, even if it’s unlikely. 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 malfunctions, you won’t be able to turn it. This could mean the steering lock mechanism can’t activate.
The telling sign of a bad 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 manual to engage or disengage a steering lock. Thus, they’ll be driven electronically.
Note that some new cars have no steering lock at all. Instead, they have electronic power steering (EPS). When the vehicle switches off, the mechanisms lock in place, acting as a steering wheel lock.
EPS Fault
The electronic power steering is a motor attached to the steering column. It assists your driving by inputting extra effort when you turn the wheel.
When you turn the engine off, the EPS should lock up. It’ll be impractical 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 off. This could drain the battery (preventing starting) and mean the steering doesn’t lock.
Battery And Alternator
If your keyless entry car has a steering wheel lock, it’ll be electronically actuated. That is, the battery turns it on and off.
If the battery is low on power, it might not be able to engage the steering lock.
For this to happen, the battery must be low on charge at the end of your journey when you turn the engine off. This would imply there’s a failing alternator.
You should see other warning signs, such as the battery warning 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 specialists.
Any number of deeper electrical issues could be at play.
For example, the battery terminals could have feeble connections, or a circuit connected to the power switch may have a loose wire. Major ECU glitches might also come into play.
Thankfully, faults as serious and difficult-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 an automotive locksmith.
That might not be the answer you’re looking for, but in most cases, it’s the unavoidable reality.
These mechanisms are too intricate 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 trusted shop. These repair jobs are even best left to specialist 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 costly, 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 runs fine, this isn’t the end of the world.
