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Naturally, the first suspect was the electric power steering. However, none of the dealer services found any faults with it. A little later, a very interesting relationship emerged: all cases occurred on cars equipped with an alarm system with automatic start. But again no one found any electrical faults. A little later, the culprit was identified: a standard steering wheel locking mechanism in the ignition switch, the rod of which, for unknown reasons, could again block the steering shaft while the car was moving.
Servicemen found no defects in the locks and, at the request of some customers, simply removed the locking rod. There is an opinion on the forums that the locking mechanism is not working correctly. Allegedly, lock position 1 (“ignition”) does not guarantee complete disabling of the steering wheel lock, although the instruction manual says the opposite. And to protect yourself, you need to bring the key to position 2 (“starter”). Or turn off the engine that was started from the autostart and restart it manually. Many doubted the effectiveness of these measures. The manufacturer's response also did not satisfy car owners, and then they contacted the editor.
The steering wheel is locked: what to do in an emergency situation
The mechanics are such that forced fixation of the steering shaft can occur suddenly and even while moving. This can happen for two reasons: the ignition switch is jammed or the steering shaft locking mechanism is worn out.
The steering wheel and the ignition key do not turn
The ignition switch does not last forever - over time, the pins in it wear out. As a result, the key is inserted, but does not turn. At first, the malfunction is spontaneous in nature and more often appears in the cold. Let's say the key didn't turn a couple of times, but the third time everything worked.
Over time, the situation only gets worse and drivers resort to auxiliary means, blaming the cold: they warm the key, lubricate the lock with both profile compounds and universal ones such as WD-40 and silicone. If you really have to defrost a car door lock, then no: the result is the same - all this is useless and over time the locking mechanism finally jams.
In this case, it will not be possible to remove the steering wheel from the lock according to the standard procedure - the ignition switch must be removed. You should not take into action recommendations of a forceful nature - rip off the steering wheel by force, etc. This worked on old Zhiguli cars, but this method has nothing to do with modern cars. Only the risk of damaging the steering column increases, nothing more.
So, the lock needs to be removed, but how to do this when the steering wheel is locked. If the car does not have airbags, then there are no difficulties - remove the steering wheel and that’s it. If there is an airbag, it is often not possible to dismantle it in a locked position. Let's consider this case.
Removing a blocked ignition switch is carried out in the following sequence:
- Remove the plastic steering column covers.
- Move the steering column switches as close to the steering wheel as possible. To do this you will need to unscrew the bolts.
- Unscrew the ignition switch shear bolts. It is better to boil them using a chisel and a hammer, working the chisel in the direction of unscrewing.
- Pull the lock towards the steering wheel and it will separate into pieces.
This method is not applicable to all cars. For example, on many BMWs the ignition switch is additionally secured with a retaining ring on the steering shaft, and it is no longer possible to do this without removing the steering wheel. There can be two final outcomes of the event: the lock is either delivered to the workshop for cylinder repair, or is replaced with a completely new unit with the chip replaced with a new key.
The steering wheel is locked, but the key turns
The key turns freely, the engine starts, but the steering wheel remains immobilized. This situation occurs and, it must be admitted, quite often. It usually occurs on older cars, since the reason for this is physical wear and tear on the locking mechanism.
This malfunction is dangerous. The traffic rules clearly regulate that it is prohibited to tow a vehicle with faulty steering, much less operate it. This means that a worn locking mechanism can lock the steering wheel while moving.
Therefore, when the first signs appear in the form of slight biting of the steering wheel, it is necessary to urgently move to a parking lot or service station. The driving style should be changed to a low-speed one, with a low speed limit.
As for the measures, the locking mechanism is either completely removed from the structure, or the ignition switch assembly is replaced with a working one.
PRACTICAL CHECK
In response to our request, AVTOVAZ representatives responded that they were aware of the problem. And they assured that the locks meet all international requirements, and spontaneous blocking is caused by the human factor, that is, it happens through the fault of the drivers themselves.
We started our testing with tests on a special site. Having accelerated the car a little, we turned off the engine and took the key out of the lock to lock the steering wheel. While driving, they turned on the ignition, unlocked the steering wheel, engaged second gear and released the clutch to start the engine without turning the key to the “starter” position. No matter how much we turned the steering wheel on a flat surface and on uneven surfaces, we could not achieve spontaneous blocking. I had to disassemble the lock to look at the problem from the inside.
What to do if the steering wheel and ignition switch are locked
If the steering wheel and ignition switch are blocked, no matter what the reason, the first thing you should do is try turning the key to start the engine. Experienced drivers recommend rocking the steering column left and right while trying to turn the key. Most often, this helps to get rid of the problem and turn the key, although it will not be possible to do this right away - you will have to spend a couple, or even ten minutes.
Please note: If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, be sure to first ensure that the gearshift lever is not in the “Parking” position.
Important: In an effort to turn the ignition key, it is important not to overdo it, otherwise the key may break and completely block access to the ignition switch.
If the method described above fails to start the car and the steering wheel remains locked, you will need to remove the locking tongue. You can do this in two ways:
- The first method can be considered “barbaric,” but on many Russian cars and inexpensive foreign cars it works flawlessly. Its essence is to simply break the locking tab through physical force. To do this, you need to sharply turn the steering wheel to the left or right, thereby breaking out the locking tongue. However, this method carries serious risks and there is a high probability that the steering elements will be damaged when turning, and then expensive repairs will be required. In addition, some manufacturers install reliable tongues that can withstand forces of up to 1000 kilograms, and it is impossible to break them in this way.
The second method is extremely difficult. The driver will need to remove the plastic housing from the steering column and get to the tongue, then cut it off or drill it out. The situation is complicated by the fact that in each car the process of dismantling parts will be different, therefore, it is impossible to name a single algorithm of actions. In addition, there is a high risk of damage to the steering column when working with a drill or cutting tools. After cutting off the tongue, you will need to remove the lock and replace it with a new one.
It is worth noting that Russian VAZ cars have a serious problem with the steering wheel locking tongue, which has led to dozens of accidents. It consists in the fact that the lock is activated while driving, due to which the driver loses the ability to turn the steering wheel. The problem is that the ignition switch does not hold the key well, and as soon as it deviates from the “ignition” position, the tongue blocks the steering. To avoid an emergency, many AvtoVAZ car owners remove the locking tab.
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Radical method.
The steering wheel and ignition switch are locked - what to do if nothing else helps? If it is jammed “tightly”, the only solution may be complete dismantling and subsequent replacement of the ignition system. It is done as follows:
- The cover is removed from the steering column. Without this step, it is impossible to remove the lock.
- The locking tongue (the same one that is pressed on in the force method) is cut or torn off; the specific actions and necessary tools depend on the structure of the system in your car.
- The lock is unscrewed using screwdrivers. The structure of its fastenings may be different for different models.
- A new one is installed in its place. Of course, it makes sense to install only parts intended for your car. This can be done at a service center or at a service station, if it has the necessary equipment and components. Or, if you have sufficient knowledge and skills, do it yourself in the reverse order from the analysis.
To replace, you will need screwdrivers of different diameters and shapes, and, if necessary, a drill and chisel.
Video (replacing the ignition switch on VAZs).
Professional advice
If a desperate motorist only thinks about how to break the steering lock, he can read the material below. In fact, the ignition switch helps protect any car from the unlawful actions of car thieves. Of course, breakdowns and blockages often cannot be avoided, but there is a more humane method to unlock the ignition switch. To do this, you will have to completely remove it from the car and start the car with a screwdriver or a standard object. At the same time, as long as the car is not equipped with an ignition switch, it is advisable to park it in a paid parking lot.
Removing the steering wheel lock without a key
As mentioned above, a person who wants to understand how to unlock the steering wheel of a car must be prepared for the fact that it will not be possible to do this easily and quickly. It is worth noting that such a problem can happen not only with a used car, but also with a new car that was purchased from a dealership less than a month ago.
So, in order to solve a problem in a car that is under warranty, you should not make any sudden movements yourself. It is advisable to contact the service center of a specific brand and arrange a meeting with an employee. Most likely, the latter will remove the cover from the steering wheel, carefully break out the stopper plug in the form of a small square from the lock, and dismantle the existing springs.
Most likely, the service worker's manipulations will help you understand how to remove the steering wheel lock without a key, but in this case the steering wheel will unlock and the lock cylinder will remain motionless. In this case, the motorist can independently get rid of the terminal box with a lock, which looks like a recessed bolt, and try to start the vehicle with a flat-head screwdriver.
