Tips on How to Unlock a Steering Wheel

When you find that your wheel is stuck, be sure to follow these simple tips to successfully unlock your steering wheel and avoid causing any potential damage to your vehicle’s interior components.

• Avoid Excessive Force: A locked steering wheel isn’t something you can muscle your way out of. In fact, attempting to force the wheel can damage parts of the steering mechanism. Instead of relying on force, you want to turn the key to the “on” position and use varying amounts of pressure while wiggling the wheel back and forth.
• Try Different Techniques: If you aren’t able to get the key to the “on” position, slowly turn it in the ignition with one hand while slowly adjusting the wheel back and forth with your other. This can help realign things and allow you to start your car.
• Use a Different Key: If your usual key isn’t working you can always head to your local Acura dealership and have them make you a new one. A key’s shape can deteriorate with regular wear and tear and it is possible that your key is no longer able to engage your vehicle’s tumblers. A dealership will be able to make a fresh key using the serial number of your vehicle so you aren’t getting a copy of a worn key.