Why does steering column lock

Some of the signs include:. Another reason that your steering wheel is locking up is the driver making sharp turns and making those turns quite frequently. If you make lots of sharp turns in a relatively short period of time, there stand a chance that your steering wheel will lock up. This will eventually lead to a locked steering wheel. Your steering column sits at the top of the steering system. When a driver leads the vehicle to the intended direction, your steering column is the component that assists with this action.

When you have a faulty steering column, the car will be difficult to maneuver. You will experience a few lock-up issues with your steering wheel Additionally, you may also find it hard to drive your vehicle toward the intended direction. The ECU also conducts and manages the steering lock mechanism. The ECU can have such problems such as sensory issues- thus causing the steering wheel to lock when you drive your vehicle. Engine stalling is yet another reason that a driver may experience power steering failure.

Some factors that produce engine stalling include:. While the vast majority of modern vehicles are equipped with some sort of automatic steering locking component, this component is meant to engage once the ignition is off, and the car is sitting in place. A loose steering wheel can equal trouble for a motorist, since there is difficulty in determining the precise position of the front wheels.

With little to no control over your wheels while operating your car with a non-responsive steering system, you are entering into the realms of danger. Plan on the mechanic having your car for a few hours or even overnight.

Well he or she has to remove the entire steering column and replace it with the brand-new one. This is the heart of the replacement cost- the labor. My dad always made it a point to buy new cars, and to do so every five years or 50, miles.

It was his feeling that was the way to avoid expensive repairs and the likelihood of being caught out by a breakdown. I realize this practice may not be suitable today, but at what point does a car start to fall off? When does performance and fuel efficiency start to deteriorate? My dad followed the same practice. We lived in a fairly rural area where there were no taxis, let alone public transportation, and the car was essential for him to get to work.

Only later did I realize the folly, and cost, of that scheduled trade-in approach. I can recall four cars we owned during my years at home. All "factory-recommended" service was performed by the dealer on schedule and there was never a single major repair issue, so perhaps he was on to something. But there was a reason for the lengthy list of folks waiting for his trade-in.

Nobody with even a minor knowledge of economics or finance would recommend this as financially sound thinking. Looking back, I suspect this was my dad's way of justifying a new car. A lot has changed in the intervening years; there is no direct answer to your question.

You may still be able to engage the pins needed to start the vehicle by inserting the key in all the way, then pulling it back out slightly. You should still replace the key as soon as you can before it stops working.

Turn the wheel and the key at once to unlock it. It may take a few tries, but if you apply pressure to the wheel in the right direction while simultaneously turning the key, it will unlock both, allowing the wheel to move freely and the vehicle to start.

While it may take a fair amount of pressure, do not force either the wheel or the ignition to turn if they seem like they won't. It may result in breaking the steering pin, your key, or other internal components.

If the steering wheel does not unlock, you will need to trouble shoot the problem. Method 2. Use a small dose of electrical cleaner in the key hole. If the ignition cylinder has seized, spraying a small amount of electrical cleaner into the key hole may lubricate it enough to turn.

Be careful not to spray too much into the key hole. A few short squirts should suffice. Once done, insert the key and turn it back and forth gently to work the lubricant in. Tip: Liquid graphite may also work to lubricate the cylinder.

Spray canned air into the ignition. Debris caught in the ignition can prevent the key from turning, which will prevent the steering wheel from unlocking. Purchase canned air from a local retail or office supply store and insert the straw from the nozzle directly into the key hole.

It should only take a few short sprays to clean out any debris. Gently slide the key in and out a number of times. If there was any debris stuck to the key when you inserted it, it may have gotten caught in the pins of the ignition cylinder. Insert the key completely, then slide it back out. Repeat the process a few times to try to move any debris that may be caught in the cylinder.

Use canned air to clean out the lock cylinder if this method worked. Ensure the key is not bent or damaged. If your key won't turn when you insert it into the ignition it may be because the key has been damaged. Rounded or chipped teeth on the key will no longer engage the pins in the ignition cylinder to the depth necessary to spin it.

Any of these could result in the key failing to turn in the ignition, which will also prevent the wheel from being unlocked.

If you have an extra key, see if that will work to unlock the ignition. If it does, chances are the key you regularly use has just gotten worn down and needs to be replaced. You will need a replacement key if the key is too damaged to turn the ignition cylinder. Do not copy a damaged key. A replacement will have to be cut by a dealership that works with vehicles of your make and model.

Method 3. Purchase a new ignition lock assembly. Ignition assemblies are easily replaced in most vehicles and can be done at home by most hobby mechanics. Before getting started, you will need to order a replacement assembly from your local auto parts store. Be sure to give them the exact year, make and model of your vehicle to get the correct replacement part.

Compare the two and verify the replacement is an identical match before attempting reinstallation. Remove the cover over the ignition. Generally, most vehicles have a split-plastic housing that covers the steering column and ignition lock assembly. Remove this plastic cover by first adjusting the tilt-wheel to its lowest position and then removing the fasteners holding the cover in place.

In some vehicles, the cover will include the portion above and below the steering wheel, while in others the ignition cover will be separate. If it's not equipped with an adjustable steering column, remove the steering column support brace under the dashboard and allow the column to hang. Remove the fasteners from the column cover, separate the two halves and remove the plastic. Use an Allen wrench to release the ignition assembly. Identify the ignition assembly and remove any trim components that prevent access to the ignition wire harness connector and tumbler release hole.

Use the ignition key to pull the entire assembly out by pulling it toward the passenger side of the car. Take care to unplug the ignition switch wire connector as you remove the ignition cylinder. Make sure the new ignition switch is well-greased. Once the ignition assembly is removed, compare the new switch and ensure they match. New ignition switches come pre-lubed from the factory ready to install.

Verify the presence of grease on all external moving parts and ensure the new key fits and that the cylinder rotates smoothly in both directions. If the ignition cylinder is not properly greased, apply liquid graphite or similar grease to the cylinder. Purchase grease at your local auto parts store if necessary.

Ensure that the internal lock pins can move freely. You can make sure the internal lock pins move properly by inserting the key completely in and out of the keyhole several times. The key should not get caught or stuck on its way into our out of the key hole. Sticking lock pins are lubricated using powdered graphite that is applied directly inside the keyhole.

It can be added when needed. Slide the cylinder into place and reconnect the switch plug. When satisfied the new assembly matches the old one and is properly lubricated, slide the cylinder into position and make sure it is locked in place.

Reconnect the switch plug and reinstall any trim components previously removed.