Surely you have gotten into a car, wanted to drive off and noticed that the steering wheel could not be moved. The steering wheel lock was still active - but how do you unlock the steering wheel lock and why is this device important at all?
What is a steering wheel lock and how does it ensure safety?
The steering wheel lock – also known as the steering wheel lock – blocks the steering wheel of the car as soon as the ignition key is removed. This secures it against unauthorized use – car theft is no longer so easy to carry out when the steering wheel lock is activated.
In order for the steering wheel lock to be active, the steering wheel must be turned slightly. You will quickly notice whether a snap has taken place. After that, the steering wheel can no longer be moved.
Vehicles with a start button have an electronic steering wheel lock. This is activated shortly after the key is outside the vehicle or after it has been locked. If the key is locked in the vehicle, the electronic steering wheel lock does not activate.
Loosening the steering wheel lock: step by step instructions
If the steering wheel lock is activated, the steering wheel cannot be turned and therefore you cannot drive the car. But releasing the steering wheel lock is very simple:
- Put the car key in the ignition lockor put the remote key in the car.
- Turn the ignition key and steering wheel at the same time or simply press the start button.
- Then start the engine, the steering wheel engages again and can be turned.
This allows the steering wheel lock to be released equally on the gearshift and automatic transmission. But be careful that you really turn the steering wheel and ignition key at the same time, because if the key breaks off, the lock is permanently blocked and the repair will be expensive.
Can you release the steering wheel lock without a key?
Theoretically, you can also release a steering wheel lock without a key in the ignition. To do this, you have to turn the steering wheel jerkily and forcefully in one direction - but this is not recommended. The locked bolt in the steering column could break due to the great effort.
Steering wheel lock defective - What to do?
If you don't succeed in unlocking the steering wheel lock, don't panic right away. Try to turn the steering wheel in the other direction first. If that doesn't work either, try moving the steering wheel and keys at the same time. If this is also unsuccessful, the steering wheel lock could be defective. The following causes could be responsible for the steering wheel lock not releasing:
- possibly the V-belt has broken,
- or the steering or power steering is defective,
- or the servo oil needs to be refilled,
- or the car battery is defective.
How to activate the steering wheel lock
In order for the steering wheel lock to work properly, a bolt must snap into a recess in the steering column. This blocks the steering and no one can move the vehicle. If you still have an ignition key that needs to be inserted into an ignition lock, then you have to turn the steering wheel after removing the key. You will quickly notice when the steering wheel lock is active.
Extra safety – the steering wheel claw
With a steering wheel claw, you can also protect yourself from car theft. It is a mechanical anti-theft device that is attached to the steering wheel. The steering wheel claw prevents you from turning the steering wheel. It does not offer complete security against theft, but there are a few points that speak in favor of a steering wheel claw:
- Deterrence of potential thieves
- Easy installation
- Lockable
- Relatively inexpensive