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Why Is Your Hyundai Steering Wheel Locked?
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As a Hyundai owner, you might one day run into issues like a locked steering wheel inside your car, truck, or SUV. If you wonder why your Hyundai steering wheel is locked, this is the perfect article to refer to. We are here to answer your troubleshooting questions and concerns. Plus, you can always swing by Colonial Hyundai in New London to get help with a locked steering component. Let's get into this topic below!
Possible Reasons for a Locked Hyundai Steering Wheel
If you have a locked steering wheel inside your Hyundai, this can mean many things. Below, we will break down the common causes of a locked steering wheel in your new or pre-owned vehicle.
Ignition Key Position
If the ignition key is to blame for a locked steering wheel, you will need to try to insert the key and wiggle the steering wheel at the same time. This can kick the system back into normal operating status, allowing your Hyundai to drive.
Faulty Ignition Switch
The ignition switch can also cause a Hyundai steering wheel to become locked, which will be pretty easy to remedy. Because the ignition switch experiences thousands of key cycles on and off-road, this part may have worn down and need replacement. We can get you booked at our service center in New London, CT, for an ignition switch replacement if you need one.
Steering Column Issues
Another cause of a locked Hyundai steering wheel is a problem with the steering column. When this happens, you could be experiencing your car's anti-theft mechanism malfunctioning or an Electric Steering Column Lock (ESCL) glitch that a professional should inspect.
Signs Your Hyundai Steering Wheel Is Locked
If your Hyundai steering wheel is locked, and you don't know why, we want you to try a few things before giving us a call.
Difficulty Turning the Wheel
The first sign of a failing or locked steering wheel is problems with turning it. If your steering wheel is stuck at a sharp turn position, this can also trigger the anti-theft system to kick on and prevent you from moving your car, truck, or SUV. Try to turn off your Hyundai and restart it. If that does not help, you need to see a professional.
Ignition Won't Turn On
If your ignition won't turn on, this might be due to connection problems within your Hyundai. You should try turning your key and wiggling the wheel to see if that helps. If not, call us at Colonial Hyundai.
Warning Lights on the Dashboard
The dashboard communicates with your Hyundai's internal components and will show you warning lights if something is wrong. If a steering wheel is locked, you want to check for a steering wheel icon followed by an exclamation mark on your dash. This means you have low fluid (if it's hydraulic steering) or a malfunction in the electric power steering system.
How to Unlock Your Hyundai Steering Wheel
The best way to try to unlock your Hyundai steering wheel is to firmly turn it from side to side. You can do this with the key in the ignition, which is when you can try to move both back and forth to try and "release" the wheel from its position.
Steps to Take If the Wheel Is Locked
The steps we want you to take when your Hyundai wheel is locked should be gentle and not require you to disassemble any mechanical components on or inside your Hyundai.
Safety Precautions to Consider
If you have a locked steering wheel, the best thing to do is get off the road. We want you to be as safe as possible when driving and parking, so a locked steering wheel might require a tow to the nearest service station. Try to wiggle your wheel and key first, and then check the dashboard for warning lights and symbols.
When to Seek Professional Help
You will have to seek professional help if your Hyundai steering wheel is locked and it does not reset after a key wiggle, wheel wiggle, or turning off and on your car again. Colonial Hyundai is always happy to bring you in for preventative or emergency steering wheel repair and troubleshooting, so please do not hesitate to call us.
Preventive Measures
The best way to prevent a locked Hyundai steering wheel is to bring your car, truck, or SUV to a professional every year for inspections and testing. Especially for hydraulic steering, you need fluid changes every so often, which can trigger a locked wheel if ignored. Electrical system problems can also be caught with annual upkeep, making it essential for anybody on the road.
Regular Maintenance Tips
At Colonial Hyundai in New London, CT, we want to give you the best foot forward in your maintenance. Some ways to maintain your steering system include regular inspections and maintenance of tires, suspension components, and power steering fluids, all of which feed into the steering component. You also want to make sure your ignition is feeding into the electrical system properly so you can start and drive your Hyundai. All of these appointments are a breeze with our service crew, so please reach out to get one scheduled.
Importance of Using the Correct Key
Using the right car key for your Hyundai is a big deal, regardless of the make or model you are in. If you ever lose or break your Hyundai key/fob, you have to replace it with an OEM part from the dealer. Do not try to go third-party, as this can put your entire steering system at risk.
Schedule Service at Colonial Hyundai
The next time you have a locked Hyundai steering wheel in or near New London, CT, you are welcome to swing by Colonial Hyundai for a complete system diagnosis. We will make sure your car, truck, or SUV drives safely and doesn't have any outstanding damage, and our service center is open weekly from Monday to Friday. Drive safe; we'll be here waiting!
