It's not an overstatement to say that steering is one of the most important things in a car--so a steering wheel that has locked up is more than just a minor inconvenience. However, not all locked steering wheels have the same cause. Keep reading to see which description matches the issues you've been having. Show
3. The Steering Wheel Seems Locked, But Can Be Moved With EffortIf the steering wheel suddenly becomes a lot more difficult to turn, especially at low speeds or at a stop, it may not be that the wheel is locked. Rather, there could be a problem with the power steering system. Power steering makes it easier to steer by requiring you to use less force when you turn the wheel. The change in the amount of force you need can make it seem as though the wheel won't turn at all. There are several things that could go wrong with the power steering system. The power steering pump can sometimes get stuck or jammed if debris finds its way in. Or, the power steering system could spring a leak, leading to a loss in vital power steering fluid. Whatever the problem with the power steering, it's a good idea to get it taken care of. You might get bigger biceps while you drive, but the lack of precision and extra exertion means you won't be able to respond to danger as quickly. 2. The Steering Wheel Locks As Soon As You Turn On Your CarThe good news is that this problem tends to be easily remedied. For your safety, the steering wheel has a lock that activates if someone moves the wheel when there's no key in the ignition. This makes the vehicle harder to steal. However, if you've moved the wheel before turning on the car, the lock may still be in place. If this is the case, gently try to move the wheel while you're turning the key. Jiggling it may also work, but the key is to make sure that there's pressure on the steering wheel while the ignition key is being turned. 1. The Steering Wheel Locks While You DriveThis is a terrifying experience--but it's fortunately not very common. If it does happen, it's probably due to a failure in the suspension or steering rack or column. If this happens, keep trying to turn the wheel while slowly and safely braking. Be sure to put on your hazard lights and get away from traffic as soon as possible. I was driving my 2010 Ford Taurus on a 2 lane highway, going roughly 70mph, there was a car ahead of me that was going just a little slower than me so I sped up just a bit(5mph). When trying to accelerate I noticed that it wasn’t really accreting as fast as it normally does, I just assumed the RPM’s were just behind so I let go of the gas, at this moment I heard a rapid beepbeepbeep sound from my dashboard but no engine light. then my steering wheel locked in place (locked, only giving me just a little twist so I could glide off the highway) and my engine shut down. After that my car wouldn’t start. The battery isn’t dead, but when I try to start it, there is an electrical smoke smell and smoke coming from something under that battery. No clunky sounds, and nothing has happened that was out of the ordinary before this instance Can anyone help me diagnose this? Last Updated on October 26, 2021 For most motorists, few things could be more terrifying than having the steering lock up while driving. With little or no warning you suddenly cannot control your car. It’s fortunate that automobile steering systems are designed to greatly minimize the occurrence of this heart-pounding event. In this article we will discuss two modes of steering failure. Failure where the steering effort suddenly becomes very difficult. And failure where the wheel cannot be turned in either direction at all. Need help with a car problem RIGHT NOW? Click Here to chat online with a verified mechanic who will answer your questions. Each type of failure can result in a severe accident with potential for loss of life. First, let’s discuss some related steering technology. Related: Brakes Locked Up While Driving? (Causes and What to Do)
Power Steering SystemsCredit: How A Car WorksAll passenger vehicles including pickup trucks today are equipped with power steering. Invisible to the driver, this type of system reduces steering effort enabling heavy vehicles to be turned with relative ease. Two types of power steering systems are currently in use. HydraulicPresent in predominantly older cars, the first system we’ll discuss uses an engine driven pump. This pump is powered by one of the accessory belts typically on the front of the engine. It includes a reservoir for the necessary hydraulic fluid (oil). The oil level in this reservoir must be checked periodically. When the engine is running this fluid is pumped via flexible hoses to a mechanism called the steering rack. The steering rack translates the driver’s turning of the steering wheel into mechanical motion that positions the direction of the front wheels. The steering wheel has a shaft (the steering column) connected to the rack. The rack has steel arms connected to the front suspension, these imparting course control for the car. ElectricThe second type of power steering system is electrically operated. This system is integral to the steering rack and assists steering motions to the front suspension similar to the belt driven pump system. It has far fewer components and requires no maintenance throughout the life of the car. In a sense, these power steering systems intervene between your hands on the wheel and the direction your car takes. For this reason, power steering problems, though rare, can cause steering wheel lockup. More on this in a moment. Related: Hydraulic vs Electric Power Steering Steering System Theft Prevention SystemsNo discussion of steering wheel lockup would be complete without a brief discussion of steering system theft prevention systems. In the late sixties automobile manufacturers began installing steering wheel lock devices on their cars. When you bought the car, it included such a system; it was not an option. The evidence of this mechanism was the keyed ignition switch relocated to the steering column from its former home in the dash. Some found this new location to be a bit inconvenient. When the engine is turned off and the key is removed from the ignition switch, the lock mechanism automatically inserts a hardened steel pin into a detent in the steering column. This pin prevents the wheel from being turned until the key is reinserted into the ignition switch and ignition turned on. On some designs the wheel had to be turned left or right 30 to 45 degrees to engage the lock. This arrangement could be a startling surprise to any potential thief hot wiring your car. He’d get down the road, attempt a turn, and the wheel would lock no doubt suddenly terminating the theft and possibly wrecking your vehicle. Column-mounted ignition switches and associated steering wheel locks disappeared from most cars around 2007. In-dash ignition switches returned and keyless entry push button start systems began to appear on automobiles. But for some cars, locking steering wheels still remain part of the anti-theft features. See Also: Common Engine Immobilizer Problems Power Steering System Failures and Steering LockupPower steering systems are remarkably trouble-free. But a failure can cause a sudden significant increase in steering effort. This can be especially troublesome at very slow speeds or while braking. Almost any driver, surprised by this increased stiffness of the wheel movements could quickly lose control. Imagine you are turning a sharp corner in heavy traffic and suddenly the steering effort skyrockets. With traffic flowing around you, it might be impossible to quickly regain control of the car. An unfortunate collision could result. Causes of Power Steering FailureSeveral events can cause the power steering to not work. These four failure modes apply to systems that use an engine driven pump.
Electrically driven power steering systems have fewer hydraulic system failure modes that could cause steering issues. The following problems, however, could result in steering wheel lockup with these systems:
Signs of Impending Steering Wheel LockupFor pump type systems, several things may give you warning of impending steering wheel lockup.
Service Tip Many repair and oil change shops offer a power steering flush and fluid replacement service. This procedure helps remove wear debris and sludge that can damage the pump. This also provides fresh fluid for the entire system. It’s a simple step that can add years of life to your power steering system. Cost for this service is in the $75 - $100 range. See Also: Power Steering Repair Costs Steering Rack Mechanical Failures and Steering LockupMoving beyond power steering related failures, the steering rack itself can in time become worn. Such wear can produce metallic debris on the metal rack which will hinder the rotation of the associated pinion gear. The result will be a noticeably increased resistance to turning. This condition must be corrected in order to allay the risk of a complete lockup of the steering wheel at some moment in the future. What to Do in Case of Power Steering FailureWhether caused by power steering problems or a rack mechanical issue, such a failure will make turning the steering wheel very difficult. But it can be turned, and if you react quickly an accident can be avoided. So, the steering suddenly becomes very stiff. What should you do?
Note: You may think, “Hey, I can drive home; it just steers hard”. Steering hard will make quick reactions to emergency situations difficult. Calling for a tow is really the safest step to take. What to Do in Case of Complete Steering Wheel LockupBecause steering column locking systems can fail, such systems can inadvertently cause instant lockup of the steering although it’s extremely rare. For such failures, it will suddenly become impossible to steer the car. The steering may lock while driving straight ahead or during a turn. This depends on the design of the locking feature on your car’s steering column. Should this happen, follow these steps:
Let’s hope you never experience steering wheel lockup while driving your car. Why did my steering wheel get hard and my car turn off?The most common cause of a stiff steering wheel is the lack of enough power steering fluid in the system. This condition can arise if there's fluid leakage from the pressurized hose area. Refilling the liquid in the power steering tank will fix the problem for the time being, but the leak must be taken care of.
Can a locked steering wheel prevent car from starting?If your steering wheel is locked, you won't be able to start your car: either your ignition switch won't turn or, if your car has a start-stop button, you'll see a warning light about the steering lock. Fortunately, it's easy enough to unlock your steering wheel and get your car started with the following simple steps.
How do I start my car after steering wheel lock?While holding your wheel in the correct direction, put your key into the ignition and start your car. If the wheel remains locked, your car doesn't start, or both, try turning the wheel the other direction and repeating this step. One or the other has to work.
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