If you’re experiencing a locked steering wheel in your Honda CRV, turn your wheel in the direction that it’s locked and start the ignition to unlock it. If your wheel doesn’t loosen up, you may be dealing with a larger mechanical issue.

While your Honda’s wheel-locking mechanism is an important anti-theft device for your vehicle to be equipped with, it’s easy to accidentally engage the mechanism and find yourself unable to steer your car. In such an event, don’t panic.

Instead, follow the steps outlined by

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. We’ll go over common causes for this problem and even throw in some tips to help you save on your

Honda CRV car insurance cost

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How to unlock your Honda CRV steering wheel

Unlocking your steering wheel doesn’t require any automotive expertise. In fact, it can be completed in a few quick steps.

Start by turning your wheel in the same direction it’s locked in. If you’re not sure which direction that is, try both! If you feel some wiggle room in the wheel, you’re going the right way. Next, insert your key into the ignition, start your Honda, and your wheel should be unlocked!

If you continue to experience locking, try turning your wheel in the opposite direction and repeat the steps. If this still doesn’t work, you may be dealing with a bigger problem with your Honda’s mechanics.

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How to find a 2004 Honda CRV radio code

Why your Honda CRV steering wheel lock might engage

Once you’ve figured out how to unlock your wheel, you’ll probably want to avoid resolving this problem in the future. So why did your wheel lock in the first place?

In most cases, a locked steering wheel happens by accident. Your Honda is equipped with the technology to automatically lock your wheel when your wheel turns while the key isn’t in the ignition. It’s a mechanism to prevent vehicle theft.

So, if you accidentally crank your wheel too far in one direction after your ignition has turned off, your Honda will lock the wheel.

In other, less common cases, your wheel may lock up due to mechanical failure, frozen tumblers, and a malfunctioning ignition lock cylinder. Let’s run through the common causes of wheel locking.

If your steering wheel locks while parked

Has your wheel locked up while you’re sitting in “Park”? You may be looking at an ignition failure. In such an event, you’ll need to replace the ignition cylinder or ignition switch in your vehicle to regain wheel function.

If your steering wheel locks while driving

While uncommon, it’s possible for your wheel to lock while you're behind the wheel, traveling at speed. If this occurs, your Honda may have a malfunctioning steering column, power steering system,

steering rack

, or suspension.

In the event that your wheel locks while you’re on the road, keep your hands on the wheel and apply your brakes as soon as it’s possible for you to safely pull over. Once you’re pulled over, call for roadside assistance to help.

MORE:

Brakes, steering, and suspension inspection cost

If your steering wheel is usable but stiff

If you’re able to drive your Honda but your wheel feels unusually difficult to turn, the culprit may be your power steering system.

In this case, take your vehicle to a local service center and have a professional inspect your Honda for

power steering pump

failure, contaminated

power steering fluid

, or a leak in the steering system.

How to save on Honda CRV insurance

Luckily for Honda owners, Hondas are one of the least expensive vehicles to maintain and generally require very little maintenance. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find additional savings—especially when saving on your car insurance costs has never been easier.

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