If you get in your Hyundai Sonata and find the steering wheel locked, try inserting your key and turning the ignition while simultaneously turning your wheel in the direction where you feel the least resistance. Other tricks include reinserting your key a few times or pulling your key out a bit while turning the wheel. Read on to find more advice.
Edmunds has praised the Sonata for being a “midsize sedan chock full of style and value.” And one of the many features that Hyundai installs in the Sonata is an anti-theft device that will lock the steering wheel if it’s turned without the key in the ignition. This is great for preventing theft, but if you turn it on by accident, you might be stressed when you get in the car and can't turn the wheel.
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How to unlock your Hyundai Sonata steering wheel
If you get into your car and the wheel is locked in one position, don’t assume the worst. The most likely reason your steering wheel locked up is that you inadvertently engaged the locking bolt. This anti-theft feature prevents the wheel from turning if the engine is started without a key.
The first approach to try is straightforward. Put your foot on the brake, insert your key in the ignition and try to turn your car on. If you can start your engine, the wheel should unlock.
However, if you cannot turn your key at all, don’t keep applying force. Yes, you can try to move the key a bit, but wiggling the key with a lot of force risks snapping the key off in the ignition! And that will result in a bigger problem—and higher repair costs—than a locked steering wheel.
Next, try to determine if your steering wheel has some “give” or movement in one direction. If it does slightly turn, apply a bit of pressure as you turn the wheel and, at the same time, turn the key in your ignition.
You may have been told to rock the wheel back and forth, but do not use this method. Instead, just keep trying to turn your steering wheel in the direction with the least resistance.
Another trick to try is pulling your key out about ¹⁄₁₆ of an inch and then trying to turn the ignition. This is especially helpful if you have an older key that is worn. Or, if you have another key to the vehicle, try that key instead.
Finally, you can try spraying electrical cleaner or canned air into the keyhole in the ignition. An electrical cleaner can provide lubrication, which may make the ignition cylinder engage and the wheel gets unstuck. And canned air can blow out any debris, which may be preventing the cylinder from working.
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Why your Hyundai Sonata steering wheel lock might engage
Steering wheels lock up for a number of reasons, some of them simple to fix and some requiring more complex repairs. A lot depends upon when and where the wheel becomes locked.
If your steering wheel locks while parked
If your steering wheel won’t move while the vehicle is parked and won’t respond to the steps outlined in the previous section, you may have a problem with the ignition lock cylinder. If you’re at home and have some mechanical knowledge, you may well be able to replace the cylinder yourself.
However, if you’re out somewhere, you may wind up needing the help of a mobile mechanic or be required to flatbed your car to your mechanic.
If your steering wheel locks while driving
A steering wheel that locks while driving is likely signaling that you have a major malfunction of the steering column, power steering system, steering rack
, or suspension. This is one of the most frightening things that can happen to a driver, but try not to panic. If your steering wheel locks up, keep both hands on the steering wheel while trying to turn it. Turn on your hazards to alert other drivers and safely brake. You’ll want to get off the road, and away from traffic, as soon as possible.
Once you’re safe, call for roadside assistance. Do not try to continue driving with a steering wheel that has locked up.
If your steering wheel is usable but stiff
Let’s say the problem with your Sonata is that the steering wheel is becoming harder to turn, particularly in one direction. If that’s the case, you’re probably dealing with a failure of the power steering system.
A faulty power steering pump
, contaminated power steering fluid
, or a leak in the steering system are a few possible culprits behind your Hyundai Sonata’s stiff steering. Don’t delay in taking your Sonata to your mechanic so that they can diagnose the cause of the problem. Not being able to steer smoothly is a major issue that can interfere with the safe operation of your car. How to save on Hyundai Sonata insurance
When people can’t figure out what’s going on with their Hyundai Sonata—whether it’s a locked steering wheel or some other element that isn’t working—they turn to the Internet, looking for an expert to help diagnose the problem.
And when it comes to finding affordable car insurance for your Sonata, you can rely on Jerry
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