If your Hyundai steer wheel locks, start by firmly turning the steering wheel back and forth while turning the key. If that doesn’t unlock the steering wheel, you may be dealing with a more serious mechanical failure.
Hyundai is known to make some of the most reliable vehicles on the road, but every car has its quirks. One of those quirks is an anti-theft measure that locks your steering wheel in place under certain circumstances. If you come back to your parked car with the steering wheel locked, you won’t be able to start your car, and you might not be appreciating this quirky feature.
Don’t worry, unlocking the steering wheel is usually pretty straightforward and Jerry–the trustworthy car insurance super app–is here to guide you through it. We’ll go over how to disengage your steering wheel lock, some causes of related issues if that doesn’t fix the issue, then throw in some tips for reducing your Hyundai car insurance rates
How to unlock your Hyundai steering wheel
Most likely, if your steering wheel is locked, it is because you or someone else accidentally engaged a locking mechanism that most cars have as an anti-theft measure. Usually, it happens when the steering wheel turns too far while parking or when the key is out of the ignition.
To fix the problem, put your key in the ignition and wiggle the steering wheel and key simultaneously. Try to wiggle the key and push it toward the “on” position. It’s okay to use some force here, especially on the steering wheel, but be careful not to push too hard on the key–it can break in your hand. Also, the steering wheel should have more give in one direction, so lean harder in that direction.
If this doesn’t work, you might find your steering wheel locks up even harder. This is a second level of locking that is even more challenging. However, the wheel should still have some give in one direction, so you can pull the wheel in that direction while trying to turn the key.
If you still can’t get your steering wheel unlocked, there may be a more serious problem at hand, in which case you might have to seek backup by getting your car to an auto shop.
Why your Hyundai steering wheel lock might engage
There are several reasons why your Hyundai steering wheel is locked. It could just be the anti-theft lock engaging, but it could also be a bad ignition lock cylinder, frozen tumblers, or a power steering failure.
If your steering wheel locks while parked
If your steering wheel won’t move while you are parked, the most common issue is an ignition failure. You might need to replace the ignition cylinder or the ignition switch to get your steering wheel to turn again.
If your steering wheel locks while driving
Thankfully, this is an extremely rare occurrence, but it can happen. If your Hyundai’s steering wheel locks while you are driving, it is likely due to a major malfunction of the steering column, steering rack, power steering system, or suspension.
If you are in this scary situation, stay calm, turn on your hazards, and start braking whenever it is safe. You should still be able to get some movement out of your steering column, so do your best to get out of traffic. Once you are stopped, call for roadside assistance to get your car to a mechanic.
If your steering wheel is usable but stiff
This is a relatively common scenario: you are driving and you notice that gradually, or all of a sudden, your steering wheel becomes difficult to turn. You still have the full range of motion, but it takes significant effort to turn, in one direction or both. This is a tell-tale sign of the power steering system failing.
Isolating the problem further is a bit more difficult. There are several potential causes, but the most common are a faulty power steering pump, contaminated power steering fluid, or a leak in the system. Start by checking your power steering fluid, but you’ll likely have to take your car to a dealership or mechanic to pinpoint the issue.
If your steering wheel is usable but stiff
This is a relatively common scenario: you are driving and you notice that gradually, or all of a sudden, your steering wheel becomes difficult to turn. You still have the full range of motion, but it takes significant effort to turn, in one direction or both. This is a tell-tale sign of the power steering system failing.
Isolating the problem further is a bit more difficult. There are several potential causes, but the most common are a faulty power steering pump, contaminated power steering fluid, or a leak in the system. Start by checking your power steering fluid, but you’ll likely have to take your car to a dealership or mechanic to pinpoint the issue.
How to save on Hyundai insurance
Your steering wheel locking or your power steering failing are just a couple of reasons you might get stranded on the side of the road. In these instances, having towing and labor coverage on your car insurance policy can help save your wallet some grief.
We get it, additional coverages can quickly add up to the point where your insurance premiums are out of hand. Jerry has the solution!
Jerry is America’s #1 insurance app for comparing insurance policies, making it super easy to find the cheapest rates available. Jerry partners with over 50 top insurance providers. Once you sign up, the app will use your current insurance information and preferences to gather custom quotes with the best rates in less than a minute.
As a result, Jerry customers save on average $800+ per year on car insurance!
David Ghanizadeh-Khoob is an insurance writer specializing in car insurance, maintenance, and brand knowledge. David’s mission is to create content that saves car owners time and money on car expenses. David has authored nearly 200 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from Kia K5 configurations to vehicle maintenance how-tos. Prior to joining Jerry, David earned a B.A. psychology and pursued further education in neuroscience and biomechanics.
Melanie Reiff is an expert insurance writer and editor with over half a decade of experience in professional writing. Guided by a lifelong love of storytelling, it’s Melanie’s mission to help people problemsolve by means of creative and engaging content. Melanie specializes in analyzing the ways in which society, technology, and culture intersect, previously working with clients in travel, technology, and social impact to tell their stories.
As an editorial team lead at Jerry, Melanie has translated her prior experience into creating and editing insurance content that can help drivers and homeowners find the solutions they need and make informed moves.
Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, Melanie worked as a freelance content marketing strategist and was the full-time director of choir at Rampart High School Acadamy in Colorado Springs.
