Why Is My Toyota Camry Steering Wheel Locked?
Toyota Camry has a locking steering wheel as a safety measure—but a lock that won’t disengage could be the sign of a more serious problem.
Written by Matthew Lynaugh
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
If your Toyota Camry steering wheel has locked up, start by turning your key to the “on” position in the ignition while wiggling the steering wheel back and forth. If your wheel doesn’t unlock, you could be looking at a bigger mechanical malfunction.
Designed to safely get you from A to B, the Camry is loaded with security features, including the locking steering wheel. Although designed to prevent theft, a locked steering wheel can be a real hassle if it happens unexpectedly.
That’s where
Jerry
, the top-rated brokerage app
, comes in. We’ll help you unlock your Toyota steering wheel by discussing what causes this problem, ways to troubleshoot it, and even providing some tips for how to save on your Toyota Camry insurance cost
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How to unlock your Toyota Camry steering wheel
If your Toyota Camry steering wheel has locked, it’s most likely due to amechanical issue or accidental triggering of the anti-theft precaution. Trying to turn the wheel with no key in the ignition and power steering malfunctions are two of the most frequent causes.
To unlock your wheel, begin by turning your key to the “on” position in the ignition and turning the steering wheel back and forth. If you cannot get the key to turn to “on,” slowly turn it in the ignition while wiggling the wheel until the ignition loosens up.
If neither of these methods does the trick, the solution could be as simple as using a new key. Over time, keys can wear down and lose their shape, causing them to fail to engage with the ignition tumblers.
Why your Toyota Camry steering wheel lock might engage
There are several reasons why your steering wheel might lock despite there being no security threat. A broken ignition cylinder or a problematic power steering pump are among the most common causes, but let’s go over a few more just in case.
If your steering wheel locks while parked
If your steering wheel is still locked after turning the key and wheel at the same time, you could be experiencing a gridlocked power steering pump or damaged ignition cylinder. If one of these parts is malfunctioning, you probably need a replacement, and we’d recommend bringing your Camry in for professional maintenance.
If your steering wheel locks while driving
Thankfully, this is a rare occurrence, but it is possible for your Camry steering wheel to lock while you’re on the road traveling at speed.
This is a red flag for a more serious mechanical issue, such as a power steering, steering column, suspension, or
steering rack
malfunction. In the event that your steering wheel locks up while you’re driving, try your best to remain calm. Keep a secure grip on the wheel, and apply the brakes when it is safe to do so. Your wheel should still have a little wiggle-room, so use that to pull yourself over to the side of the road.
Once you are safely situated, call someone for help—a roadside assistance membership or
towing and labor insurance coverage
would be very advantageous here.If your steering wheel is usable but stiff
But what if your wheel isn’t totally locked up, but it's getting increasingly difficult to turn? This is likely due to a weakening or busted power steering system, the mechanism responsible for keeping a smooth connection between the steering wheel and actual wheels.
A failed power steering pump, contaminated fluid, or system leak are the most common causes for a firm wheel. To find the exact cause and ensure it is fixed properly, take your Camry to your trusted mechanic or Toyota service center.
How to save on Toyota insurance
All cars are going to have their mechanical woes, but one of the best parts of owning a Toyota is the affordable maintenance and repair costs. If you want to keep the savings coming, just use
Jerry
to find the best auto insurance
coverage at the best price. Jerry is the top-rated insurance broker created to put the customer first. Simply enter your information into the app, and Jerry will compare policies from the most popular providers so you can score the lowest rates. Jerry will even automatically start shopping around as you approach renewal and can help you cancel your existing policy.
So, just how good are the savings? Jerry customers save an average of over $800 per year on insurance payments!
“Jerrygot me out of a bind! I bought a new car, and my existing insurance raised my prices and didn’t budge. Thankfully, Jerry got me an affordable rate without me waiting for phone calls all day.” —Felicia M.
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