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How do I unlock my Toyota Rav4 steering wheel?

I tried to drive home from work only to find that my Toyota RAV4 steering wheel is locked. Why would this happen and how can I unlock it?

avatar
Pat Roache · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Follow these steps to manually unlock your
Toyota RAV4
 steering wheel:
  • Step 1: Carefully turn your steering wheel in the same direction it was when it locked.
  • Step 2: Continue to hold the steering wheel in this direction and insert your car key into the ignition.
  • Step 3: Wiggle the steering wheel back and forth while starting the engine.
  • Step 4: You should feel the wheel unlock once the car starts.
A Toyota RAV4 locked steering wheel typically occurs as an anti-theft measure when the steering wheel is turned while the car is off. However, you could have a locked steering wheel for other reasons under the following circumstances:
  • Your Toyota RAV4 ignition locked, too: You could be dealing with a failure of the
    ignition switch
     or lock cylinder.
  • Your Toyota RAV4 steering wheel locks while driving: You could have a malfunctioning
    steering rack
     or other problems with your steering and suspension.
  • Your steering wheel is usable but stiff: You could be facing a power steering system concern if your
    steering wheel is hard to turn
     while driving.
The bottom line: Have your Toyota RAV4 towed to a mechanic if your locked steering wheel isn’t solved by the steps above, as there could be a bigger problem with your car.
MORE:
How much does it cost to inspect a steering wheel that does not turn?
Car OwnershipCarToyota
View full answer 
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