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How do you unlock a car steering wheel without a key?

Is there any way to unlock my car’s steering wheel without a physical key? I have a push-to-start ignition in my car and every set of instructions I can find requires a physical key to unlock the steering wheel.

avatar
Liz Jenson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Yes, you can unlock your car steering wheel without a physical key!
Here’s how to do it:
  • First, pull your wheel in the direction that you originally pulled it when you locked it.
  • If you don’t know which direction you pulled it, try both! You should feel your wheel move slightly when you pull it in the right direction.
  • Keep pulling your steering wheel in that direction as you depress the brake and press the START/STOP button.
  • If you’re unable to unlock your steering wheel or if your car displays a warning light or message, try again while pulling the wheel in the other direction.
If this doesn’t work, you may need to talk to a mechanic. Avoid using too much force on your wheel, as this can damage your steering column!
If you’re worried that something like this might happen again, check out
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

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