The steering lock is a simple safety part: when you take the key out, a pin locks the steering so the car can't be driven away. When that pin jams, or the lock wears out, the steering stays locked and the key won't turn.
Try this first
Often the steering is simply under pressure, for example if the front wheels were turned against the kerb when you parked.
- Hold the steering wheel and gently move it left and right.
- At the same time, turn the key (or press Start) without forcing it.
- If it frees up, you're fine. If not, stop: forcing the key can break it inside the lock.
When it needs a repair
- The wheel stays locked even after wiggling
- The key won't turn because the lock is jammed
- The steering lock is damaged after a theft attempt
- The lock releases only sometimes
On older cars the steering lock is part of the ignition lock housing, so we often repair both together (see ignition repair). On many modern cars the lock is electronic: that's an ESL repair.
How we fix it
- We free the steering and find out why it jammed.
- We repair the lock where possible, or replace it and match it to your key.
- We test it: the steering locks when it should and releases every time.
Where we work
South London and Surrey, 24/7: Croydon, Sutton, Kingston, Wimbledon, Streatham, Lewisham, Epsom, Redhill and Reigate, and the areas around them (SE, SM, CR, SW, KT and RH postcodes).