Locked steering wheel

The problem is intermittent have to do with the key and wheel locking up. Is this serious?

Sometimes it’s not an issue and I can always get it to start.

This may not be an abnormal problem.

I've experienced this in several cars, most of the time, the wheels were turned in one direction or another (not nearly straight) and even parking on a hill might exponentially add to the steering components being in a bind or under tension when the vehicle was turned off.

"Tension", meaning the wheels/ steering components are trying to pull one direction or another, just enough to bind on the steering wheels locking mechanism.

Hence, you must "anti-turn" the steering wheel in order to make the key turn.

You might try turning your wheels straight (or at least straighter) and "letting go" of the steering wheel (which may let it seek out a more neutral/ relaxed position) before you turn the vehicle off.

Maybe some of the factors I've mentioned are the problem, let us know if my suggestions help the situation.

If you want a laugh and to see a similar, but stupid issue I performed long ago, see this answer (about halfway down) on WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6TH, 2013 AT 2:00 AM (found at the bottom of each answer) at this link.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/1977-jeep-cj5-ignition-trouble

The Medic

Here’s the issue. I know that if a steering wheel is far off center it will usually lock. This intermittent locking seems to happen even when the wheel is mostly straight. It doesn’t happen all the time. Only sometimes and I can always turn the wheel and unlock it. I know that my steering wheel has a minor issue. It “clicks “ when I turn the wheel while driving. I mentioned this to a mechanic once and I was told that yes it is “broken “ but it really doesn’t hurt anything and it would be expensive to fix. That was a year and a half ago and I’ve ignored it. Now this. I can keep ignoring it since I can always get the car going unless someone thinks it needs to be looked at because I’m heading for worse problems in the future if I don’t fix it. Please advise. Thanks.

I found this in "Prodemand" under the "Recalls" section.

The dealer might be the next step in seeing if this repair might be covered by them.

See my screenshots below.

The Medic

I’m not sure that this applies. Anyway if I do nothing for now since it works should I be okay for a while?

I’ll check with the dealer on the recall but this is not the best time to handle this. Should I be okay for a couple of months since it does turn on?

Hi,

When you say you have to move the steering wheel slightly back and forth to be able to turn the key? If that is the case, I don't feel that is out of the ordinary.

Let me know for sure.

Joe

Yes Sir. That is the case.

It isn't uncommon if the wheel has tension on it when you turn the key off for that to happen. Here is what to do. The next time you park, place the steering wheel straight and take your hands off the wheel so it doesn't move. Then, turn the key off. See if that prevents the issue.

Let me know.

Joe