Has anyone experienced their steering wheel locking. It happened to me tonight and my daughter had to play with the steering wheel to get the key to turn. It was a little unnerving. Any tips? Thanks

 

When you park, don't put the steering wheel in a bind by turning the engine off and removing the key with the wheels turned. All cars with locking steering do that. I just always turn the wheels straight and then take the key out. If it does get into a bind, turn the wheel hard in the direction that they are already turned while GENTLY trying to turn the key. Works every time!

 

That's normal if you've turned the wheels when parking, just gently turn the wheel until the lock cylinder can turn. Most modern cars have a steering wheel interlock so a thief can't "just" hotwire the car, start the engine and drive off unless they unlock the steering column too.

As noted above, try to park with the wheels in a neutral position - not necessarily straight, but kind of let off the steering wheel just before shutting down, then turn the key all the way "off". If it binds, gently turn the wheel until the key turns, and you're golden.

I thought it locked while driving - which would be a bit of a problem!

 

Everytime I get in our Mini, my fat butt drags across the steering wheel and it locks. But it's no big deal, you just have to turn it in one direction or the other (for me it's usually to the right), then turn the key.

 

Mine locks all the time, alittle jiggle while turning the key and VROOM VROOM.

 

This has been a standard anti-theft feature on cars sold in the US since 1969 thanks to FMVSS 114. It has also been a requirement for all cars sold in Germany since 1962 and in the UK since 1970.

The solution has always been to try the key while turning the wheel in one direction, then the other. Sometimes you have to crank the wheel pretty hard.

 

I have had it happen pretty often as I usually push off of the steering wheel when I get out of the MINI.

 

Thanks for the advice, now I feel better.

 

Anyone ever seen this?


Steering wheel of 2004 Mini locks while driving. Steering wheel requires alot of force to turn. Turned the car off once and next the wheel returned to normal. Today it is hard no matter what I do.

 

Sounds like your power steering is going. Head to the 1st gen stock problems/issues forum - this is a pretty common problem.

 

I had a Volvo that had steering lock issues. Turned out the motor/transmission mounts were worn out. This caused a alignment issue with the locking mechanism.

 

if mine locks, i just wiggle the steering wheel and then the key turns just fine.