Need to Move the car it has been sitting for 15 years the steering wheel is locked and it will not shift into neutral?

BRETT1971

MEMBER
1992 FORD TAURUS
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
175,000 MILES

This car has been sitting for about 15 years. It has no battery, and the steering wheel is locked, and it will not shift into neutral. I need to get it in neutral and unlock the steering wheel so it can be hauled off to the junk yard. What do I need to do to get into neutral and unlock the steering wheel?

Friday, February 28th, 2025 AT 2:29 PM

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,055 POSTS

Hi,

The key itself should unlock the steering wheel. As far as the park lock solenoid, it needs power. If you carefully connect a battery charger directly to the battery terminals, that may provide enough power to actuate the shift lock solenoid. Or you could use jumper cables from a different vehicle. Just make sure to prevent the positive cable does not short.

On the other hand, if you have a floor shifter, there will be a small square cutout on the shifter assembly. Take a small screwdriver and remove that small cover. A release button should be under it so you can shift from park.

Let me know if this helps or if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Friday, February 28th, 2025 AT 9:19 PM

BRETT1971

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks for the reply. The shift is on the column. Unfortunately, there is no key so I can't unlock the wheel that way. Is there another I can try?
Also, I'm guessing the key would have to be in the on position for the shift lock solenoid to disengage? That may be a problem too since there is no key.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Saturday, March 1st, 2025 AT 6:41 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
50,162 POSTS

Yep, there is no way to unlock the steering unless you remove the steering column connection at the steering rack which is at the firewall down where the steering column is connected to the rack. You can move the car into neutral if you watch this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtMsbNzquCk

Please let us know what happens.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Monday, March 3rd, 2025 AT 10:24 AM