Steering wheel locked, ignition will not turn?

DEEDS BINGHAM

MEMBER
2005 NISSAN MAXIMA
3.5L
2WD
AUTOMATIC
40,000 MILES

Put the car on ramps, accidentally locked the steering wheel. Took the key out. The steering wheel locked and won't unlock no matter what I do. Key cylinder won't turn. Have tried every trick to get it to u lock, I clueing the side-to-side motion while turning the key, putting in park, neutral, back to park. Reset the alarm system, left battery cable off for 20min or so and tried again, nothing is working
So frustrated. It was working just fine. Even the AAA guy couldn't get it to u lock. Brand new. Keys. They worked in ignition beforehand for about a week. They keys disable the alarm on the outside lock; they work to both lock and you lock the doors. Tried spraying wd40 in the cylinder as well. No change. Please help!

Saturday, September 2nd, 2023 AT 10:29 PM

1 Reply

CANNON1349

MECHANIC
864 POSTS

Hello,

I am very sorry to hear about this situation, it has happened to me many times when servicing cars. Yes, it can be frustrating, but if the keys were working and the only problem is the steering wheel being locked, then we just need to find the right angle to unlock it. I would take the vehicle off ramps and put it on jack stands, so there is no resistance when turning the wheels. Of course when locked there will only be minimal movement, but it will be somewhat easier. Just start in one direction, and very, very, slowly move the steering wheel while rapidly cycling the key until it catches. This is what works for me in this situation.

I hope this helps,
William

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Sunday, September 3rd, 2023 AT 7:06 PM