This part fell from under the dash (drivers' side)?

SCOTTY2650

MEMBER
2018 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
29,500 MILES

This vehicle was stolen last month. When found, the covers under and around the steering wheel were torn off and key ignition had been busted into pieces.
I was able to reattach the ignition enough to insert the key and turn the car over, but it would not start without a jump. On the way home from the impound this small piece (approximately 1in long x 1cm wide) fell from under the wheel onto my feet. I don't know exactly where it dropped from. The car will not start without a jump ever but the battery tests okay. Help? What is this part?

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1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,536 POSTS

Thanks to the images, it helps. That part looks like the lock solenoid for the steering wheel, can I ask if the car is not in-service can you still move the steering wheel? If so, then that is the part that stops it from turning. If the column is broken badly, I would get a used one and then have a mobile locksmith come out and program a key for you. It cost about $200.00. Here is how to change the steering column out in case you need it. Check out the images (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem so we can see what's going on.

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