Unlocking the Steering Wheel in your Toyota
If you’re ever gotten back into your Toyota to find that your steering wheel doesn’t really move and the ignition won’t work, know that you’re not alone. This happens to many Toyota owners over the span of their Toyota vehicle ownership.
What you might not know is that this an anti-theft feature in all Toyota models. And as a feature, it has proper way to be reversed.
Let us show you how to unlock a Toyota steering wheel.
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Unlocking Steering Wheels with Push-to-Start or Keyed Ignition System
There are different, but similar, procedures for different types of ignitions. Follow the directions for whichever type is applicable to your Toyota. After the steps are completed, the steering wheel should unlock and your Toyota vehicle should start normally.
Push-to-Start Ignition
Do the following at the same time:
- Push down brake pedal
- Press and hold ignition button
- Wiggle steering back and forth
Traditional Keyed Ignition
Do the following at the same time:
- Turn key in ignition
- Wiggle steering back and forth
Avoiding Steering Wheel Lockages
The steering is locked when the wheel is turned after your car has been shut off. There are probably a few of you out there that are thinking, “Hey, wait! I grab the wheel when I get in and out of the car.” Well, that’s why your steering locks, even if you don’t want it to. To avoid this, we recommend using something else as leverage, like the pillar between the front and back doors or the roof handle next to your head. It may feel weird at first, but after a month or so (science says that habits take about 30 days to form/break), it’ll be normal to grab something other than your steering wheel.
Looking to Upgrade Your Toyota?
Has it been a few years since you got your current Toyota vehicle? If so, it might time to upgrade. Technology advances super quickly these days, and tech compatibility and safety features are improved upon every year. Talk to one of our knowledgeable team members. They’ll be happy to discuss financing options and special offers on qualifying vehicles.
Thursday, 18 October, 2018
Newer Toyota models are equipped with a number of features that will protect your vehicle and you. One of these features that is designed to keep components of your vehicle safe and protected is the steering wheel lock function. This feature is designed to lock your steering wheel in place when your vehicle is in park and turned off. This is designed to protect your suspension. Your wheel is not meant to be turned if your vehicle is not in motion. If you have inadvertently locked up your steering system, then you can follow a few short tips to unlock your steering wheel. Let’s walk through the steps:
- Press down the start and stop button located at the ignition site.
- Gently turn your steering wheel, first to the left and then to the right. Don’t force the wheel if it is not moving on its own.
- At this point you should notice that the wheel will unlock. If it does not, you may see a flashing green light at your ignition location. This is featured in a number of Toyota vehicles.
If you need assistance with learning how to unlock your steering wheel lock system, feel free to come down to Joe Myers Toyota. We’ll help you learn how to complete this process hands on. Our technicians know all about every little feature on each Toyota model on our lot. We are happy to help you learn about everything that your vehicle can do. This will help you make the most out of your vehicle and investment.