Seraphim118

I recently had my steering and ignition lock up on me. I know its is part of a safety feature, but no matter how I wiggled the steering wheel and ignition, it would not budge. So it is currently at the stealership getting looked at. I was just wondering if anyone else had this problem, and if so what was the cause or the fix? Just to add, I read the part about it in the owners manual, and it did not help much.

Art161

Never had the problem. I agree that the Owner's Guide could be more helpful. I looked in the 2007 Workshop Manual. It says that if the steering wheel is locked full left or full right, then turn the wheel in the direction of lock while turning the ignition key to on. If that doesn't work, check the key for burrs. If the key doesn't look right, try a different key. If that doesn't work, then the lock cylinder needs to be removed and checked for proper operation. If that doesn't work, then the ignition lock cylinder housing needs to be checked for proper operation.

Seraphim118

Thanks for the reply! I tried the turning part, says the same in my manual lol. I also saw my key was a little worn so I tried my hardly ever used spare key. That did not work either, so I guess it has to be one of the lock cylinders. If thats the case I'm sure my dealership will figure it out. Any idea what could cause those to be off? I had also wondered if whatever tells the locks to lock and unlock could have failed? Like maybe it did not recognize that my key was the correct coded key...

Art161

I think the only difference between a properly cut key being coded or uncoded is that the coded key will start the car, while the uncoded key will not. The uncoded key should still turn okay in the ignition cylinder. I have no idea what specific issue is causing your problem. Good luck, and please report back when the problem is resolved.

Art161

Double post.

Seraphim118

Will do. Im sure the problem is fairly rare,(my luck), but once I find out everything I will post the info up here incase someone does have the same problem. Hopefully I will hear from the dealership monday, and I will report back lol.

glbazan4@yahoo.com

I have a 2008 ford mustang, and the ignition and steering wheel are locked up. the antitheft symbol is flashing, we have turn the wheel, we have leveled the car on ground, it is stuck.

Seraphim118

Try lifting up the front end to get pressure off of the tires, that worked for me to get it unlocked to drive it to the dealer, but it locked again as soon as I cut the car off at the dealer... if all else fails I believe there is an emergency park release underneath the shifter if you are talking about an automatic, and maybe that will work if you have to tow it. As soon as I find out what is wrong with mine I will let you know.

Seraphim118

Got my car back, ended up being the lock cylinder, it had come out of place somehow.