A 2002 ford Focus with the steer locked and can't start, tried turning the wheels to unlock but it still wont release. help Al

The steering wheel was turned when the key was removed. So when you try to turn on the key, turn the wheel one way and the other way to release the pressure on the key. The key should turn ok.
Hope this helps.

try turning the steering while at the same time turning the key, also try spraying some wd40 into the keyhole and try the same.

if this does not work, usually you have to drill out the dead lock but then afterwards you will need a new steering lock if you want it in the future. this has been dont this way to stop theves deactivating the lock.


I hope this was useful.

Try turnning steering wheel back and forth while turnning key.Sometimes they get in a bind if wheel is turnned against the lock.If this don't work,it could be in the steering collum or at engnition switch.

Your Wheels may not be straight which could cause the steering wheel lock to get stuck. Turn the steering wheel left and right, from one stop to the other, watching how far the wheel travels. Now, turn the wheel to the center of the travel distance and turn the key. If this doesn't free it up, turn the key as you turn the steering wheel left then right to get the lock to release the wheel. Hope this helps and please rate my solution - and thanks for using Fixya!!

hey try turning steering wheel all way one way or wiggle the steering wheeel

If the steering wheel is under pressure (can happen even with the wheels straight ahead) the lock mechanism can be putting pressure on the key making it very hard for the key to release the lock mechanism. Try pulling on the wheel in one direction and turning the key. If nothing, try turning the wheel the other direction and try turning the key. You may need to replace the lock mechanism. This usually involves being able to turn the key in the lock or having to drill the lock. You are probably going to need a locksmith for this one. You will need a replacement lock cyliner mechanism if the locksmith has to punch the lock.

hi from uk please try this ? with key removed try gently turning steerwheel to the right if you feel a slight spring in steering ? hold on the spring and insert key it should work and release lockand turn ign on ? if steering is springing on left ? try as above the same method not unusual for steer lock to prevent turning key as the steering even in straight position ? the necessity to gently release load on lock is req'd to allow key to turn/unlock the steering lock from the steering column practice doing the above each time you fit key to unlock steering and tuning ign on to start hope this helps

It sounds like when you parked your car, that you over turned your steering wheel to far .. try this .. when you go to start , turn the wheel what ever the direction your tires are facing, it may be a little hard ... hold the wheel in place then turn the ignition ...

let me know if this works for you....


Good luck

Inside where the key goes give a couple of squirts of three in one oil or similar. It may help.

When you try to start the car does the key seem stuck, not turning? Occasionally I have to turn the steering wheel just a little before the key will turn. Always try to straighten your front wheels when you park before turning off the car, this puts less strain on the locking part of the steering wheel and makes it easier to start the car next time. The serious part of a steering wheel is the air bag, do not try to disassemble the steering wheel yourself, you may want to take it to a mechanic you trust in case an interior part of your steering wheel needs replacing.

That's my guess.