If you own a Hyundai Sonata, there may come a time when you need to unlock the steering wheel to steer the car properly.
If you aren’t able to use your original key, there are several methods of manually unlocking your steering wheel, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
The first thing you’ll need to do before trying to unlock your steering wheel is located the manual lever that releases it; this lever will be different on every vehicle, so be sure to consult the owner’s manual first if you don’t know where it’s located.
Why does my Steering Wheel Lock?
Many drivers will want to know why their steering wheel locks.
This feature makes it harder for thieves to steal your car, and it is often enabled as standard by most manufacturers.
Most modern cars will lock when you remove the key from your ignition, which means that if someone else comes along with their key they won’t be able to drive off.
But what happens if you need to get out of your car in an emergency? If you can’t find your keys or have locked them inside, here are some tips on how to unlock a steering wheel.
How do I Unlock my Steering Wheel?
When driving away, take note of any other driver who might notice your problem.
You should also make sure you have a mobile phone in case you need to call roadside assistance.
If you still cannot locate your keys, try these steps:
Locate Your Owner’s Manual: Your owner’s manual will contain information about your car alarm system and how to disable it. It should also include instructions on how to unlock your steering wheel.
The exact location of your owner’s manual depends on your vehicle manufacturer, but it is usually kept under a seat or in one of the door pockets.
Some vehicles may even store it online so you can access it through your smartphone.
Consult Your Vehicle Manufacturer: If you don’t have access to your owner’s manual, contact your vehicle manufacturer directly using their website or customer service line.
They will be able to help you override your security features and enable you to start your car.
Disable Your Alarm System: Once you have found your owner’s manual, look up how to disable your alarm system.
How to Unlock the Steering Wheel on a Hyundai Sonata
If you’re like most people, then you don’t know how to unlock your steering wheel.
Luckily, learning how to do so is quite simple.
Here’s what you need to do:
- First and foremost, you must know where your keys are. If they are in your pocket or purse, then remove them before getting out of your car.
- Secondly, there should be a plastic cover over where all of the wires and fuses are located.
This will usually have a small button on it, which you will press to release your steering wheel.
- Thirdly, once you have pressed the said button, simply pull up on your steering wheel and it should come right off!
There may also be some cables holding it down; if so, just cut these with some wire cutters. That’s all there is to it!
Now that you know how to unlock your steering wheel, hopefully, you won’t get locked out of your car again.
ALSO SEE: How to Unlock Steering Wheel without Key
What Happens If a Hyundai Key Doesn’t Turn On?
If your Hyundai key is not turning in your car’s ignition, you might find yourself stranded if you didn’t bring along a second set of keys.
Fortunately, if you have some help from your local locksmith, it won’t take long to get inside your car again.
If possible, we recommend that you never leave home without an extra set of keys for yourself and any passengers in your vehicle.
This will ensure that everyone has a way to get out of their cars if they are locked out or need to be rescued after an accident.
We also recommend storing these keys in separate locations so that you can easily retrieve them when needed.
You may want to keep one set with a family member or friend who lives nearby and another at work or with someone else who travels frequently with you.
Of course, always make sure that you have a spare key hidden somewhere in your person or stored in your car just in case. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Hyundai Sonata Key Won’t Turn, What to do
The first thing to do if your key won’t turn in your car door is to remove all the dirt and debris.
Try a wet soapy cloth and a brush, and carefully remove any caked-on material.
The good news is, that if this doesn’t fix it, you just need to replace your ignition lock cylinder.
The process is simple – it can usually be done in less than an hour – and you don’t need any special tools.
If you need instructions on how to replace the ignition lock cylinder of a Hyundai Sonata, then follow these instructions:
- To remove your steering wheel cover, start by removing any trim pieces around your steering wheel.
- There should be several Phillips head screws holding these pieces in place.
- Make use of a Phillips screwdriver to unscrew them and set them aside.
- Next, use a flat screwdriver to peel off your steering wheel cover.
- Keep in mind that you may need to apply some force to get it off, but that should not cause any harm.
- Once you have taken off your steering wheel cover, search for two bolts that will hold your airbag in place.
- Unscrew the bolts on the 10mm socket wrench and remove the airbag.
- You’ll now see four more bolts that hold down the steering wheel column cover.
- If your bolts are a 10mm in size, then remove them using a 10mm socket wrench, and then remove the column cover to expose one last bolt that also needs to be unscrewed and held in place with a 10mm socket.
After removing it, the ignition lock cylinder will be free.
- If you remove that bolt and carefully pull out your old ignition lock cylinder, be careful not to touch or scratch any of its surfaces; just as soon as you get anything on it, wipe it off.
- To put it into place, install your new ignition lock cylinder, then tighten its bolt into place using a 10mm socket wrench.
How to Get Keys Out Of Locked Hyundai Sonata
- Gently pull up and insert it into your car’s ignition.
- With your key in place, insert your other hand underneath the steering wheel and try to find any wires that you can use to pry open your car’s plastic cover.
It’s difficult to predict where these will be without knowledge of what model of the car you own
So be sure to check with an expert if you’re having trouble locating them.
- Once you’ve found one or two wires, gently pull on them until they release from their anchor point.
This should free up enough space for you to grab hold of your keys and remove them from your vehicle.
(Note: If none of these methods work, then you may need to contact a professional locksmith.)
If you are still unable to remove your key after following all the steps, then there is a possibility that something is obstructing it from moving.
- One thing that could be blocking your key is mud or dirt stuck under your car’s hood;
another possibility is ice. Regardless of what might be blocking your key, make sure you clear away anything before trying again.
Otherwise, you will not be able to get your key out and will need to contact a professional locksmith.
- The last thing that could block your key is rust.
This can occur if water has seeped into where your ignition switch is located and has begun corroding it over time.
If you suspect that your car’s steering wheel lock might be rusted, then you will need to replace it altogether with a new one.
If you are unsure of how to do so, then contact an auto locksmith for assistance.
They should be able to help you get your key out in no time!
Using WD-40 or any other lubricant: Applying lubricant to your keys is not recommended as it may cause them to slip out of place during insertion.
Instead, try using a plastic pry tool to open up space between your car’s plastic cover and its frame.
You can find these at most hardware stores or online; they come in different shapes and sizes depending on what model of vehicle you own.
Using a T-shaped auto-lock opener: If you have access to one of these, then use it to pull up on your ignition’s plastic cover and insert your key into place.
Then, pull down on your key to unlock your car. This will only work if you have an older model car that uses T-shaped auto-lock openers.
