A locked steering wheel on a Hyundai Kona can occur for various reasons, such as a dead battery, a malfunctioning ignition switch, or a problem with the steering column lock mechanism. To fix this problem, try to jump-start the car, check the battery connections, or replace the ignition switch. If the steering wheel is still locked, it’s recommended that you seek assistance from a Hyundai dealership or a professional mechanic.
Meanwhile, you could be dealing with a more complicated issue with your Hyundai that requires more than careful hands.
With a decade of experience in mechanics, I’ve helped enough Hyundai vehicle owners with mechanical issues to know that when a Kona wheel doesn’t unlock, it could be a sign of a serious problem.
If you are currently in such a situation, you’re in the right place. In this article, I will explain, in some detail, the different ways you can unlock the wheels of your Hyundai Kona.
But before then, it is fair that we quickly go over the causes of this mechanical condition so you can avoid them (or intentionally use them for security reasons) in the future.
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Reasons why your Hyundai Kona’s steering wheel gets locked
The Hyundai Kona steering wheel becomes difficult to turn when the anti-theft lock feature is engaged or when there is a faulty ignition lock cylinder. Factors like power steering failure or even frozen tumblers could be the reason too.
In many cases, this is the situation when the anti-theft lock is engaged.
For example, it could be that you have turned into a parking spot and your steering wheel is still in the turned position, which makes the car engage the anti-theft security feature by locking the starting wheel.
But we aren’t going to rule out the possibility of other reasons, right?
Now that you find it hard to turn your Hyundai wheel, here are some possible reasons why this is so:
Ignition failure
You’d be surprised by the number of calls I’ve had about locked wheels that have to do with ignition failure. This is your space if your steering wheel won’t move while parked.
This means you need to get a new ignition switch or cylinder to make the steering wheel rotate.
But first, consider the steering wheel unlocking hack I’ll show you later in this post before you jump the gun. If your steering wheel locks while driving, then it’s caused by something else, not the ignition.
Failure of the power steering system
Another common cause of a locked steering wheel on the Hyundai Kona is when the power steering system is failing.
In this case, it is not completely locked, only that the steering requires significant effort to turn.
You may then need to look into potential leaks, contaminated power steering fluid, or the steering pump.
In the end, you may need to take the car to the dealership or a mechanic for a precise diagnosis of the issue.
…But a mere wiggle will not solve it permanently.
Steering rack malfunction
Oddly enough, locked steering wheels on the Hyundai Kona can be due to a major malfunction of the steering rack, column, power steering system, or even suspension.
If you experience difficulty turning the steering wheel while driving, that’s the sign.
At that point, you want to apply the brakes when it’s safe and get off the highway.
While this is not often the case, it means you need to call for professional mechanical attention.
How to unlock Hyundai Kona steering wheels
Here’s the deal: The steering can bind up against the key mechanism, especially if you’ve got it turned to the extreme left or right.
This happens because there is a deadbolt in the steering column and a rack and pinion gear that causes the deadbolt to engage and disengage to lock the steering if there’s pressure on it (and turning the steering to the extreme left or right causes this pressure).
Now, here’s how to quickly fix the problem:
Step 1: Take the steering wheel and move it gently.
Step 2: At the same time, gently turn the key and wiggle it.
Step 3: While doing so, gently turn the steering wheel to see how it frees up.
All these are done within a few seconds, and you don’t have to force issues (the key can break when significant force is applied).
Does this mean I should change the steering wheel of my Hyundai Kona?
A locked steering wheel is not the only reason to change the contactor on your Hyundai Kona. However, as I mentioned earlier, a locked steering wheel could be caused by bad ignition or a failed power steering system, both of which justify a steering wheel change.
If you manage to diagnose the cause of the locked steering wheel and see it’s not the anti-theft engagement issue, you need to look into whether the ignition switch has been damaged or forced.
Such discoveries do justify replacing your car’s steering wheel.
Also, when the contactor fails or does not work, I recommend changing the steering wheel.
Your mechanic will also recommend that you change the steering wheel when your ignition switch shows signs of weakness (the sign is usually that the engine delays in turning).
Can I lock my Hyundai Kona steering wheel intentionally?
You can intentionally use a locked steering wheel on the Hyundai Kona for added security. This is especially useful when parking your car in a strange environment.
To lock the steering wheel on your Hyundai, you must first turn off the car and remove the keys from the ignition.
Afterward, you turn the steering wheel to the left or right until you hear a click.
When you return and are ready to drive, turn the steering wheel a little more in the direction you turned it and wiggle the key in the ignition.
The steering wheel unlocks, and then you start your car.
Parting thoughts
Many people don’t know what to do when they lock their steering wheels. This is normal because it is not an everyday driving obstacle we easily overcome.
Some Hyundai owners even go years without ever encountering locked steering wheels.
In many instances where owners encounter a locked steering wheel on their Hyundai Kona, the solution is often to start turning the steering a little more in that direction to relieve the pressure and then start the car.
However, this hack doesn’t apply to vehicles with factory push-button starts since there is no automated steering locking mechanism.
Remember that locked steering could signify a more serious mechanical issue. So it would be best to consult your dealer or mechanic soon enough.
Whatever tight situation you were in, I hope this short guide came through for you.
Let me know in the comments.
