How to unlock a locked steering wheel of a car

The steering wheel of a car does lock in position as part of the design to make the vehicle safe. The steering wheel won't get lock unless the ignition switch is turned off. When the key is taken out of the ignition switch, the steering wheel will lock to prevent vehicle movement. It will unlock once the key in the ignition switch is turned.

Sometimes, though, the steering wheel may get locked even though the key is in the ignition and has been turned. The steering wheel isn't designed to let this happen but there are already numerous cases in which the wheel gets locked and won’t turn in even though the key is in the ignition.

Outlined below are a number of methods you can apply if ever the steering wheel of your cars gets locked.

Method 1: Turn the key and the steering wheel at the same time

Most of the time, this method will unlock the steering wheel. Insert the key in the ignition then turn it and the steering essentially at the same. You can turn the steering wheel left and right. When successful, you will hear a click and the steering wheel will be unlocked. This will allow you to turn the key all the way in.

Method 2: Use another key

Your car key may wear out, and its ridges and patterns won't match with that on the ignition switch. This would cause the key -- or the chip in the key of newer models – to stop working, thus causing the steering wheel not to unlock when inserted. Using another key – a spare one – could save you the hassle. Having an extra key would always be a wise thing to do.

Method 3: Spray WD40 into the ignition lock cylinder

A locked steering wheel could be caused by lock tumblers that have been frozen solid. To resolve this, first spray WD 40 into the lock cylinder. The insert the key and rock it back in forth gently to loosen the frozen tumblers. If this method works, you may still need to replace the ignition lock cylinder.

Method 4: Replace the ignition lock assembly

If the steering wheel still won't unlock even after doing methods 1 to 3, then the ignition lock assembly might need to be replaced.

To do this, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Remove the steering wheel column panels. Loosen screws that hold the lower steering wheel column in place. Press the tabs on the cover to release the lower column from the top and remove it. Then remove the top half of the column cover.

Step 2: Press the release tab while turning your key. There is a release tab on the side of the cylinder. Press it and turn the key until the ignition cylinder can move backwards.

Step 3: Install the new ignition lock cylinder. Remove the key from the old lock cylinder, then install it into the new lock cylinder. Now, install the new cylinder into the steering column. Once installed, make sure that key fully turns and the steering wheel can unlock before reinstalling the column panels.

Step 4: Reinstall the column panels. Start with upper half and then the second half. Ensure that all screws are tightened.

Automobili Amos Delta Futurista is a reborn Lancia Delta Integrale with heavy modifications

Finally, someone thought and succeeded in reviving back to life one of the legends of rallying -- the Lancia Delta Integrale. This comes months after another rallying icon – the Lancia Stratos -- was resurrected by Manifattura Automobili Torino from the skeletons of a Ferrari 430 Scuderia. Now, Automobili Amos is introducing the heavily reworked Lancia Delta Futurista.

The Lancia Delta Futurista is derived from a 1989 Lancia Delta Integrale. Eugenio Amos and his company Automobili Amos embarked on a project to create a car that is “pure, analogic, raw, and essential,” in contrast to today’s vehicles that heavily employ computer.

Amos’ pet project employs the chassis of the 1989 Lancia Delta Integrale as the base. From there, the company worked to make the Delta Futurista stay faithful Lancia heritage in terms of overall. While keeping in line with Lancia’s iconic looks, the Delta Futurista has nearly everything updated. Amos called Delta Futurista as his “romantic vision,” as he has been in deep adoration with the original model since he was just seven years old.

Interestingly, the Automobili Amos Lancia Delta Futurista can be considered as a true Italian project. It was designed by BorromeodeSilva in Milan and engineering by Podium Advanced Technologies in Turin. Its engine internal mechanics was done by Autotecnica Motori while its electrical systems were taken care of Magneti Marelli Motorsport. In addition, its brakes were sourced from Brembo and custom wheels were supplied by EvoCorse. Moreover, its upholstery was done by Aras in Turin.

Wrapped in green finish, the Automobili Delta Futurista features a front fascia, bonnet, engine cover and front bumper made from carbon fiber, and so are its rear spoiler, trunk, and rear bumper. By employing carbon fiber on these parts, Automobili Amos was able to make the Lancia Delta Futurista as light as possible, tipping the scales at only 1,250 kg (2,755 lbs).

Automobili Amos Delta Futurista is powered by a heavily overhauled engine of the original Delta Integrale. This engine now features custom water cooling system, air intake as well as exhaust. It differential and main shaft were rebuilt while its original transmission was reinforced. These modifications allowed the engine to deliver 330 bhp of max output, which is more powerful that what many current hot hatches can offer.

Insider, the Automobili Delta Futurista is fitted with Recaro front seats, bespoke door panels aluminum pedals, with original rear seats wrapped in new upholstery. The Delta Futurista also features a modified steering wheel with built-in controls and a carbon transmission tunnel.

Automobili Amos is planning to offer only 20 conversions, with each Automobili Delta Futurista costing around €300,000 (around $347,000). There has been a rumor that Rob Dickinson, founder of Singer Vehicle Design, has already ordered one from Automobili Amos.