Steering Locked Up....
 

My daughters Ford Focus is locked up, you cannot turn the key to start, and the steering wheel is locked up. Someone turn the steering wheel while the key was out, and locked everything up.
Can anyone tell me how to by-pass/fix my problem?
Thanks!
Bulldog...

did they apply force and then have the steering wheel lock lock in? if so pull on the wheel one way and try startin it if that dosent work try pulling the other way and turnin the key. my moms mini van did that and it was a PAIN

The steering wheel is locked up, actually it's upside down, and will move only a few inches each way. We tried turning the key, while moving the steering wheel as much as it will let us, with no luck.
Bulldog...

How far does the key turn? I heard about a problem with the key cylinder not working. You may have to get a new one.

But, if the key turns forward then you should be fine. It must just be something in the steering column.

-Matt :-tap

The key will not turn even the smallest amount. It's all locked up because someone turned the steering wheel while the key was not in.
I am going to see if brute strength will unlock the steering wheel...;)
Bulldog...

It's suppose to lock when you turn the wheel with no key - it's for towing and any car I've been in has that. Sometimes it locks in a way that is difficult to get it to unlock - but I've always been able to get it to unlock by holding the wheel either way and playing with the key. Just playing with it should unlock it unless something is broken.

If your key will not turn then chances are your key cylinder is shot. Read this: http://www.motorage.com/motorage/dat...13/article.pdf

There is an upgraded cylinder now that supposedly works better. Hope this helps.

-Matt :-tap

When my steering is locked - I can't turn the key either...I have to try to turn and put pressure on the wheel while trying to turn the key for it to unlock (on my truck).

The ignition lock cylinders on Focii die regularly.
Put the key in the ignition and tap the end of it lightly a few times with a hammer.
If that gets it turning again make sure you don't turn it back to the lock position until you're ready to replace the lock cylinder.
Your local dealer probably has lock cylinders in stock for these. The cylinder has to be put together. It's easiest to take the new cylinder and a spare key to a locksmith and have them do it.

Just stick to trucks....:) jk

From my experience: If the steering is cranked to either extreme left or right end-point and then locked, it will be hard to unlock the steering due to mechanical load or pressure on the steering, Or if there is pressure on the steering due to it being locked while turning hard against a curb or something like that, it can be difficult to unlock also. The steering wheel should normally lock when you turn the steering wheel with the key out of the ignition switch, just as you described. It can lock in any position. If it has been locked with the steering under mechanical pressure, you will need to put pretty hard counter-pressure by turning the steering wheel in the same direction the wheels are already turned while at the same time using the key to unlock it to get it to finally unlock. Like I said, just my experience. Good luck.

I've experienced the same thing - so thats probably how it is unless something is broken like what's been mentioned...

The steering wheel has been turned 180 deg. (upside down), and it locked in that position.
I tried turning the steering wheel as hard as I could (in same directions as the tires were pointing, to the left), while my wife tried to turn the key....no luck.
I do not think it's the key cylinder, the steering wheel is in a bind.
Monday I will call the Ford Dealership, and see what can be done....unless someone has a solution to this.
Thanks,
Bulldog...

Sounds like you have done all there is to do, as far as I know. I have had my Explorer steering lock up really hard when I was working on it and had to cut the wheels all the way left or right and took the keys out. I had to really struggle to get it to unlock, but I always managed to get it out. But something could be out of wack on your car that started all of this. Perhaps the dearler is the next best bet.

Good luck :)
JD

Sometimes I have to kinda play with the tension I put on the streering wheel and the key lock to get it to work...

Good luck, hope ya get it figured out soon!