Steering Locked

Hippo

Some f***er broke into my car (1998 Mazda 626) last night. He wasn't able to take it but he's managed to jam the steering, and even with the key in the ignition it won't budge. Has anyone any suggestions? Please and thank you, in advance...:)

drunkmonkey

The steering lock is jammed, someone is going to post up another method but if you need it in a hurry jump into the passenger seat and kick the steering wheel very hard, this will smash the steering lock and you'll be able to drive again. I wouldn't recommend this but as I said if your stuck.;)

Hippo

Cheers! Ok, I'll hang on a little for another suggestion but it might well come to this....

samhail

did you try moving the steering wheel with the key turned with the clutch in ?

Hippo

samhail wrote: »

did you try moving the steering wheel with the key turned with the clutch in ?

Tried that, key not budging at all, wheel moves about an inch either way.

biko

Is the ignition damaged? As in did he try to start the car with a screwdriver?
How do you he damaged the st. wheel?

You probably should take it to an expert, if you get it working you don't want it to lock up again on the motorway.

drunkmonkey

Wiggle the steering wheel & key a lot while your waiting for suggestions..try putting the key in half way...

I reckon your going to have to bust the lock one way or another, my only fear would be busting the ignition at the same time, think you should be ok though.

Hippo

No real evidence of damage to the ignition, and the key fits perfectly.

Midnight_EG

Take off the cowling and take a peek at the connectors on the steering lock, could be worn.

colm_mcm

be extremely careful, you don't want the steering lock reengaging when you drive. replacement would be the safest option.

Midnight_EG

colm_mcm wrote: »

be extremely careful, you don't want the steering lock reengaging when you drive. replacement would be the safest option.

Wouldn't you have to replace the whole barrel just to get the steering lock though? And then add two keys which then need to be coded and that costs a pretty penny, no?

I had to replace my barrel a few weeks ago, uncoded thank god, set me back €160 with free fitting.

colm_mcm

depends on what's damaged. I presume the barrell needs replacing anyway, just make sure the steering lock doesn't have damage to it too.

usually if you can get a barrell cut to the original pattern, the immobiliser don't need coding.

Hippo

Thanks again to everyone who replied with suggestions. What worked in the end was rolling the car forward a metre or so, instant release of lock. Cheers again...