You get inside your Subaru, press the push-to-start button, and nothing happens. The steering wheel is locked, and the car won’t start. This can be scary and frustrating, especially when you’re in a hurry. But don’t worry. This is a common issue with Subaru push-to-start cars. The good news is, it’s very easy to fix it yourself. In this article, you will learn the simple steps to unlock your steering wheel and get your car running again without stress.
Turn the Steering Wheel While Pressing the Brake
When your Subaru’s steering wheel is locked, it often means the lock system is active. This usually happens when the steering wheel was turned after shutting off the car. The lock is a safety feature to keep your car from rolling or being stolen. If your steering wheel is locked and your car won’t start, don’t panic. The first and most effective thing you can try is to gently move the steering wheel left and right while also pressing the brake pedal and the start button.
Start by sitting in the driver seat. Make sure your foot is on the brake pedal. Keep it there firmly. Now, place one hand on the steering wheel. Try to move it to the left and right. You may feel it’s very tight or doesn’t want to move. That’s okay. Keep trying gently. At the same time, press the start button. Most of the time, the wheel will unlock and the engine will start once the system senses you’re doing both actions at the same time.
You need to be patient. Do not force the wheel too hard. You might damage the steering column if you apply too much pressure. Use slow, small movements side to side. Keep holding the brake pedal while doing this. The idea is to release the pressure from the steering lock pin. Once that pin releases, the system allows your car to start again.
This simple action works in most situations. You don’t need to call a mechanic or tow your car. It may take a few seconds or even a minute, but once it clicks, everything goes back to normal. This step is very important and should always be your first try when your Subaru has a locked steering wheel and won’t start.
- Sit in the driver seat
- Press the brake pedal
- Gently wiggle the steering wheel left and right
- Press the push-to-start button
- Do not force anything hard
- Keep trying until it unlocks
Check the Car Battery Power Level
Sometimes, the problem is not the steering wheel but your car’s battery. Subaru push-to-start systems need good battery power. If the battery is low or weak, the system may not be able to unlock the wheel or start the engine. That can feel like the steering wheel is locked when the real problem is power.
The first thing you should do is check if your car shows any lights when you press the start button. Look at the dashboard. If the lights are dim or not turning on, your battery may be low. You can also check if the headlights are working. Weak or no lights usually mean your battery doesn’t have enough power to run the electronics.
You can use a simple battery tester if you have one. If not, try jump-starting the car using jumper cables and another vehicle. Connect the cables properly and wait a few minutes before trying to start your Subaru again. After giving some power, press the brake, wiggle the wheel gently, and press the start button again.
Make sure your battery terminals are clean and tight. Sometimes, loose or dirty connections can also cause low power even if the battery is fine. Wipe the terminals and make sure they are connected properly. If your car starts after a jump, you may need a new battery or a charge.
If your battery is old (more than 3-4 years), it’s a good idea to replace it. Subaru cars with push-to-start systems are very sensitive to battery strength. Keep your battery healthy, and you will face fewer issues with steering lock and starting problems.
- Check dashboard and headlight lights
- Try jump-starting the car
- Clean battery terminals
- Replace battery if old or weak
- Make sure cables are tight
- Push brake and try again after charging
Look at the Steering Column Lock System
The steering column lock is the part that keeps your wheel from turning when the car is off. In Subaru vehicles, this is an electric system connected with the push-to-start. If something goes wrong with this system, your steering wheel may stay locked, and the car won’t start.
Sometimes, the lock system gets stuck because of dust, wear, or even temperature changes. You may hear a clicking sound when you press the start button. That means the system is trying to unlock but can’t. First, try tapping gently around the steering column. Use your hand to lightly tap near the area where the wheel connects to the dash. This might help release a stuck part.
Also, avoid turning the wheel too much when parking. If you turn the wheel hard before turning off the car, the system can lock in a tight position. This makes it harder to unlock later. Try to park with the wheels straight to reduce locking problems.
Another thing to check is if you hear the normal unlock sound when you open the door. If not, your car might not be sending the signal correctly. In this case, check the fuse related to the steering lock. Look in the owner’s manual for the correct fuse number and location. If the fuse is blown, replace it with the same type.
In rare cases, the lock system may be damaged. If nothing works, the steering lock motor might need repair. But try everything above first before going to a repair shop. Many times, the issue is simple and can be fixed at home.
- Tap gently around the steering column
- Avoid tight wheel turns when parking
- Listen for normal unlocking sounds
- Check fuse box for steering lock fuse
- Replace blown fuse if needed
- Repair motor only if nothing else works
Make Sure the Brake Pedal is Working Right
Your Subaru’s push-to-start system needs to detect that your foot is pressing the brake. If it doesn’t see that signal, it will not start the engine or unlock the steering wheel. Many people don’t know this and think something is broken when it’s really just the brake sensor.
First, press the brake pedal with your foot like you normally do. Does it feel soft, or does it go down too far? That could mean there is a problem with the brake system. The push-to-start button will not work unless the car knows the brake is being pressed.
There is a brake light switch under the brake pedal. This switch tells the car that you are pressing the brake. If the switch is broken or loose, the car may not know you’re pressing the brake. This can keep the wheel locked and stop the car from starting.
You can test this by checking if your brake lights come on when you press the pedal. Ask someone to look behind the car while you press the brake. If the lights don’t turn on, the brake switch might be bad. You can try adjusting the switch or replacing it. It is a small part and not very expensive.
Sometimes, the problem is with your foot. If you’re wearing heavy boots or pressing the wrong part of the pedal, the car may not detect it. Try pressing the brake again, slowly and firmly, using your heel for balance.
- Check how the brake pedal feels
- Look if brake lights turn on
- Replace or fix the brake light switch if needed
- Press the pedal slowly and firmly
- Avoid wearing bulky shoes when driving
- Make sure car senses the brake press
Test the Key Fob Signal
The push-to-start system in your Subaru needs to talk with your key fob to unlock and start. If the key fob is weak, damaged, or has a low battery, the car will not start and the steering wheel may stay locked. Always check the key fob when your car is acting strange.
Hold the key fob close to the start button and press it. If the car starts, it means your fob battery is weak. Replace the battery inside your key fob. It usually takes a small coin battery, like a CR2032. You can buy one from most stores, and it only takes a few minutes to change.
Sometimes the fob signal gets blocked. If your phone or other electronics are too close to the key fob, the signal may not reach the car. Keep your key fob away from strong magnets or metal objects. Try starting the car again while holding the fob close to the start button.
If you dropped your key fob recently, it could have broken inside. You may need to get a new one or get it repaired. A spare key fob can also be used to test. If the car works fine with the spare, then your main fob has a problem.
Your Subaru also has a hidden slot where you can place the key fob if the battery is dead. Look in your manual to find it. When you place the fob in the right spot, the car will read it and allow you to start.
- Hold fob close to start button
- Replace weak fob battery
- Avoid signal blocks from other electronics
- Use spare fob if needed
- Try hidden fob slot if battery is dead
- Replace broken fob if dropped
Try Resetting the Car’s Computer
When everything else doesn’t work, your Subaru’s system may be confused or stuck. The car’s computer (also called ECU) sometimes needs a small reset. This is very easy and safe to do at home.
To reset the system, open the car hood and disconnect the battery. Use a wrench to loosen the negative (black) terminal first. Then take it off. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes. This gives the system time to clear errors. After waiting, connect the battery again. Make sure it’s tight.
Now, go back inside your car. Press the brake, turn the wheel gently, and press the start button. In many cases, the system will work fine again. This reset clears small glitches that might cause steering lock or no-start problems.
Be careful when doing this. Make sure no metal touches the battery while it’s disconnected. Always remove the black terminal first and reconnect it last. If you are not sure, ask someone to help.
You can also remove the fuses related to the ignition or steering lock, wait for a few minutes, and place them back. This works like a reset too.
- Disconnect battery for 15 minutes
- Remove black (negative) terminal first
- Reconnect battery and tighten well
- Try to start the car again
- Remove and reinsert ignition fuses if needed
- Clears small computer errors causing the issue
Final Thoughts
When your Subaru’s steering wheel locks and the car won’t start, it feels stressful. But most of the time, the fix is easy and quick. Whether it’s moving the steering wheel, checking your battery, or replacing a key fob battery, the problem can often be solved without help. Try each of these steps with care and patience. You don’t always need a mechanic for this. Remember to keep your battery, key fob, and brake system in good shape. With these tips, you’ll feel more confident every time you press that start button.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it normal for a Subaru steering wheel to lock?
Yes, it is normal. Most Subaru vehicles with push-to-start come with a steering wheel lock feature. It happens when you turn off the engine and move the steering wheel slightly. This lock is a safety feature to keep the car from moving or being stolen. The wheel will unlock once you press the brake and turn the wheel slightly while pressing the start button. If this doesn’t work, you may need to check your battery or brake system. But overall, it is a very common thing and not a major issue.
Can a low battery cause the steering wheel to lock?
Yes, a low battery can cause your Subaru’s steering wheel to stay locked. The push-to-start system needs power to unlock the wheel. If the battery is weak, the system may not work. You might press the button, but nothing happens. The lights may be dim or off. This is a sign the battery might be dead. Try jump-starting the car or replace the battery if it is old. Once the battery has enough power, try again. Most of the time, the wheel will unlock and the engine will start like normal.
Do I need a new key fob if the car won’t start?
Not always. If your Subaru won’t start and the steering wheel is locked, it could be the key fob battery. Try holding the fob near the start button. If the car starts, it means the fob battery is weak. Replace the battery with a new one. If that doesn’t help, try your spare fob. If the spare works, then the first fob may be broken and needs replacing. Only get a new fob if both are not working. Sometimes a simple battery change is all you need to fix the issue.
Is it safe to disconnect the car battery to fix this problem?
Yes, it is safe to disconnect the battery to reset the car’s system. Make sure you turn off the engine before doing it. Always remove the negative (black) cable first. Wait about 10 to 15 minutes. Then connect the battery again. This will help clear any small errors in the system. Your steering lock or push-to-start problem might go away after this reset. Be careful not to touch both terminals with any tool or your hands. If you’re unsure, ask someone with car experience to help you.
Can I fix the steering wheel lock without tools?
Yes, you can often fix the problem without using any tools. Most of the time, all you need to do is press the brake and gently move the steering wheel side to side while pressing the push-to-start button. This will help unlock the steering wheel. If your battery, key fob, and brake switch are working, the car should start. You only need tools if you decide to reset the battery or check the fuses. Try the simple method first before using any tools.
Do I need to replace the brake light switch if the car won’t start?
Maybe. The brake light switch is very important for push-to-start systems. If the car doesn’t know you’re pressing the brake, it won’t start or unlock the wheel. Check if your brake lights turn on when you press the pedal. If not, the switch might be broken or loose. Replacing this switch is not hard and doesn’t cost much. If the brake lights work fine, then the switch is not the problem. Always check this before doing other big fixes.
Is it expensive to fix the steering column lock?
Usually, it is not expensive unless the lock system is broken. Most problems with the steering lock are simple and cheap to fix, like resetting the car, checking the battery, or replacing a fuse. If the lock motor or wiring is damaged, you might need a mechanic, and it can cost more. But first, try all the easy fixes. Many people think it’s a big problem, but it’s often just a small issue that can be fixed at home without spending money.
Can I prevent the steering wheel from locking again?
Yes, you can. Try to keep your wheels straight when parking and avoid turning the steering wheel hard before shutting off the engine. Make sure your battery is always charged and healthy. Replace your key fob battery on time. Keep your brake system working well. All of these things help the push-to-start and steering lock system work better. If you park carefully and maintain your car, the problem is less likely to happen again. Being careful with these small things helps a lot.