So parked the car last night and had the steering wheel at full lock to the right. Removed key, locked car as normal. Got in this morning and I can't get the steering lock disengaged! I tried turning the key and pulling wheel to the left at the same time and nothing. Gave it a good strong pull too. I then unlocked the adjustment lever to see if adjusting position of wheel might help unlock. It's now stuck fully out and I can't close the lever back. Don't think issue with key as I can turn it just a fraction and the radio comes on so it's obviously recognising the key is legit and working I would have thought.

 

Waiting for dealer to open to see what they can do, but thought I'd ask here if anyone had any ideas. 

 

Slightly stressed due to the fact that wife is 40wks+4day pregnant, waters better not break today!!!

 

Help!

Have you tried releasing the park brake and rocking the car back and forth while turning the wheel and turning key? Maybe have the wife in the seat and you can rock it (she's probably not in a mood to push a car).

I've had a similar case with a different car. If the wheel is turned hard and the car rolls slightly (as they often do if you don't set the park brake before releasing the foot brake) it can press the wheel into the lock as the steering tries to center itself. That means the weight of the car is holding the lock in place so you may need to take the weight off by moving the car slightly.

Edited 27 April, 201610 yr by hobbie2k

Yea, I released hand brake and bounced up and down to see if movement might help. No joy. 

_{Put the key in and gently try to unlock it while, again gently, moving the wheel left and right.}

 

_{Too much force won't help}

Yeah, first thing I tried, as that's normally how I expect the steering lock to be disengaged. Nothing. 

Yea, I released hand brake and bounced up and down to see if movement might help. No joy.

You may need to move the car forwards or backwards a few cm, not just bounce it. Might not work, but if you have the time...

Edited 27 April, 201610 yr by hobbie2k

1st apply some tension on the steering wheel in the direction the wheels are turned, then proceed with the key (gently).

Tried all of the above, no joy. Called Skoda Assist and the AA are on the way out now. 

I'd say you need to apply initial pressure in the direction the wheel is turned rather than the opposite lock straight away. You say right hand lock, so initial movement should be right hand down a touch as you turn key.

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Edited 27 April, 201610 yr by Skodev

Yeah that was the solution. Took two hands and a knee to do it though. I was probably being too gentle with it, despite giving it a good turn. All sorted now. It will probably be logged as PEBSAC issue

We've all been there - good luck to SWMBO.

Glad you solved it! You could have done though even few minutes earlier - see post #7

I did. Just not with enough force! Lesson learned: be more manly!

Its best to try and leave the steering wheel straight when you park, if you can. Tends to be easier to disengage the lock then.

Its best to try and leave the steering wheel straight when you park, if you can. Tends to be easier to disengage the lock then.

that's the way I always do it, but there are situations where it may be better to turn it all the way at stop; e.g. when parking a car on a steep slope may be advised to use the "attack the curb" wheel position (a habit I should learn maybe) to secure the car even better. There was a post recently on the parking brake taking a break.

Yeah, definitely use the curb on a steep hill. Just be sure to apply the park brake before releasing the foot brake so it won't roll and lock the steering.