So I got my '79 last night and pretty happy with it. Anyways, I had a problem this morning.



My stupid self was reaching down under the dash to get something and I had my hand on the steering wheel. So I turned it accidentally and now the wheel is locked. I tried lightly moving back and forth and jiggly the key but it won't get out of "Lock." Then tried forcing the steering wheel in both directions. Still nothing.... Anything else I can do? This simple thing is pissing me off.

 

try turning (sorta rock it left to right) the steering wheel as you turn the key in the ignition.

 

Tried it, still not working.

 

you might try holding or tapping the brake...and with the key in the ignition to the on position...not actually started...you'll need to turn the wheel rather hard counterclockwise...mine locks sometimes and its a bear to get the thing undone...must be some way to disable the wheel lock...cuz i can't really see a use for it :P

 

Hmm...the key wouldn't even get out of Lock position. I tried tapping the brakes as you said but didn't work. Not sure how it would affect it anyways.



Wheel is still locked and I need to move this car in a few days.

 

the column won't unlock without the key...and i'm pretty sure you'll have to get it to the "on" position...after all...if you can't do that you can't start the car...so it won't matter if the wheel moves or not :P



might try putting something in the lock...could be froze up from non-use...or you could try flipping your key over...i have a few key copys that only work one way



but like i said...need to get the key working to get the wheel unlocked...I'm pretty sure it locks as an anti-theft measure...and as for the brakes...i'm not sure...unless its tied into the wheel lock...always seems to help getting mine unlocked when i hold it down

 

I just got it out!!



I found out that only one of my keys, on one side, will work and if I applied enough pressure on the steering wheel. So I was flipping both keys on both sides and trying it out until it finally did it on the right key and on the right side.

 

Mine gets locked all the time, I just jerk the hell outta the wheel and eventually she lets go. I chalk it up to her being 20years old. Doesn't happen that often anyway and I've never been stuck yet (*knocks on wood*)

 

has anyone read the manual?

see if there is an inside problem (eg bushes or worn plates)