The steering wheel lock mechanism is based on a mechanical pawl that only releases when the key is completely withdrawn from the lock. If the lock does not engage, the cause is usually a plastic or metal pawl inside the mechanism that is stuck due to dirt or wear.

Before disassembling, try spraying quality penetrating oil or lock lubricant into the lock housing. Push the key in and out several times. Sometimes accumulated dirt prevents the locking pin from rising up.

The lock housing can be removed from the body without disassembling the entire dashboard. This is necessary if you want to inspect the mechanism or replace a worn housing. Protective plastic removal: Remove the steering column lower shroud. It is usually held by three Phillips head screws at the bottom. Key position: Insert the ignition key and turn it to position I (radio position). In some models the correct position is between I and II. Locking pin push: Find the small round hole on the ignition lock housing (recess). Extraction: Push the small metal pin in the hole inward (for example with a thin screwdriver or hex key) and simultaneously pull the lock housing out of the body.

When the lock housing is in your hand, you can see inside the ignition lock body. Mechanism: A mechanical pawl controlled by the key activates the steering wheel lock. If this pawl is broken or its spring has lost tension, the steering wheel lock will not activate. Spare parts: If the body is broken, the spare part number for a standard steering wheel lock body is 30887393. The body is the same across the entire S/V40 series.

Transponder key: Remember that your key contains an immobilizer chip. If you replace the lock housing with one from another car and a different key, the car will not start unless the chip is transferred from the old key to the new one or a new key is programmed to the car. Electrical base: If the car has starting problems (but the steering lock works), the fault is often in the electrical base of the ignition lock, which is located at the opposite end of the housing. It can be replaced separately by removing two small screws.

Check the antenna ring around the ignition lock at the same time (immobilizer reader). If it is damaged during removal, the immobilizer warning light will illuminate on the dashboard and the car will not start.