So, my '88 Celica GT got broken into (twice) and they destroyed the ignition trying to steal it.

Now the police department is going to tow it tomorrow unless I move it. So this morning I hotwired it, but the steering wheel is locked, and I don't know how to unlock it since I can't turn the key in the ignition.

Anyone have any ideas on how to get it unlocked? I can break stuff if I have to...I really don't want the car to get towed and impounded.

you can turn the steering wheel with like a board as a pry bar and just break the internal locking device. Turn the crap out of it. it will click and stuff when you turn it after its been broken. and wont lock ever again. but you gotta do what you gotta do.

hrmm the dumbest way...but it will work...

get under the dash and unbolt the steering assembly from the dash support bar, and rotate the whole heavy ass assembly.

or drop it and try to remove the ignition lock assembly off the column


*but itchy's way sounds like less mechanical labor, i didn't know you could break that mechanism)

This post has been edited by playr158: Dec 7, 2007 - 2:50 PM

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My impression was that with the 6th gen one could just unbolt and unscrew the entire ignition barrel where it bolts onto the steering rack, then there is a pin that can be moved with a screwdriver or similar. It'll take some time to undo everything and I doubt you could do it quicker by force.

Might be worth looking for past threads on removing the stock immobiliser, changing over to an aftermarket alarm system, and remote start. I'm sure I've seen a description of how to disable the steering lock in one of those subjects, about 9 months ago or so. Someone used a piece of plastic or metal to hold the pin in the appropriate position permanently.

Of course, if the '88 Celica is significantly different, all the above will be inmaterial.

This post has been edited by BloodyStupidDavey: Dec 7, 2007 - 2:55 PM

well it worked on a honda crx that we had to hot wire, and my old 88 dodge truck. so, I'm just guessing.

How long of a bar did you use John? I may have to try that, as there's no way to disconnect the ignition from the steering column in a fourth gen. Celi...it's all one solid piece of metal.

I can only imagine what it would look like.... Downtown Seattle... some guy in a car with a large pry bar working the steering column...


Doubt anyone would say anything, actually

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nope, not real likely in Seattle lol. But he's got an excuse even if someone were to.

jw, where are you going to park the car if/when you get the steering wheel unlocked?

honestly my truck i did by hand and very violently lol. i probably looked like a crazy person. the Honda was also a violent kicking one. i suggested a board because i think it would require less physical work.

coomer can you take a picture of how damage the steering colum is?

I suggest a giant breaker bar with a flat head attachment to try to turn the key hole.

if that doesnt work, just break the wheel lose with brute force.

good luck. if in doubt ADD MORE POWER!

I tried everything to turn the key hole, and couldn't break the wheel loose by hand or with a pry bar, so I took a hammer and screwdrivers to the steering column, where the ignition cylinder is held in. I chipped away bits of metal piece by piece and eventually I was able to pry off the cylinder and the lock stuff. So I got the car moved. It's in Yakima with me right now.

I'll take a picture of the lock rod tomorrow...that thing is strong...no way I would've broken it by hand.

Thanks for the help everyone.

Dude whats up with you and your **** getting broken into? Id sleep in my car with my glock on my lap.

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then you and your glock would get stolen... haha jk

if you were local I would grab my truck and a u-haul car dolly and take if wherever you wanted.

why not just put some of those wheel skate things under the wheels and push it to safety

Other than that, drill out the ignition?