Q: My steering wheel locked up and both the battery and oil lights came on.

asked by on November 09, 2017

I was making a turn at an intersection and the steering wheel locked up with me barely able to make the turn without hitting anyone. I immediately pulled to the side of the road and saw the oil and battery lights turn on. I turned the car off and back on and the lights weren’t on but I could feel the car shaking a bit so I pulled into a parking lot and the steering wheel was incredibly loose and once I got into a parking spot and put the car in park it jutted forward a bit. The oil and battery lights both came on again.

Car is not starting Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

It sound like the vehicle has stalled due to a major system failure such as the fuel pump, ignition coil(s) or perhaps something like a broken or skipped timing belt or chain. The vehicle can be diagnosed, and thence repaired, if you request a no start/hard start diagnostic. That service can be performed on a mobile basis right at your location. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

What does it mean if the message center shows a warning saying “Cross traffic system fault?”
The Cross Traffic Alert system on your car (if equipped) provides important safety when backing out of a parking space. This system is supposed to detect objects to the rear and sides of the vehicle (cross traffic coming down the...
Car makes sound like muffler is loose.
Hi there. Noises can be deceiving; they resonate and are difficult to pinpoint. In a case like this, your best bet is to take your vehicle to a professional, such as a technician from YourMechanic to have it inspected (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/75-point-safety-inspection)....
Misfire on fifth cylinder
There are a lot of possibilities for causes of a misfire. They have to be checked one at a time. It could be the spark plug, wire, or coil pack. Fuel injector or vacuum leak. It could be a mechanic...
Turn signal doesn't turn off after making turn
Hello. The problem is the cancellation spring located in the turn signal arm. This spring makes contact with the high spots in the column when the steering wheel turns. These high spots hit the spring and cause it to return...
I hear a rumbling sound when I make a sharp turn
This could be due to a breakdown in your differential oil (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-bad-or-failing-differential-gear-oil). Changing the differential oil will normally correct this issue. Use only differential oil suggested by the manufacturer. You may want to enlist the help of a mechanic, such...
some times my 94 silverado accelerate and turn on service engine soon ligth, and turn off key a fey seconds run normaly. thanks fo
Hello. There are countless potential reasons for your Check Engine Light being on. Older GM vehicles such as yours, seem to have a habit of extinguishing the Check Engine Light as soon as the condition that triggered it is no...
ABS sensor
The ABS wheel sensors are a commonly known part to fail. As you know, these are located at each wheel and help the ABS system detect abnormalities in driving conditions which causes the ABS system to engage. Occasionally, these sensors...
signs
The anti-lock brake system uses sensors in the wheels and other inputs to help control the wheels from sliding, locking up, and to help control the car under certain driving conditions. Issues with the system could include these sensors, any...
my 2003 camry does not have oil pressure
Be sure the pick up screen, and pick up tube, in the oil pan are not blocked. Then, measure pump pressure as close to the pump as possible; there should be a test plug at which you can attach a...

Related articles

How Long Should It Take a Heater to Warm Up in Cold Weather
When When you turn on your car’s heater, it should start blowing warm air. If the engine is already at operating temperature, this should happen immediately. However, if your engine is cold, it will take longer and if the weather...
Windshield Laws in California
If If you drive a vehicle on the roads and highways in California, you have to make sure you follow the laws are requirements to ensure you do so legally. One area in which there are strict requirements is the...
How to Clean a Throttle Body
A throttle body needs cleaning when the engine idle is rough, the engine stumbles through acceleration, or the Check Engine Light comes on.