Hello:

My steering wheel lock isn't working, it's not the first time this has happened to me, everything else seems to be just fine.

Has this happened to anyone else? What can I do to fix this problem?

Thanks

 

This is not intended as a flippant response. What makes you think it isn't working?

 

What happens is that when I take the key out of the ignition and I turn the steering wheel trying to look it nothing happens, I can make the steering wheel turn all the way around and it doesn't lock.

Thanks

 

This is a good test and you are correct, the steering lock isn't working.

I've never encountered this problem, so I looked in the factory service manual. The book provides almost no information about the locking mechanism. One diagram identifies a small part in the steering column assembly as "lock plate" but says no more about it.

In my town car theft is a rarity, so I would just ignore the problem. In your town it may be a real concern and you should get this fixed... or use an aftermarket security device such as The Club.

If you are not experienced with auto repairs take this one to the dealer.

If you are experienced with auto repairs and want to tackle this one, here is a suggested course of action.

1) Make a written record of the radio station presets.

2) Disconnect both battery terminals and wait three minutes. This is to avoid an accidental triggering of the air bag.

3) The steering column lock assembly is surrounded by three plastic cover pieces: an upper half-shell, a lower half-shell and a small panel which surrounds the keyhole. To remove all three pieces you have to remove 7-8 Phillips head screws, all accessible from below. Some come out easily, some are tricky because of limited access. A Phillips screwdriver shaft without any handle worked for me.

4) Beyond this point you are on your own. Look for something which appears broken. Dowse whatever you can reach with a spray cleaner/lubricant such as WD-40. Since you have removed only cosmetic covers, the mechanism still works normally so you can wiggle and jiggle and test as you go.

5) Reassemble the three plastic cover pieces and tighten the screws.

6) Reconnect the battery.

7) Use the notes made in step 1 to restore the radio presets. Set the clock to the correct time.

Good luck!

 

I'm going to try this out. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks

José

 

How did it go? Seemed to me that I also have the same problem......

Let me know,

Armand

 

If I'm not mistaken, the lock cylinder is what locks your steering wheel. It is a separate part from the ignition switch but I don't know if it can be obtained separately.

The steering wheel lock plate might holding the bolt for the steering lock stuck. You could do what DBM suggested by taking the covers off and jiggling stuff around .. other than that, sorry. No idea

 

Thanks for replying..... it seemed that I need to get into the Haynes manual and locate the starter parts.

I sometimes wish that DBM is still around here....