no steering wheel lock

[jwyshrek]

Sorry if this has been asked before...I tried a search but could find anything...

Remember on older (well, not too old) cars/trucks...when you removed the key and turn the wheel a little to the left or right and it would lock?

The 4th gen 4Runners (and other modern vehicles...like my former '99 Alero) don't do this?
I realize the ignition key cylinder is no longer on the column...but...I thought this was a feature to help preven theft...seem like a good idea???


thanks,
J

 

[07runner]

Several years ago on the show 20/20 they did a segment on car theft. A convicted car thief who works like every body else now, agreed to show on camera how he breaks into cars and starts them. The steering wheel lock was a joke to him, he broke it so fast if you were not paying attention you would have missed it. The club some people used, he cut the steering wheel with bolt cutters and threw the club out the window. He said the steering wheel locks were less trouble then the club.

That could be the reason you don't see them any more. The car thief did say some of the new fancy cars had some special computer chip that would prevent him from starting the car and he could not get it started. That is still in use today.
After the show on that segment was over, the car thief went back to his old ways and got arrested for stealing a car.

 

[tkr128]

Mine still locks.

 

[jwyshrek]

really?

how did you get it to lock?

J

 

[dingo]

Mine still locks.

Mine locks too. You have to turn the wheel like a quarter ways turn for the column lock to engage. In addition to that and the engine immobilizer system, I also use one of those AutoLocks that go between the floor and the brake pedal arm. Perhaps overkill but I had it left over from my older car and didn't want to just throw it away. I've been thinking of getting LoJack too but I don't know if I really need that.

 

[jwyshrek]

Interesting...I'll have to give it another try then...

thanks,
J

 

[jwyshrek]

Strange...I tried during my lunch break...could not get the wheel to lock (with ignition key out). It is difficult to turn, but it still turns...tried more than a 1/4 turn each way.

Could my 4runner be missing something?

J

 

[dingo]

Strange...I tried during my lunch break...could not get the wheel to lock (with ignition key out). It is difficult to turn, but it still turns...tried more than a 1/4 turn each way.

Could my 4runner be missing something?

J

Give it some heft and try a half turn. I usually park with the steering wheel and wheels straight and neutral when on level ground. Then with the key out and parking brake engaged, I give the wheel a left turn until the Toyota logo is rotated almost 90 degrees sideways. That is the magic locking point for me. I'm sure yours will lock, just turn a bit further and don't baby the wheel. Just make sure you're far enough from the curb to so you won't scrub.

 

[tkr128]

Yup, you really have to turn it to get it to lock. If you put the wheel off center, it'll usually lock easier that way.

I usually don't bother with it, but sometimes I push the wheel accidentally and it locks up.

 

[jwyshrek]

well, I'll be a monkey's uncle...it does lock.

You have to turn it to the right 90 degrees.

I find it easier to turn the wheel 90 degrees to the right (from straight) while the engine is running (using power steering)...remove the key and give it a little nudge.

thanks guys,
J