Okay. Fixing a coworkers 1995 4Runner Sequoia. Went to drive it off the lift and the steering wheel was locked. Car runs, starts and you can turn it off and remove the key no problem. In fact when I turn the key either on or off it seems to reset the wheel and it takes turning it to lock it again. But never fail, start the car and wheel is locked. Turn car off and turn wheel it will lock. Key comes out no problem Any thoughts on this. I'm a bit lost.
Steering locked when car IS running
- Thread starter Rpeace
- Start date
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BlackWorksInc
New member
Did you do anything to the steering? I've seen this happen every once in a while when someone has replaced a steering rack/shaft and has misaligned the steering wheel on the shaft.
Another possibility is a failing/failed steering lock solenoid not able to keep "out?"
Another possibility is a failing/failed steering lock solenoid not able to keep "out?"
Discovered the problem today. Pulled out the key cylinder and noticed the plugger that controls the steering wheel lock was installed correctly. Was in the process of cutting out the car alarm when this symptom showed up. Was glad to have all of you confirm it had to be mechanical and not electrical.
I teach auto and the kids that work on this car had taken out the cylinder to show each other how easy it is to pull the cylinder and start the vehicle without a key. Needles to say they never reinstalled it correctly. Thanks again
I teach auto and the kids that work on this car had taken out the cylinder to show each other how easy it is to pull the cylinder and start the vehicle without a key. Needles to say they never reinstalled it correctly. Thanks again
BlackWorksInc
New member
That's what I figured, it sounded like there was a solenoid issue going on. Didn't think it got installed backwards though; that's a new one.
