Steering wheel lock (push button start) 'immobilizing the engine?

[rigtec]

G'day tech team,

Some time ago (back in June) I went to my truck, got in and attempted to start it but it wouldn't start ("right out of the blue"). I tried again and it refused. I tried maybe ten or fifteen times; getting in and out of it, locking it and unlocking it, to sorta... 'start from scratch' each time, and the last time I tried ... it started! I even started a thread to see if anyone here had a clue as to what was wrong but the mystery remained just that, a Great mystery; even Toyota couldn't figure it out!

Well today it happened again and I believe I know what's caused this "vague, nebulous, intermittent enigma"! Not sure if any of you have experienced this trouble that I've described but today it hit me like a "Ton-O-Bricks"! Maybe someone here can convert my theory into simple fact or explanation, "Or totally disprove this theory" which is fine too (I'm not married to it) but if you're going to dis-prove my theory, please just make damn sense! Here's what I did each time it happened and I didn't make the connection then.

Every time it happened, the night before, I had twisted the steering wheel 'hard' to the extreme right (to the stops) in order to straighten the truck out in between the parking space lines; after which I held the steering wheel firmly (against the opposing resistance of the wheels until I killed the engine and the steering wheel locked)... the opposing force was tremendous once the power steering was cut as the engine shutdown. And I remember being relieved once I heard the steering lock mechanism engage so I could let go!

But today when it happened (no start) and then it finally started, I heard that lock mechanism release with a mighty ..."KA-BANG"! My theory is that when I'm trying to start it like that (with so much force on the lock mechanism), that some facet of the security system "believes" that there has been an intrusion, and the steering wheel is being 'forced to turn' while under security system domain. The "Engine immobilizer" is activated, preventing the truck from starting under these circumstances; even holding the key fob on the start button will not authorize an upstart!

Now I'm not sure what part of the security system (if any) monitors 'Steering wheel tampering' but I'm certain it has to do with that because it has only happened when I've done as I've described... and the truck shook violently when it did start and the lock release disengaged. And if you don't think that the 'SW lock' has anything to do with it, take the "rigtec challenge"... get in your truck and tweak the steering wheel hard against wheel resistance to the stops w/engine running, shut it down, listen for it to lock and see what happens... I'll bet it won't start if you've done it right. Try it a few times "If you dare" :spy:

Does anyone know if there is any aspect of this security system that monitors the "Locking steering wheel" mechanism when the vehicle is off(?); don't like basing my theory on a hunch but when that's all you've got... Thanks guys/gals, rgds!

rig, cheers

 

[3wbdriver]

I don't have one of those high falootin' push button starts, but when my steering wheel is bound up against the key lock I have to use a slight turn in the steering to get the key to turn. It may be possible yours is the same way despite the fact you don't have to use the key? Mine doesn't even have to be at full lock. It just needs to have had some wheel return to bind up the lock plate in the column. Like I may have had a little left turn applied as I turned of the key and when I slacked off the steering it pushed against the lock plate.

 

[Ezlife45]

I agree with 3BW...

I've had vehicles where you can't turn the key until you "help" the release by pulling on the steering wheel. I would not say it's the engine immobilizer rather the same gizmos that can't release because they are in a bind.

Try it again and turn the wheel to see if it starts right up. I don't think the steering wheel lock was intended to release under a bind.

 

[Saker]

I agree with 3BW...

I've had vehicles where you can't turn the key until you "help" the release by pulling on the steering wheel. I would not say it's the engine immobilizer rather the same gizmos that can't release because they are in a bind.

Try it again and turn the wheel to see if it starts right up. I don't think the steering wheel lock was intended to release under a bind.

I am also in agreement with these other 2 Louisianians (coincidence :scared, as I have had the same thing happen with my T4R.

 

[rigtec]

Hi Gents,

And thanks for chiming in. Yes I'm inclined to agree with all statements posted by 3w, [MENTION=115066]Ezlife45[/MENTION] and [MENTION=103267]Saker[/MENTION] but with one critical distinction regarding this scenario.

"I don't have one of those high falootin' push button starts, but when my steering wheel is bound up against the key lock I have to use a slight turn in the steering to get the key to turn..."

Hi 3w,

The problem that you describe is directly related to the "Lock cylinder, locking mechanism (Latch shaft), and all mechanical linkages in between"; that is ALL mechanical. If there's any pressure on those parts due to steering angle and/or wheel position, the lock cylinder will be difficult to turn as a result of friction imposed upon these parts. I do believe that, that is 'a part' of what's happening to mine when I parked that way, but I made a distinction because my "Engine immobilizer" becomes activated at this point in an effort (I truly believe) to prevent lock tampering/auto theft... my 1980 Olds (Regency) 98 would do the same as you've described when I shut it off w/ the front tire positioned against the curb. So yes I do agree with your exemplary comparison! Thanks all, rgds!

rig, Best

 

[Youngerarlaw]

Mine is in the shop as I can't get it unlocked

My 2013 Limited was towed from my house today. I recently have been having the problem of not starting. I do not know if the locked steering wheel is the symptom or the problem. Steering wheel was locked and I could not get it to free. FOB batteries are good and tried them both. Lights up, just locked and won't do shit. Any ideas would be helpful.