Hi, I just picked up a 2004 XJ8 last week and I've noticed that when removing the key and exiting the vehicle, the steering wheel does not lock. My other car is a 2003 X-Type and it locks every time. I did a search and didn't see anything similar so was wondering if anyone had any ideas?

 

Are you leaving the wheels in the straight-ahead position ? The lock has a pawl that has to engage in the column, and can only do this on one position. Do you get the little "electric solenoid" noise when you insert the ignition key ?

 

Wheel IS in the straight ahead position and there is no sound coming from the column when the key is inserted or removed. I know that sometimes on my X Type, I have to slightly "****" the wheel to get the lock to engage, but that doesn't engage it either on the XJ8.

 

The lack of "solenoid" sound would seem to indicate a fault in the ignition switch or a bad connection somewhere.

 

Thanks Fraser - will it affect anything long term? It's not really bothering me not having it locked, but I don't know if it will contribute to any other problems in the future.