I could use some help on this one before I tear into it.

When I get ready to insert the key the steering wheel is locked (normal)

I insert and the wheel is still locked (think this is normal)

Try to turn the key to the first detent and it can be a real b...h at times to the point that I'm afraid the car has just found a permanent home. ( not nromal at all)

After a lot of struggle and wiggling the steering wheel the key jumps to first position just short of turning on the instrument lights and warnings. In that position the steering wheel lock is retracted. (think normal)

Turning the key further to all other positions very smoooth action. (normal)

Turning the key back to all the way to the off position the steering wheel locks remains disengaged (think normal)

With the wheel lock disengaged the key works very smoooth back and forth with no problem. (very normal)

My conclusion is that the wheel lock is binding up or failing to disengage when it is supposed to. I don't know if it is electrically disengaged or mechanically disengaged. Lubricating the lock mechanism with lock graphite had no effect. Has anyone else had this problem> And has anyone been into that lock mechanism and can give a little advice as to what to expect?

Thanks guys for listening and hopefully you will have some good tips.

EZDriver

 

I have the same issue although nowhere near the same severity. In my case the problem is infrequent and it nevers requires more than a tiny jiggle to free things up.

AFAIK the steering lock is entirely mechnical....no electronics.

Ages ago....a bit foggy now.... I did some exploring and could just barely see the locking mechanism. I was able to squirt some lube into the general area but it didn't help....probably because none of it ever successfully (or sufficiently) hit the target.

Near as I can tell the locking mechanism is 100% contained within the main column housing. I'm not sure if any of it can be opened up for repair.

Let's hope others will chime in who can offer something useful :-)

Cheers
DD