Random steering wheel locking

[bigskinney]

2021 Yukon Denali 6.2 premium pkg. steering randomly refuses to unlock. Motor will start, transmission works, no binding in steering linkage . no error code ( I have code reader) disconnecting battery doesn’t help. The first time it happened I kept starting and stopping engine and opening door so that solenoid would engage and disengage. It finally , reluctantly, partially disengaged ( I could still feel the tip of solenoid rubbing against locking plate. After a few more starting and stopping that rubbing went away and everything seemed normal. Two days later it did it again. I removed steering wheel trying to find locking plate (like on older models) but discovered that it had been re-engineered. Since it had locked up in mall parking lot I reassembled it so I could get it on a rollback but lo an behold it had unlocked itself. I cannot discern which fuses control that module or even if it would run if I could find the correct ones. Is there any way to disable it . I enjoy some of the new electronics but really miss the days when I could fix Anything that broke.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Pics of the truck, please.

I am with you on the electronics added make it more complicated to personally troubleshoot, but unfortunately, I cannot personally assist you with your issue. But other members of this Forum much more knowledgeable than me in this area will chime in.

 

[bigskinney]

Thanks Joseph , no pics , it’s my daughters car in Hendersonville tenn. I’m back home in bowling green ky

 

[KMeloney]

2021 Yukon Denali 6.2 premium pkg. steering randomly refuses to unlock. Motor will start, transmission works, no binding in steering linkage . no error code ( I have code reader) disconnecting battery doesn’t help. The first time it happened I kept starting and stopping engine and opening door so that solenoid would engage and disengage. It finally , reluctantly, partially disengaged ( I could still feel the tip of solenoid rubbing against locking plate. After a few more starting and stopping that rubbing went away and everything seemed normal. Two days later it did it again. I removed steering wheel trying to find locking plate (like on older models) but discovered that it had been re-engineered. Since it had locked up in mall parking lot I reassembled it so I could get it on a rollback but lo an behold it had unlocked itself. I cannot discern which fuses control that module or even if it would run if I could find the correct ones. Is there any way to disable it . I enjoy some of the new electronics but really miss the days when I could fix Anything that broke.

Is the truck being parked with the wheels fully turned one direction? I can't help with how to remedy the situation (other than you needing to really crank on the wheel to free up the lock), but will say that you should avoid ever shutting the engine off while the wheels are fully turned.

If this condition occurs when the wheels are straight, then I have no idea what the issue could be. Might require a trip to the dealer.

 

[WalleyeMikeIII]

Is the truck being parked with the wheels fully turned one direction? I can't help with how to remedy the situation (other than you needing to really crank on the wheel to free up the lock), but will say that you should avoid ever shutting the engine off while the wheels are fully turned.

If this condition occurs when the wheels are straight, then I have no idea what the issue could be. Might require a trip to the dealer.

OP Said there was "no binding in the steering column" and was astute enough to remove the steering wheel, guessing he is "experienced" enough to know to jiggle the wheel if it is bound up...

There must be a way to run the truck without it, my vehicle is a 2022 and it came from the factory with "Steering Column Lock Delete" and a $50 credit for the trouble. Perhaps unplug the solenoid when the thing is unlocked...and move on? Not sure if this will throw a code or not...

Or, replace this? Looksl ike it needs programming to function though...part is cheap enough.

https://www.gmpartsdirect.com/oem-parts/gm-column-lock-module-13534627?c=Zz1zdGVlcmluZyZzPXN0ZWVyaW5nLWNvbHVtbi1hc3NlbWJseSZsPTMmbj1Bc3NlbWJsaWVzIFBhZ2UmYT1jaGV2cm9sZXQmbz10YWhvZSZ5PTIwMjEmdD1sdCZlPTUtM2wtdjgtZ2Fz

 

[KMeloney]

OP Said there was "no binding in the steering column" and was astute enough to remove the steering wheel, guessing he is "experienced" enough to know to jiggle the wheel if it is bound up...

Probably. Obviously I'm not, though. lol In the meantime, there may be others who happen upon this thread who aren't (and don't know the conditions that tend to cause the lock-out).

I'm interested in knowing what conditions "caused" this problem, and of course am interested in hearing the ultimate remedy for him.