Steering Wheel Locked and No Start

[tom3]

What's weird here is that the second key fob did start and fix the problem.

 

[3BigDogs]

Look I'm familiar with steering column locks, as you said been around for a long time. And when you start the vehicle or turn the key it unlocks. I posted this about the column lock binding up, not about the fact the steering locks when you turn off the vehicle. I have never had a column lock bind up where the steering wheel would not budge and the vehicle was inoperable. I posted what was in the manual to point out the fact that if you turn the wheels and turn the vehicle off the lock could bind up. When that column lock became free the pop was so loud I thought it broke the column and there was no turning the column back and forth to free the lock. Now there are many times when you may need to turn the wheels and shut the vehicle off, like doing brake work or in my case with the mudflaps. Ive also seen people in very hilly areas turn their wheels to the curb when parking. I just think it is pretty absurd that even the manual suggest's that you always straighten the wheels before shutting the vehicle off, I learned something about this and posting this maybe make some other people aware that this can happen,

I'm dealing with this issue Now! No One has been able to unbind the steering wheel! It's a 2000 Chevy Tahoe LS 5.3L. There's very little room to turn it. My keys-original and spare won't turn the ignition at all! I just bought a new Ignition lock with keys. I'm hoping this will fix the problem.

 

[Doubeleive]

I'm dealing with this issue Now! No One has been able to unbind the steering wheel! It's a 2000 Chevy Tahoe LS 5.3L. There's very little room to turn it. My keys-original and spare won't turn the ignition at all! I just bought a new Ignition lock with keys. I'm hoping this will fix the problem.

you will most likely need to just keep trying by pulling VERY h-a-r-d on the steering in the same driection the wheels are already turned while turning the key, you might even need 2 people. one to pull on the steering wheel and another to turn the key (at the same time).
keep trying until it come's loose.

it should be noted that your issue although similar is different because these newer garbarge vehicles have a electronic lock and yours (2000) is a physical interlocking pin

 

[Coolman1987us]

Look I'm familiar with steering column locks, as you said been around for a long time. And when you start the vehicle or turn the key it unlocks. I posted this about the column lock binding up, not about the fact the steering locks when you turn off the vehicle. I have never had a column lock bind up where the steering wheel would not budge and the vehicle was inoperable. I posted what was in the manual to point out the fact that if you turn the wheels and turn the vehicle off the lock could bind up. When that column lock became free the pop was so loud I thought it broke the column and there was no turning the column back and forth to free the lock. Now there are many times when you may need to turn the wheels and shut the vehicle off, like doing brake work or in my case with the mudflaps. Ive also seen people in very hilly areas turn their wheels to the curb when parking. I just think it is pretty absurd that even the manual suggest's that you always straighten the wheels before shutting the vehicle off, I learned something about this and posting this maybe make some other people aware that this can happen,

Im here because my father's 2022 did this yesterday. Just wanted to say you're not crazy or living under a rock. All these people saying "it's been like this for 20 years" have no clue what you're talking about. This is an insanely stupid oversight on GM. If it was my truck that column lock would be physically removed.

 

[zbad55]

Im here because my father's 2022 did this yesterday. Just wanted to say you're not crazy or living under a rock. All these people saying "it's been like this for 20 years" have no clue what you're talking about. This is an insanely stupid oversight on GM. If it was my truck that column lock would be physically removed.

Thanks for posting and sharing what happened to to your Dad, It was a struggle for me to get the damn thing to finally break loose. I hope he didn't have to much trouble,

 

[Coolman1987us]

Thanks for posting and sharing what happened to to your Dad, It was a struggle for me to get the damn thing to finally break loose. I hope he didn't have to much trouble.

Started the truck with the remote start, unlocked and got in the truck, foot on brake push ignition button and crank on wheel. With a loud pop it let go.

 

[Jkrsnich]

Hey all,

Had a big problem today on my brand new Yukon Denali, when installing my WeatherTech mud flaps. I needed to turn the wheel to full turn to get access to the screws in the wheel well. So after I get the passenger side installed I proceeded to start the vehicle and it is a no go. So I'm like WTF, keep trying to start and nothing, then a message pops up about turning the steering wheel. So I tired to do that and no way, steering wheel is locked up tighter than a drum with no movement at all. Did a quick google search and found some info about this safety feature but still a no go. But did find something about trying a different key, so I grabbed the 2nd key fob. Tried to start again but at first it didn't work, then tried again and then a very loud snap and the steering unlocked and I was able to start the vehicle. Not sure what the hell this safety lock for the steering wheel is needed but to me it's a big problem. If I didn't have that 2nd key fob handy, I had no idea what to do or how to start the vehicle, just wondering if anyone else has run into this problem,

My brand new 2024 Yukon SLT is completely locked. I straightened the wheels and now it's in anti theft mode. Been at the dealership and they over nighted a new column. Still not fixed. less than 3000 miles. Not sure if it's a lemon or what the deal is, but the GM certified dealership has not been able to fix it yet.