Steering wheel locked when engine off
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
To replace the electrical ignition switch, take the column cover off near the cluster, take the little white plastic PRND21 control tube off the column so you do not break it. Take the two large bolts off under the dash that hold the column to the dash, and then let the column/steering wheel rest on the seat. You can then see the ignition switch mounted on top of the column behind the dash area.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
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The mysterious part of this problem is that the OP says the steering is fine while the engine is running. The OP says when the engine stalls the wheel locks up. The OP didn't touch the key tumbler and the lock up occurs. Even if the ignition tumbler and the switch are not aligned and are a key notch off how would a stall precipitate the locking up of the wheel?
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Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,980
Likes: 2,735
From: Virginia
I would imagine his keyswitch is so messed up, that it is moving on it's own and killing the engine and also moving enough to lock the steering wheel. I have never seen one that bad, but I guess it's possible.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,890
Likes: 4,119
From: Angier, NC
Mine would not return to run after start and when turned to off also did something funky dont remember now 
I used CRC electrical cleaner & lube on the switch and all has bee fine, even in 20* F temps.
Dave ----
I used CRC electrical cleaner & lube on the switch and all has bee fine, even in 20* F temps.
Dave ----
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Trailering
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Idaho
I'll open the column up and get some of that electrical cleaner and lube, and see if that does the trick. Then try replacing switch and cylinder if necessary and go from there. It looks like one of those will do the trick...
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 346
Likes: 37
does the op have a big keychain, heavy. lots of keys hanging on same keychain the truck key is on. when i was younger n had a smaller truck, i had too much **** hanging from key chain and a couple times my knee would knock it n cut truck off. if op has a weak tumbler and too much weight on key ring, a bump may cause it to rotate?
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Trailering
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Idaho
does the op have a big keychain, heavy. lots of keys hanging on same keychain the truck key is on. when i was younger n had a smaller truck, i had too much **** hanging from key chain and a couple times my knee would knock it n cut truck off. if op has a weak tumbler and too much weight on key ring, a bump may cause it to rotate?
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Trailering
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Idaho
wd40 will loosen the old grease. Plus it's a easy way to get things working without taking the column apart, since the wd40 will flow into the column. Steering columns are complicated and a pain to work on, so it's best to avoid taking it apart if you can.
To replace the electrical ignition switch, take the column cover off near the cluster, take the little white plastic PRND21 control tube off the column so you do not break it. Take the two large bolts off under the dash that hold the column to the dash, and then let the column/steering wheel rest on the seat. You can then see the ignition switch mounted on top of the column behind the dash area.
To replace the electrical ignition switch, take the column cover off near the cluster, take the little white plastic PRND21 control tube off the column so you do not break it. Take the two large bolts off under the dash that hold the column to the dash, and then let the column/steering wheel rest on the seat. You can then see the ignition switch mounted on top of the column behind the dash area.
And just to add, the column does not tilt.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
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or maybe somebody monkeyed with the steering box adjustment or.....???
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Trailering
Joined: Oct 2023
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From: Idaho
I just tried to replicate the locking issue while idling the truck this morning and it didn't lock up after I killed the fuel... but it has done so while driving multiple times.
I was also curious if WD40 was more for clearing gunked up grease rather than plain lubrication. And if so, whats a good lubricator that wont cause problems in the cold? I thought graphite but that won't play nice with WD40.
I was also curious if WD40 was more for clearing gunked up grease rather than plain lubrication. And if so, whats a good lubricator that wont cause problems in the cold? I thought graphite but that won't play nice with WD40.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2013
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I was thinking it's part of the switch, but I could be less correct than usual.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,301
Likes: 1,241
I just tried to replicate the locking issue while idling the truck this morning and it didn't lock up after I killed the fuel... but it has done so while driving multiple times.
I was also curious if WD40 was more for clearing gunked up grease rather than plain lubrication. And if so, whats a good lubricator that wont cause problems in the cold? I thought graphite but that won't play nice with WD40.
I was also curious if WD40 was more for clearing gunked up grease rather than plain lubrication. And if so, whats a good lubricator that wont cause problems in the cold? I thought graphite but that won't play nice with WD40.
It's scary enough having to go to Armstrong mode with a stalled engine much less locking up. Get that figured out before your next drive.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,661
Likes: 1,159
From: Tolland, CT
You guys have made me think about going out and giving my switch a quick spray of WD-40, Thanks, It was a little stiff the last time I started it a week ago. It's warmed up to the low 40's F.
Just did that, after spraying, I stuck the key in, turned it to run and noticed the shift lever move downward a little. Never really watched that before. I didn't bother starting the engine. Just cycled the key a couple of times, shift lever each time. The truck was parked straight, the front wheels were not turned. If that's any help for what may be normal.
Just did that, after spraying, I stuck the key in, turned it to run and noticed the shift lever move downward a little. Never really watched that before. I didn't bother starting the engine. Just cycled the key a couple of times, shift lever each time. The truck was parked straight, the front wheels were not turned. If that's any help for what may be normal.
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