No steering wheel lock anymore? 97 GC

[Spit]

I have a 97 GC with 183,000 miles on it. The anti-theft steering wheel lock (can't turn wheel unless key is turned) no longer seems to lock itself. Anybody else seen this..what's the fix? Van starts and runs fine maybe it's not worth worrying about. Comments?

Spit

[Bear]

You did turn the steering wheel upside down before removing the key, correct.

[Spit]

No, is that what's required? Seems like it just used to lock when I shut the van off and removed the key. The reason why I'm asking is I replaced the tie rod ends inner and outer and in the course of doing it, somewhere I read about getting the steering straight and locking it into place. Made me think I don't think mine locks anymore.

Seems like there was a time when that lock feature could make it difficult to turn the key...I'd have to rock the wheel a little to get it "free" so I could turn the key. Am I confused?

Spit

[Spit]

2years later and the van is at 214,500 miles. I was changing the oil last night and I found out that I do have steering wheel lock if the steering wheel is turned 180 degrees (half turn basicly upsidedown). Based on what Bear said 2 years ago I take it that this is normal?

I thought it used to lock with the steering wheel/front wheels in a straight on configuration...Maybe that was another vehicle that I am thinking of.

Is the normal lock position the wheel turned a half turn? I have had the steering column off to pull the dash and replace the evaporator...I was thinking that maybe I had gotten something out of adjustment.

Please advise

Thanks!


Spit

[Alphabravo]

Not sure if this is possible, but since you've taken the column out before, is it possible that you were 180 degrees off when you reinstalled it? Did you remove the steering wheel when you removed the column? If so, I imagine it is easy to reinstall it 180 off, but didn't realize it since the steering wheel was off? Just a guess.