Unable To Turn The Ignition Key From The Lock Position - keywords auto bind can grab inop inoperative int intermittent manual park seized shift stick sticking stuck trans transmission turn

This PI was superseded to update model years. Please discard PIC4394.

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Customer's states that they can insert the key into the ignition, but cannot turn it from the lock position in order to start the engine. The issue is intermittent and the key can still be removed from the ignition. (Different from PIC3932A)

The steering wheel lock mechanism is designed to lock the steering wheel in place when the key is removed from the ignition. If the steering wheel lock is engaged it may create increased resistance when attempting to turn the key in the ignition. The resistance can be removed by relieving pressure from the steering wheel assembly, which can be done by moving the steering wheel slightly left or right until the key moves freely.

If the issue cannot be duplicated except with the steering wheel lock engaged then the vehicle CANNOT be corrected by replacing parts. Instead the steering wheel lock operation should be reviewed with the customer so that the customer understands how to relieve the pressure in the steering wheel assembly.

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.