Steering Without Engine Running

[M4rk]

Are we supposed to be able to turn the steering with the engine off?

The user manual is not being exactly clear about this:

OFF, shuts off the engine and all
accessories without locking the
steering wheel. This position also
allows the automatic transmission
shift lever to be moved from the P
(Park) position without the brake pedal being depressed.

Also:

STEERING COLUMN LOCK (IF EQUIPPED)
The steering column will automatically lock when the key is removed
from the ignition. When the vehicle key is inserted into the ignition, the
steering column will automatically unlock.

As soon the engine is not running, I can only turn my wheel about .25" each way. Feels very forced.

What am I missing here?

 

[HDDave]

I'm not sure what you're asking? Are you asking if you should be able to turn the wheel with the key still in the accessory position, but the engine is off? You can but of course it will be difficult with no power for the power steering. Once the key is removed the wheel should be locked and shouldn't be able to turn...

 

[Andrizzle]

^ agreeed.

If you leave the key in ACC mode you can move it.

But...but why?

 

[M4rk]

Key out or ACC, doesn't seem to make a difference here. Can't turn with either.

 

[joegr]

... Once the key is removed the wheel should be locked and shouldn't be able to turn...

Sorry, wrong. The LS sold in the US (and Canada I assume) does not have a steering lock.

 

[joegr]

Key out or ACC, doesn't seem to make a difference here. Can't turn with either.

You could turn it, but you might damage the steering shaft. The only reason it is hard to turn is that there is no power steering assist. The wheel does not lock, unlike most cars.

 

[HDDave]

Sorry, wrong. The LS sold in the US (and Canada I assume) does not have a steering lock.

Really? Well, if you say it Joe then I believe it! (of course you know I'm still going to have to try it when i get out of work)

I thought that was some kind of safety feature all cars were required to have

 

[M4rk]

Thanks for the clarification guys.

The reason I was asking is because I will be servicing my brakes sometime this month, and I would hate to start the engine everytime I need to turn the wheels for better access.

 

[Flew]

Sorry, wrong. The LS sold in the US (and Canada I assume) does not have a steering lock.

You are 100 % correct at least on the Gen 2.

I investigated it prior to purchasing mine a year ago.

I was concerned that the car had been in an accident or a theft
recovery.

The dealer wasn't sure either and appeared to be as surprised as
me.

Ford Engineering confirmed that there is no steering lock.
(Couldn't get any further rational)

 

[HDDave]

You are 100 % correct at least on the Gen 2.

...and on the 1st Gen. I had to go check

 

[Andrizzle]

I wonder what the reason for it not to lock is?

 

[LS4me]

I wonder what the reason for it not to lock is?

Probably because we have a coded key and the location of the ignition switch. Besides, does it really matter if the wheel locks or not?

 

[cammerfe]

In the usual modern key-on-the-column arrangement, the key actually goes into the lock, with the ignition switch mounted back under the dash and actuated by a rod-link connecting the two. On the LS the key goes into the ignition switch, and for several reasons trying to link back to where a lock would have to be is impractical, so there simply isn't one.

KS

 

[HDDave]

In the usual modern key-on-the-column arrangement, the key actually goes into the lock, with the ignition switch mounted back under the dash and actuated by a rod-link connecting the two. On the LS the key goes into the ignition switch, and for several reasons trying to link back to where a lock would have to be is impractical, so there simply isn't one.

KS

^ That makes sense once you think about the location...

 

[chris2523]

GM has taken alot of crap for not putting steering column locks on escalades and such.
you can pull down hard on the gear shift, break it, and push it into an alley to strip it down and sell the parts.

i think cars should have them..

http://content.usatoday.com/communi...makes-cadillac-escalade-most-stolen-vehicle/1

 

[05 LS8]

Sorry, wrong. The LS sold in the US (and Canada I assume) does not have a steering lock.

Yep +1. No steering locks in the LSs.

 

[joegr]

In the usual modern key-on-the-column arrangement, the key actually goes into the lock, with the ignition switch mounted back under the dash and actuated by a rod-link connecting the two. On the LS the key goes into the ignition switch, and for several reasons trying to link back to where a lock would have to be is impractical, so there simply isn't one.

KS

The way that many cars do it now (particularly those with push button start) is with an electric servo motor and some security electronics inside the column. This is the way the steering lock worked on some the international LS models.
I had a rental car with push-button start and I could hear a little motor inside the steering column move when I started or stopped it.