darn tricky steering wheel

I cleaned my SVX out but GOOD today, and I had to move my steering wheel.

Well, I went to start Het up, and nothing happened. I instantly though "battery", because I had my music on. So, I borrowed roomy's car, went to my local auto parts megastore & got jumper cables.

I got back, hooked the two cars up, and tried to start it. NOTHING. After a slew of profanity, I decided to try fiddling with the steering wheel. Just when I was about to hang my head in defeat & cry like a little girl, it started.

WHAT A PAIN!!! Is there a problem here I should worry about?

[SVXer95]

Nothing to do with steering wheel but...

The first day I got my car I had trouble starting it. TUrns out that even though the selector was in park, it did not sense it. Knocked it forward and it started right away. Happens from time to time.

Can't imagine why the steering would make it not start. If the column is locked you wouldn't be able to turn the key at all.

Oh, the key was turning. Sometimes it would get stuck about halfway, though. I don't understand it.

[SVXer95]

I had a similar problem with a toyota camry. The column lock was sticky and would either not turn at all or half way. ended up replacing the ignition as it was worn out.

A bit drastic if you aren't sure thats the problem though.

[svx_commuter]

Originally posted by SVXer95
Nothing to do with steering wheel but...

The first day I got my car I had trouble starting it. TUrns out that even though the selector was in park, it did not sense it. Knocked it forward and it started right away. Happens from time to time.

Can't imagine why the steering would make it not start. If the column is locked you wouldn't be able to turn the key at all.

My SVX does that. I think of it as anti-theif device.

Originally posted by svx_commuter


My SVX does that. I think of it as anti-theif device.

I was thinking the exact same thing! I figure if I have this much trouble getting the car started, the thieves don't stand a chance!

Then again, they could just touch the one wire to the other wire, but I like to think anyone trying to steal my car wouldn't dare do such a thing.

[petesvx2]

Was your steering wheel locked? Mine doesn't start sometimes and I have to put it in neutral for it to turn over.

[Chicane]

I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that you turned off your car with your wheels turned a significant amount. What happens is the car will NOT START when the wheel is cocked to one side.... like, it cannot have the steering column 'torqued'.... all cars do this, but its a tiny bit more noticeable on the SVX just because of the width o the tires (I'm guessing).

Basically, to avoid this problem, I try to straighten my wheels before shutting the car off, or if it DOES happen, you just have to wiggle the wheel why trying to start the car.

There isn't anything wrong with your ignition lock.

- Rob

PS: I believe the reason that they do this is to rpevent someone from turning the wheel while just shoving the car in nuetral and pushing it away (onto a flatbed, to a chopshop, etc)

PPS: You're welcome and Merry Xmas!

[rufus]

But she said the key was turning. When the wheel is locked like that, the key won't turn until you twist the steering wheel a little. My vote is for the gear selector position switch or a worn out ignition switch.

-Mike

[svxistentialist]

Lisa,

There is an "interlock" between the ignition lock and the tranny switch, put there primarily to avoid starting the car in gear. This can sometimes give trouble. It is listed in the Owners Manual, and there is a pin under the steering column [the covers have to come off I am pretty sure] that will reset it when trouble happens.

As your trouble started when the wheel was moved, the two likely causes are this interlock or else loose connections at the block connector where the ignition wires join the lock tumbler.

The latter one happened to mine when I got the car first. The security bolts for tightening the lock to the column had loosened, and the resulting free play loosened the wiring. Is your lock loose like this? A way to find out would be putting the key in the ignition, and moving it up and down. If it moves up or down or sideways, the lock is not secured tight enough. The key should only be able to move in a circle.

Hope this helps.

Joe

[Subafreak]

What do you meen you took the wheel off? And why? The fact that you state you took the steering wheel off and you had the radio on leads me to belive that the battery was connected wile you where taking off the wheel. Thats a NO, NO, Every service manual about taking of the steering wheel starts with the words "disconect battery" because a loose air bag at pointblank range will hurt. It's unlikely but please be carefull next time, we don't want you messing up that pretty face.