Steering Wheel Lock

[churro]

With the key out, the steering wheel is supposed to lock when you turn it correct? Lately, my steering wheel only locks randomly. This happened after my swap from auto to 5 speed, so I'm thinking it's something electrical. Any ideas where to start?

[churro]

I really need some help with this, S13s are easy enough to steal.

[sil-89]

dude i'm sorry to say i dont have an idea where to i'm guessing it's electrical maybe a short circuit from time to time every time when the key goes out the ignition...but hey was it easy to swap it into stick cause i have an auto s13 and i want to convert it too.

[OutToWinPAHC]

Not electrical.... Mine was a KA24DE with an auto now its a LS with a old gen TH350 GM trans..... still locks

[churro]

I only thought it was electrical because when I swapped, I had to jumper a plug so I could get my key out. If it's not electrical, does that mean my ignition is going bad?

The swap is fairly straightforward. I did it myself, but it's a lot easier and faster to have at least one other person to help you out. Some tips:

1)Removing the AT pilot bushing is done best by cutting a slot into it and pulling it out with some vise-grips.2)Getting the input shaft into the clutch disc requires a lot of twisting and turning. Getting the tip into the pilot bushing took a lot of shaking and wiggling.3)You can use the transmission mount from the auto but the bracket for the exhaust won't line up.4)Use GL-4 fluid only. Not that blended crap.

[brndck]

the steering wheel locking mechanism is on the column. its entirely mechanical, not electrical at all. there is a small spring loaded pin on the top of the column, near the lock cylinder, that when the key is taken out, and the wheel is turned just right, will pop into a slot and "lock". on my old s13 it locked on me a few times while i was driving (fortunately while just pulling out of the driveway), so i removed it.

[vancouverbc]

the steering wheel locking mechanism is on the column. its entirely mechanical, not electrical at all. there is a small spring loaded pin on the top of the column, near the lock cylinder, that when the key is taken out, and the wheel is turned just right, will pop into a slot and "lock". on my old s13 it locked on me a few times while i was driving (fortunately while just pulling out of the driveway), so i removed it.

What year is your car? Mine has never locked except one time when the switch was out ffor inspection and i could turn the key 360 degrees.Would you have to take steering wheel off to access it?

BTW, it is useless as theft prevention as you just have to give it a hard twist to break or bend the pin. If yours is broken it suggest someone tried to steel your car or you yourself broke it.

[churro]

BTW, it is useless as theft prevention as you just have to give it a hard twist to break or bend the pin.

There's no stopping a determined thief, but there's no reason to make it any easier for them either. I'm going to take apart the steering this weekend and see what I find.