Steering Wheel lock

[Telegram Sam]

The lock got replaced with a substitute used one last year. New or used, can I comfort myself with the reassurance that there's no way it can "lock" while the car is in motion - unless for some reason the key itself is taken out?!

[Cavalier342]

Shouldn't do... The pins lock when the key is removed and the wheel is turned. With the key in the barrel and turned, there is no possible way I can see why it would engage. When you say substitute lock, do you mean the barrel was replaced or what?

[Telegram Sam]

Yup, the barrel was replaced and so far has performed faultlessly. The thought just occurred out of the blue how "embarrassing" a malfunction could be - as a reason for going for a new one (if still available) instead.

[Cavalier342]

If the barrel is in and the key turns, I wouldn't have nothing to worry about.

[planetc]

The steering lock will not engage unless you remove the key, second hand or new makes no difference. The design weakness is a choice of failures, a) results in being unable to turn the key to disengage the steering lock, b results in the steering lock not engaging at all and c) results in the mechanical connection to the ignition switch failing. None of them result in the steering locking whilst a key is inserted and the vehicle is in motion.

[Telegram Sam]

Tks for contributing to a peaceful night's sleep