Questionsteering column won;t lock w/key removed and chimes indicate that the key is in the ignition?problem w/the lock
cylinder?
Answer
Inner pieces of a Mopa
Hi John:
This is a familiar question.
Some of the steering columns on Chrysler, Dodge & Jeep products do not lock at all anymore (they did away with that expense). Those that do, ONLY lock in the upside down (6:00 o'clock) position. That is the only place the shaft is notched out to catch the locking pawl inside. If it does not lock in that position then there is a problem inside the lock housing. That's the housing that holds the lock cylinder, not the cylinder itself.
The only thing that leads me towards that direction with you is the chime...if that's not shutting off, then I think you may have a broken piece of plastic rod inside the housing. It's the same piece that rotates to set the locking mechanism. I'm enclosing a picture of the 'guts' of that housing which is serviceable, but Chrysler does not sell the parts...not many people do, and we are one of them.
Our company website is http://www.stolenandrecovered.com
Just make sure it used to lock, as you may have one of the designs that does not lock.
Good luck
Doug
