Towing Issues: can a tow company be held reliable, gmc safari, tow company

Question
QUESTION: so the other day my AWD 95 gmc safari was towed by the city because of my parking job on my street. now the vehicle works fully before it was towed to impound. (they didn’t have my keys for the van I still had them and was never asked for my keys by the cop. ) A couple days later I went to pick the van up only to find that it wouldn't start. the key would turn all the way over . but there was no click no indication that it was starting the engine. so I tried the lights and the lights worked and the stereo worked also. Actually the stereo’s face plate was popped out when I first entered the van, mind you that wasn’t like that before the van was towed, and the stereo was still on even when I took the keys out of the ignition. Which normally doesn’t happen. the van was towed not with a flat bed which should of been used but a dolly truck and was hooked up from the rear. now my question is how could of this happen. the van work like a champ with no problems before it was towed now it can't even start up the battery will but not the engine. Its being looked at right now still don’t really know whats wrong but., wouldn’t the tow company be held reliable for this because it was in their hands when it broke? I’ve herd you can’t tow an awd vehicle without the keys because you need to shifts it into neutral in order for all four wheels to move. Can any one help me out.

ANSWER: Sounds like the ignition switch broke or the tilt steering column is loose which is pretty common with GM's. If the van has tilt steer column is it little loose or wiggling? If so that could explain some of the problems and just happened to go out when the tow company touched it. If that isn't the case I'm not sure what could have happen. Wheel lift and dollies are pretty straight forward and I don't know of ANY case where this method would damage the steering column or ignition switch. Your van can be towed without the keys when using dollies without damage as long as no incidents happen along the way or at the impound lot. With that said, check over the van very carefully because you have to prove that the van was damaged in the the tow companies care.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks for the answer. the ignition was the first thing i thought of being the problem. the tilt steering column wasn't loose. just the ignition. it would turn all the way over but it didn't start the van. so i brought it to my local gm dealer to get them to look at the vehicle and they told me today that the problem was with the whole steering column and that it needed to be replaced. now i was thinking that if the steering column went that the front axle to the van might of sustained  some damage also. but i don't really know until they fix the steering column, and i ask them to look at the front axle. the person i talk to from the dealership told me they don't really know until they start the repairs which they said would cost around 700-800 dollars. so right now i just told them to wait. so that's where I'm at right now. its a tough one to call until i have them do the job.

jack

Answer
The way the ignition switch works involves a few parts. First is the key and tumbler where the key goes which turns a linkage when you turn the key, from behind the key tumble the linkage goes to the actual electrical ignition switch where all the electrical wires are which is located on top of the steering column under the dash. You can't get to without dropping the steering column. Why it's located that way is for theft reasons.

Now the steering column attaches to the steering gear box which is mounted to the left (driver's) frame rail. There is a slip joint between the steering gear box and the steering column shaft for movement if needed and for crash protection. From the steering gear box is a pitman arm that attaches to the drag link. The drag link is supported by the pitman arm and idler arm. Then from the drag link to the inner and outer tie rods.

The reason I asked if it was loose or wiggling is because this is a indication for certain failure and accelerated wear. I have known of plenty of GM steering column failures and seen cases with cars, trucks and vans. It is easier replacing the column than rebuilding it, especially when you can find them in the junk yard for under $50. Usually takes less than one hour to replace, pretty easy job for the average mechanic.