QuestionI have 1999 Dodge caravan.The steering wheel of the car has locked ,as a result the car doesnot start.The steering wheel doesnot move.
Thanx.
Answer
lock cyl
Hi bobby:
The lock cylinders fail quite often on Chrysler vehicles. Try this:
Insert the key into the lock and gently tap the key deeper into the lock with a small hammer. Do not hit it any harder than you would if you were hitting your own thumb...you don't want to break the key, just jar the lock to read the key. The tumblers are stuck.
If that doesn't work, then you will need to replace the lock by forcefully removing the old one like this:
First remove the lower steering column covers. There are 2-3 Phillips screws on the bottom holding cover in place. Now you can see the lock housing. Look underneath. You will see a small opening (about ½ inch square) with a metal tab in it. This is the release pin for the lock cylinder. This tab is what needs to be depressed to remove the lock.
Very carefully, so as not to damage the thin lock housing holding the lock, take a punch and hammer and drive the locking tab (release pin) of the lock cylinder up into the lock. Once it is depressed enough (it's a soft metal & will crush slightly into the lock), you will be able to simply slide the lock cylinder out so you can replace it with a new one.
To reinstall the new lock, you will need to turn the internal switch position to the "on" position. Do this carefully with a large blade screwdriver.
The enclosed photo shows the locking (Release pin) that needs to be depressed.
