I've had a problem happen to me about 4 times now and was wondering if anyone else has experienced this...

I was parked on a slight downhill street with my tires angled toward the curb. I turned the truck off, heard a click as my steering wheel locked and went inside.

When I came out, I put the key in to start and could not get the wheel back in the right position to fully turn the key and start the truck. Each time I was pulling very hard in the opposite direction to "loosen-up" the column so I could get the key turned. I tried everything with the wheel and fought it each time for over 10 min. I was really freaked out I might never get my truck going again. I can't tell you what I did exactly, but it took me awhile to get it free. I think I may have overstressed something in the column as well.

Anyone else heard of this?

 

Nope. Sorry. Never had any such problem.

 

my wife has the save problem with my crew
I don't because I don't hit or park rammed into the curb
the locks on these column require finese to realease the lock
rather than force a little jiggle usually lets it free
mitchykins

 

Thanks Mitch...

I guess I was getting to freaked out when it happened as was being a little rough on it.

 

When you park on a hill, turn your wheels towards the curb, but remember to engage the parling brake before you put it in park. This will stop the tranny pawl from binding as well as the truck tires from contacting the curb and binding the steering wheel.

 

Happens lots or many vehicles. I get calls all the time.

The weight of the truck is against the steering wheel lock. I can usually talk the customer through it over the cell phone when it happens.

Keep the wheels straight ahead and you won't have a problem.

 

Thanks for the replies guys.

Around here the cops give tickets to people that don't have their wheels into a curb on a downhill street. I guess I need to set my parking brake pretty well before I let the truck's weight lock with the steering column.