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[GMCnet] stuck steering column, can't turn key [message #348768] Tue, 01 October 2019 10:41 Go to previous message
Ek_Lektro is currently offline  Ek_Lektro   United States
Messages: 167
Registered: March 2011
Karma:
Senior Member
Well yesterday i was installing new house batteries for the new owner (!) of the 21-foot Birchhaven
(yes! i’m now back to being a one-coach owner, and may therefore soon regain control of my life, LOL!

Anyway, i needed to turn the steering wheel sharp to one side, so the batteries would clear the tires,
coming out the bottom. I finish the battery job and go to start the coach, and there’s just no way the key is gonna turn,
the steering wheel is locked solid, and yes, the key tumbler was already a bit worse for wear,
and the keys themselves are pretty worn. tried some WD40, tried all kinds of angles, to the point that the keys
are starting to bend. Fortunately the coach can stay where its parked a few more days,
so… re-thinking the situation now:

1) Is it possible to unlock the wheel and allow the key to turn, by loosening the ignition switch down the column?
or some other method that doesn’t involve taking the steering wheel apart?
Having replaced the ignition switch just a couple months ago, this highlighted how the old ignition tumbler was already quite loose
and in line for replacement. And hey, the new owner would probably appreciate starting fresh with new keys anyway. But…

2) Will your average mobile locksmith know how to do this particular job with the steering wheel locked as such?
Ideally i’d be able to unlock the wheel and start the coach and drive it to a locksmith rather than pay the premium for mobile services
(Or i wonder if her AAA roadside services policy would cover a mobile locksmith…hmmmm)

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
I’ll probably be posting a couple more times on behalf of the new owner, plus update the registry and introduce her to the list.
Cheers!
Greg / SolarSonic / Los Angeles…. and ONLY the ’78 Eleganza II
(21st anniversary of purchase coming next week)



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