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I have a 2002. And I notice recently that my steering wheel doesn't lock. I'm not sure if it ever did. Nonetheless, I recently replaced the Ignition Key lock cylinder. Car drives fine. Should I be worried that the steering wheel doesn't lock, after I remove the key? Thanks
if your steering wheel isn't locking you either have a CLB installed under the dash or some other device to defeat it...the lock cylinder has nothing to do with it
you didn't say so I am assuming you bought the car used
Could also be an automatic trans or had variation 04006C of the GM Column Lock recall service done to a manual trans. That installed a small diameter lock ring so that the column cannot physically lock. However the lock pin is still extending and retracting each time you turn the key on or remove it from the ignition key cylinder. Can be heard if you listen carefully to the area around the plastic covers over the steering column.
looking at his previous posts I see he refers to his car being in "Park" so your guess on the automatic is a good one
I suppose he could request a service history by VIN to see if the recall was done
Sorry for the very late, late reply. Yes, I bought it used. And I don't remember steering ever locking, after I remove the key. However, since my post, I read other write ups and most have said, they never locked. It sounds like your maybe right about a device under the dash.
If your car is an automatic, the column never locked from the factory.
All manual trans cars should have one of the column lock bypasses installed along with any 1997 to 2000 automatic to prevent the column locking up.