Steering Wheel Lock

Stepside Z · June 16, 2001

I just realized the other day that the steering wheel does not lock. I called the dealer and they said, they don't lock on full size trucks any more. Seems strange to me.

76BBSub · June 16, 2001

I think they are wrong...my '99 steering wheel locked, and it's the same body style as your '01.

I'm sure somebody here with a '01 will check their truck and post the result. It just seems weird that after 30 years they would all of a sudden do away with the locking wheel. I guess they figure it's impossible to hotwire one of the new trucks, so the column is going to be broken anyway if the truck is being stolen...I dunno, I still don't get it.

Jeff

MountaineerTom · June 16, 2001

Mine locks also. Ask them to show you on a couple of them on the lot. That should answer it.

Jpshostr · June 17, 2001

Quote: from Stepside Z on 10:20 am on June 16, 2001
I just realized the other day that the steering wheel does not lock. I called the dealer and they said, they don't lock on full size trucks any more. Seems strange to me.

They are full of it, our 2000 K2500 locks when it is suppossed to. Sounds like a lazy dealer that doesn't want to get into the warrenty work to fix it to me.

Stepside Z · June 18, 2001

I saw a buddy of mine at lunch and we checked his 01 Silverado and the steering wheel did not lock. Just another example of all the changes that have been made on the 01s.

76BBSub · June 18, 2001

I would love to hear the explanation behind that change. I'm sure they have a valid justification, I just wonder what it is...

I speculated in my earlier post about advances in security due to electronics and vehicle design, but would like to hear their reasoning.

Jeff

summitXMK · June 18, 2001

If it makes you feel any better I just replaced the turn signal parts in my 78 Blazer and now my steering wheel doesn't lock either.

Frank S · June 18, 2001

I checked my 2001 Silverado work truck today and the wheel doesn't lock in it either.

They must have made a change.

Stepside Z · June 18, 2001

Things that make you go humme.

LT · June 18, 2001

Well I'll be dinged!! Mine doesn't lock either. Man am I ever observant.

Zane · June 18, 2001

The HD's wheel didn't lock also.

kc2aku · September 23, 2001

here is the tsb for this topic

Info - Deletion of Steering Column/Wheel Locking Feature on

Vehicles with Automatic Transmissions #01-02-35-003

Deletion of Steering Column/Wheel Locking Feature on Vehicles With Automatic Transmissions

2001 Chevrolet and GMC C/K Pickup (Silverado, Sierra) and Utility (Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Denali, Yukon XL) Models

2002 Cadillac Escalade

Important

This bulletin does not apply to vehicles exported to countries that follow E.U. Regulations.

Beginning with the 2001 model year, the steering column or steering wheel locking feature is no longer used on the above described vehicles when equipped with an

automatic transmission. In previous model years the feature would lock or prevent the steering column/wheel from being turned when the ignition lock cylinder was in

the "LOCK" position.

Please advise any customer that comments on their steering wheel not locking when the ignition lock cylinder is in the "LOCK" position that the feature is no longer used

on vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. As a result, no repair attempts should be made.

Important

The locking steering column or steering wheel feature is still used on the above described vehicles when equipped with manual transmissions.

Victory Red · October 28, 2001

I guess none of you guys can read. If you would have taken the time to read your 2001 owner's manual, you would not be asking these silly questions. It is all explained in the owners manual. It DOES pay to read the instructions SOMETIMES you know.

pacodiablo · October 28, 2001

i wonder why GM did that?

victory red -- most of us don't read over the owners manual unless there is something we need to fix or take apart, we like to learn things the hard way, and even if it said "no locking steering wheels" than we would still try it to verify it.

Victory Red · October 28, 2001

Quote from pacodiablo, posted on Oct. 28 2001,08:26

victory red -- most of us don't read over the owners manual unless there is something we need to fix or take apart, we like to learn things the hard way, and even if it said "no locking steering wheels" than we would still try it to verify it.

Well, then your loss is my gain. I knew right away that the steering wheel didn't lock, b/c I read the manual. If you want to waste your time trying to figure it out the hard way, go for it bud. I have other things to do, besides wasting time doing things the "hard way". I bet if you break down and read YOUR manual, you MIGHT learn something you didn't know. Why waste time with the "hard way"? I don't get you man. Read, learn, and move on. While you guys are figuring it out the "hard way", I'm way ahead of you doing something else more productive to my truck. Tell me why you are doing all this research on the 92-94 truck you want so bad with the 350? Why don't you just buy it when the time comes, and learn about it "the hard way" as you say? Your logic seems a little backasswards dude.