The Ford Barn

Royal Ryser · 09-15-2022, 07:17 PM

My steering wheel is locked, can't turn the front wheels side-to-side. The actual switch lever is positioned between ON and OFF. It must be in the off mode because there is no fire to the engine. The keyed cylinder doesn't seem to be involved. Has anyone had such a problem? What to do about it without taking the lock apart (means removing the steering wheel and column drop?
Thanks for the help ahead of time.

paul2748 · 09-15-2022, 07:27 PM

Have you tried moving the wheel back and forth and at the same time try moving the switch?

Steve in Denver · 09-15-2022, 07:32 PM

jack the front axle up, then try turning the steering wheel.

fordor41 · 09-15-2022, 10:18 PM

I believe on out '41 I removed the lock cylinder by removing the set screw that holds the cylinder in place to access the lock bar.

rich b · 09-15-2022, 10:18 PM

The lock cylinder both retracts the steering lock pin and permits the ignition switch to move from off to on. Could be that it hasn't retracted the lock pin fully; maybe the cam on the end of the cyl is worn or broken. Does the chrome cap on the lock pin seem to have moved all the was towards the right?

Royal Ryser · 09-16-2022, 09:19 AM

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Rich b, you hit it on the head. The lock cylinder (key) wasn't quite in the proper position. When I moved the key a bit, the ignition switch worked like a charm!
Thanks to all who offered advice. It made my day.

09-15-2022, 07:17 PM	#1
Royal Ryser Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Colorado Posts: 553	Steering wheel lock stuck on a '36 My steering wheel is locked, can't turn the front wheels side-to-side. The actual switch lever is positioned between ON and OFF. It must be in the off mode because there is no fire to the engine. The keyed cylinder doesn't seem to be involved. Has anyone had such a problem? What to do about it without taking the lock apart (means removing the steering wheel and column drop? Thanks for the help ahead of time.

09-15-2022, 07:27 PM	#2
paul2748 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Midland Park, NJ Posts: 3,987	Re: Steering wheel lock stuck on a '36 Have you tried moving the wheel back and forth and at the same time try moving the switch? __________________ 48 Ford Conv 56 Tbird 54 Ford Victoria

09-15-2022, 07:32 PM	#3
Steve in Denver Senior Member Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 567	Re: Steering wheel lock stuck on a '36 jack the front axle up, then try turning the steering wheel. __________________ Steve in Denver

09-15-2022, 10:18 PM	#4
fordor41 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: elmira,ny Posts: 1,518	Re: Steering wheel lock stuck on a '36 I believe on out '41 I removed the lock cylinder by removing the set screw that holds the cylinder in place to access the lock bar.

09-15-2022, 10:18 PM	#5
rich b Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,831	Re: Steering wheel lock stuck on a '36 The lock cylinder both retracts the steering lock pin and permits the ignition switch to move from off to on. Could be that it hasn't retracted the lock pin fully; maybe the cam on the end of the cyl is worn or broken. Does the chrome cap on the lock pin seem to have moved all the was towards the right?

09-16-2022, 09:19 AM	#6
Royal Ryser Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Colorado Posts: 553	Re: Steering wheel lock stuck on a '36 Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Rich b, you hit it on the head. The lock cylinder (key) wasn't quite in the proper position. When I moved the key a bit, the ignition switch worked like a charm! Thanks to all who offered advice. It made my day.