Steering lock problem solved (for real)

DemandedAce

Ahh, thanks! So, he is essentially using the metal tab as a jumper even though the pin is engaged and in a locked position? Very interesting, technically his method could work for people who have had it fail completely and can't unjam it as well, basically trip the car to think it's "unlocked" and go on your way.

I'll definitely have to give this a shot when work gives me some more time, if it gets me beyond needing to kickstart the car every day I don't take the motorcyle that'll be a dream come true.

DemandedAce

To update this, the theoretical became reality for me today. I had been putting off opening up the module as I broke my hand in several places, so I've been using a hammer to get the car started most days for the past couple of months. However, today I went out to start it and could not get it unfrozen (yes, this is with the fuse pulled). The wheel turned fine, it just had the indicator on the dash and would not turn on at all.

So, I raged at it a bit and went inside, but my neighbor texted me later saying that it was chirping every 30-60 seconds. I went out to look at it and sure enough it was chirping for some reason, so I unplugged the battery and plugged it back in and the chirping was resolved, but (of course) the windows forgot their positions and wouldn't close after closing the door. This is terrible timing as we are due for storms tomorrow, so I tried starting the car again to no avail. At this point I'm at here:

1. Can't start car (or even get it to Acc)
2. Windows are stuck partially open, and open more and more every time I open/close the door
3. Rain is coming tomorrow
4. Hand is broken

So, now it is 9:30pm and my hand is literally forced, so I reach under and disconnect the module and it came out pretty easily. I followed the steps in the link above, and it only took me 15 minutes to do (with only 1.5 hands usable). I cut into the box and found that there is a metric #@$%-ton of grease all over the wheel and gear which I'm guessing was part of the problem. The lock mechanism itself was retracted, but the pins were not being depressed so the car was unable to get beyond the lockout and start.

I pulled the gear and lock out and taped a copper tab between the two pins and taped the module back together and remounted it, car fired right up and no issue at all.

Altogether, the process was 20minutes and I wish I had done it several months ago. I have the gear/lock in a baggy in my storage unit now and hope to never need to touch or think about it again.

TLDR: If your car does lock up and you can't unfreeze it with force (hammer/etc...) don't pay to have it towed and replaced at over $1k. Instead, pull the module out, cut into it, and bypass the mechanism and you'll be good to go.