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freakshow54
Novice
Feb 22, 2006, 4:43 PM
Post #1 of 14
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Steering column lock
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I have bypassed the standard ignition system in my 97 Toyota Rav4, and now use a custom toggle switch start. The only problem I have, is that I still need the key so I can turn the steering wheel without it locking. My question is, how do I disable/remove the steering column lock? I am aware that it is an anti-theft mechanism, and have my own methods of preventing theft.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 22, 2006, 4:52 PM
Post #2 of 14
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Re: Steering column lock
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You have a dangerous air bag to get thru. If with a puller you get beyond that just put a new key switch in if you have lost the key. T
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freakshow54
Novice
Feb 22, 2006, 5:48 PM
Post #3 of 14
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Re: Steering column lock
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I haven't lost a key. I'm not sure what I need to do. I can't seem to find any diagrams of this mechanism to even know what I am looking for. This is the only part of this project that I haven't been able to figure out, please help.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 22, 2006, 6:44 PM
Post #4 of 14
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Re: Steering column lock
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I'm not seeing the problem here. The key will release the wheel?? T
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freakshow54
Novice
Feb 22, 2006, 6:51 PM
Post #5 of 14
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Re: Steering column lock
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The key does release the wheel. However, I am trying to make it so I don't need to use the key. I need to unlock the steering column, without using the key.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 23, 2006, 1:13 AM
Post #6 of 14
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Re: Steering column lock
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You can get that star wheel out but my concern is the air bag. The sucker will or could kill you if it goes off and you have to pass it to get at the parts that make the wheel lock. Just be careful. and......FYI you couldn't have that in the " People's Republic of Massachusetts" legally. T
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DanD
Veteran
/ Moderator
Feb 23, 2006, 7:24 AM
Post #7 of 14
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Re: Steering column lock
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Canadian "EH"
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freakshow54
Novice
Feb 23, 2006, 5:58 PM
Post #8 of 14
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Re: Steering column lock
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I'm wanting to do this so I can make my car entirely keyless. From what I remember, I think I might be able to access the upper bracket without removing the airbag. I'm wondering if I could possibly put some sort of plate over the locking pin to prevent it from engaging.
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DanD
Veteran
/ Moderator
Feb 23, 2006, 6:31 PM
Post #9 of 14
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Re: Steering column lock
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Yea sure you could put a plate over or under the locking pin, my only concern is that if the plate over times shifts and allows the steering to lock you’re SOL when it comes to steering this thing. If you remove or grind the pin so that there is no possible way of the locking pin to engage then there is never a worry of it happening. I have to ask again WHY ????? Is this to make it unique ??? Dan. Canadian "EH"
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freakshow54
Novice
Feb 23, 2006, 7:21 PM
Post #10 of 14
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Re: Steering column lock
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It is a custom modification I am doing to my car. I have always liked the idea of pushbutton starts, so I created my own. However, it defeats the purpose to have a pushbutton start, and still need to use a key.
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DanD
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/ Moderator
Feb 24, 2006, 4:05 AM
Post #11 of 14
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Re: Steering column lock
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Now I understand. It's fun doing things like this just remember to use the head on your shoulders and not the little guys when it comes to thinking this job through. LOL Keep it safe and have fun. Dan. Canadian "EH"
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freakshow54
Novice
Mar 1, 2006, 4:53 PM
Post #12 of 14
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Re: Steering column lock
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So I took a good look at my steering column today. I saw that I did have (limited) access to the steering column upper bracket/clamp. I tried a different route at first, by removing the key cylinder, and trying to rig it to stay in the "On" position. In the process of doing this, I pretty much destroyed the cylinder. Then after (finally) getting it back out of the upper bracket, I found a solution. I made it so the steering wheel was free to move (read: UNlocked). Then, close to the steering column tube, the upper bracket thins out, and has flat faces on the top and bottom. I drilled out a hole through the center of those flats, and inserted a screw. Voila! This was a very simple solution that avoided my having to deal with the airbag.
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DanD
Veteran
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Mar 2, 2006, 4:03 PM
Post #13 of 14
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Re: Steering column lock
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That’s good you found a solution to this; just make sure as H#LL that there is no way of that Ignition/steering lock to engage!!!! I don’t want to lecture but; you know what could happen if it does; OK everybody we’re only making right-hand turns from here in. LOL Unless you want to be on one of those reality TV shows like Jackass where you see the most innovated people (dumbest) try and do the most asinine things. LOL Have fun with this but keep it safe. You must be on to something though; even some of the manufactures are going to owner recognition push button starts. The only difference is they have a Sh!te load of electronics involved to keep it from the thieves. The Corvette for example, you don’t ever want to lose the key fob; if you do it’s going to be like breaking into Fort Knox to get a replacement. Like I said keep if fun, using logic and foresight and what your doing is going to be something unique. Dan. Canadian "EH"
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freakshow54
Novice
Mar 2, 2006, 5:53 PM
Post #14 of 14
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Re: Steering column lock
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I definitely have safety in mind. Today, I went back in to secure it better. I bored out the hole to replace the screw with a nut & bolt, and a lock nut, and thread lock. I don't want the car's vibration rattling it out.
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