Steering not locking when ignition turned off

[blnewt]

Never gave it much thought, but noticed that when I turn off ignition the steering isn't locking like all my other vehicles. Can't even recall if it ever did lol, is this something Jeep eliminated and I never noticed, or is it supposed to lock when ignition is off??

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[bloodwar]

Somewhere I did see it mentioned that it was removed but I forget where or even why at the moment.

 

[Uhdinator]

If you stall on a hill off roading do you want to be able to steer if needed if you're rolling and the power brakes don't work as good either when stalled/engine off? Guessing that might have something to do with why it doesn't lock? Maybe?

 

[blnewt]

So I assume your JLs don't have steering that locks too?

 

[GreyFox]

So I assume your JLs don't have steering that locks too?

Doesn't lock. Nor does the JKU I have sitting in the driveway.
Must be a Jeep thing

 

[blnewt]

Thanks guys! Nice to know I'm not having to make a dealer appt. nor am I losing my mind, lol.

 

[BlueSV650]

I read that this was partially due to the large number of RV people that like to tow their Jeeps. Can't find the article now though. I recall reading that Chrysler even did the same on the Rams because they are popular to tow wheels-down behind RVs.

 

[Swagger]

Could it be because of the push button start? I'm pretty sure the steering wheel lock is normally part of and actuated by a column mounted ignition switch. No key in the column = no steering wheel lock?

 

[robaw]

I'm chalking this up to something new I learned about my Jeep - mine doesn't lock either. My last DD was an FCA vehicle with push-button start as well, but I know for a fact the steering wheel would lock when it was off.

 

[blnewt]

Could it be because of the push button start? I'm pretty sure the steering wheel lock is normally part of and actuated by a column mounted ignition switch. No key in the column = no steering wheel lock?

Our Infiniti G has a push button start but the steering locks when turned off, makes sense about off-road/towing situations where a locked up wheel may be a problem.

 

[GreyFox]

Could it be because of the push button start? I'm pretty sure the steering wheel lock is normally part of and actuated by a column mounted ignition switch. No key in the column = no steering wheel lock?

Nope. My JKU has a key, and it doesn't lock. I drove my mom's van the other day and realized how annoying a locking steering wheel is! Apparently, you can't try to move the steering wheel and turn the ignition. Just a habit of getting my butt situated in the seat

 

[mike_b_81]

Could it be because of the push button start? I'm pretty sure the steering wheel lock is normally part of and actuated by a column mounted ignition switch. No key in the column = no steering wheel lock?

Nope, my last vehicle was a 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 and it didn’t lock either.

 

[Frostbit]

I believe it has to do with the large number of Wranglers that are flat towed behind RV's. You wouldn't want those front wheels locked into a single position. They have to be able to track behind the tow vehicle.

 

[CaptStarboard]

Roll forward to 2020 JL Rubicon (Australian 2.2TD-8speed Auto)- my steering wheel DOES lock when the vehicle is off (push button starting), Rubicon with all the electric options.

So question and problem is what happens when you need to move and turn the steering wheel of the jeep without being able to start or get power from the battery?

In my case the jeep is in a flat garage having tow harness, trailer brake RedArc and UHF radio (CB type radio) installed. I have my batteries fully disconnected (stop/start models have two) now I need to push my jeep back a bit and turn the wheel to access the front wheel well. Guess what, you can’t without starting it or power!

I found the Emergency Park release strap (under a trim panel cover, right in front of your shift lever, is an orange strap that you pull up the lever and it will disengage you from Park, then pull strap slightly back up and then release to return to Park engaged- ensure chocks or handbrake is on to control vehicle when you trip this release).

But no where can I find out how to release the steering wheel lock without power to the battery! Any experts know this trick?!

For now I’ll just contort myself into a pretzel and get it all installed by rolling back and forth, but not turning the wheels.

Long term I’d love to know my options!

Thanks all!
CaptStarboard

 

[mwilk012]

Roll forward to 2020 JL Rubicon (Australian 2.2TD-8speed Auto)- my steering wheel DOES lock when the vehicle is off (push button starting), Rubicon with all the electric options.

So question and problem is what happens when you need to move and turn the steering wheel of the jeep without being able to start or get power from the battery?

In my case the jeep is in a flat garage having tow harness, trailer brake RedArc and UHF radio (CB type radio) installed. I have my batteries fully disconnected (stop/start models have two) now I need to push my jeep back a bit and turn the wheel to access the front wheel well. Guess what, you can’t without starting it or power!

I found the Emergency Park release strap (under a trim panel cover, right in front of your shift lever, is an orange strap that you pull up the lever and it will disengage you from Park, then pull strap slightly back up and then release to return to Park engaged- ensure chocks or handbrake is on to control vehicle when you trip this release).

But no where can I find out how to release the steering wheel lock without power to the battery! Any experts know this trick?!

For now I’ll just contort myself into a pretzel and get it all installed by rolling back and forth, but not turning the wheels.

Long term I’d love to know my options!

Thanks all!
CaptStarboard

Are you sure it is locked or is it the lack of power steering causing you to be unable to turn the wheel? I'd assume it's the latter, but you are in another country so who knows.