Starting problem, steering lock?

[Hawk]

Good morning,

 

We have a brand new, '08 LE Pathy.

 

After one week, my wife was out shopping, and the

Pathy wouldn't start.

The key would not even turn the ignition.

 

I went out and checked it out, and sure enough, I

couldn't start it either.

The ignition was "Frozen", and would NOT turn.

 

We called the dealer (he is a little over 100 miles

away, unfortunately)

The repair man said, that he had heard, that if the

vehicle is at an angle, or the wheel is turned, it

might put pressure on the steering wheel lock, and the

steering wheel has to be "wiggled" to unlock the

steering wheel / ignition lock.

 

I "forced" the wheel in every direction, and

eventually did get the ignition to turn over.

(It needs a LOT of pressure, to the left)

 

Now, about once a week (meaning VERY intermittent) my

wife still has the problem.

She is small, and has had rotator cuff surgery on both

shoulders, so it is extremely difficult for her to

push hard enough on the wheel to "shift" or unlock it.

It does take a LOT of pressure.

 

We are going to take it back to the dealer, to get

them to fix it, but I wanted to see if anyone else has

had the problem, or found a fix.

 

Since we are almost 2 hours away, and it will be at

least a full days trip, I want to know as much as

possible first.

I hope I don't have to leave it there, or find out

they don't know the fix, or don't have the parts.

 

The distance makes it very inconvenient.

 

Thanks for any help, or advice.

 

Hawk

[foxtrot044]

Just putting this out there but this is a common thing that happens on all cars and trucks. more so on some than others but all there is to do is wiggle and go. no need to take it to the dealer, they might just laugh.

 

(no offense intended by my reply)

Edited February 25, 2008 by foxtrot044

[88pathoffroad]

When she parks, she should leave the wheels straight and wiggle the wheel back and forth a skosh before turning off the ignition. That may help with the lock tension after it's turned off.