This is a theft deterrent feature that disables the steering wheel by locking the steering main shaft to the column tube when the ignition key is pulled out. There are two types of steering lock mechanism.
• Push type ignition key cylinder
• Push-button type ignition key cylinder
HINT: In some automatic transaxle vehicles with the shift lock mechanism, the steering lock mechanism is not provided.
(1) When the ignition key is in the ACC or ON position When the ignition key is in the ACC or ON position, the lock stopper and lock bar are pushed to the right by the cam of the camshaft. The lock release lever therefore falls into the groove in the lock stopper, preventing the lock stopper and lock bar from moving to the left, and thus preventing the steering wheel from being locked while the vehicle is being driven.
(2) When the ignition key is turned from ON to ACC position When the ignition key is turned from ON to ACC position (shutting off the engine), the lock release lever strikes against the left edge of the groove in the lock stopper, preventing the lock stopper and lock bar from moving to the left (and thus preventing the steering wheel from being locked).
(3) When the ignition key is in the ACC position As long as the ignition key is not pushed in while the lock is in the ACC position, the push plate is pushed out by the cylinder rotor return spring. For the reason, the stopper plate protrudes out and strikes against the edge of the lock body, preventing the rotor and ignition key from being turned to the LOCK position.
(4) When the ignition key is turned from ACC to LOCK position When the key is pushed in while in the ACC position, the rotor and push plate are pushed in also. The upper part of the stopper plate therefore rides up the diagonal wall of the groove in the push plate, and the lower part of the push plate goes into the camshaft. The ignition key, push plate, and camshaft are therefore free to turn as on unit from the ACC position to the LOCK position. However, since the end of the lock release lever is still being hold down by the key, it prevents the lock stopper and lock bar from moving to the left.
(5) When the ignition key is removed When the key is pulled out from the rotor, the lock release lever disengages (moves up) from the lock stopper, and the lock bar goes into the steering main shaft groove, locking the steering main shaft.