My steering wheel will not turn at all

Tiny
KYLE23
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 SUZUKI XL7
  • 30,000 MILES
I was driving my '02 XL7 when the steering became hard. So I pulled off the highway and proceded into the closest parking lot. When I decided to try and start it up the steering wheel was seized and the ignition would not move. The interior lights came on but the key would not turn at all. Batterey has a full charge. What could be wrong?
Friday, December 9th, 2011 AT 3:17 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
DRCRANKNWRENCH
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,380 POSTS
The power steering pump could be bad or the pressure sensor could have failed or even the belt could be loose or have come off the pulley. In enay case the power steering assist fails and the steering becomes heavy. The ignition lock has a pin that keeps the wheel from moving when in park postion or, "OFF". This pin can get caught against the pin catch and if the steering wheel is hard to turn it will not move unless you can move the wheel which take s alot of effort. Also, the fact that the pin isstuck in the steering wheel lock keeps it from releasing and will keep the igntion switch in the, "OFF" position.
Someone who is a bit of a strong guy can probably move the wheel enoguh to release the key. The pump needs to be inspected for the belt and tension and check the fluid level as well as checking for leaks.
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Friday, December 9th, 2011 AT 4:09 AM

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