Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

question everything

(48,904 posts)
Wed Oct 23, 2019, 11:17 AM Oct 2019

When the steering wheel freezes

Yes, happens. I would normally just grasp it with both hands and try to turn it. Works, normally.

But several weeks ago, after filling the tank, nothing happened. I struggled to even get the key in the ignition and then could not take it out.

Meanwhile I am getting hot inside the cars when it is 85 outside. So I opened the door - KIA Soul 2014, BTW - and, all of a sudden the dashboard lights came on and ignition! All I could think was - what will happen when it is 20 outside..

I don't drive much. Am retired, and most of my chores are within 10 miles from home. And many times we drive in my spouse's Highlander. Last year, when I had to replace the battery with less than 10,000 miles, I was chastised by the mechanic to drive more..

Anyhoo, after that event we left town and I did not drive it for several weeks. It started OK at home but once I left the store, same story. OK, by now I knew the drill. Open door, still no ignition but grasping the wheel helped. And it has been happening several times since.

Is there anything wrong or should I just accept it as "it is what it is?"

Oh, and yesterday I reached 11,000! Hurray!





8 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
When the steering wheel freezes (Original Post) question everything Oct 2019 OP
Sounds like 2naSalit Oct 2019 #1
Yes, they do. Once I set it on Drive question everything Oct 2019 #3
Definitely 2naSalit Oct 2019 #5
Possibly a bad ground somewhere discntnt_irny_srcsm Oct 2019 #2
That, too. Though the squirrels and the bunnies in our yard question everything Oct 2019 #4
My daughter had a Ford Kaiserguy Oct 2019 #6
It may be covered under warrantee. 3Hotdogs Oct 2019 #7
Taking the car tomorrow to "winterize" it question everything Oct 2019 #8

2naSalit

(92,941 posts)
1. Sounds like
Wed Oct 23, 2019, 11:21 AM
Oct 2019

an electrical problem involving the steering wheel lock and door locks. Do the door lock by themselves after you start driving? You should have that looked at, sounds unsafe.

question everything

(48,904 posts)
3. Yes, they do. Once I set it on Drive
Wed Oct 23, 2019, 11:31 AM
Oct 2019

Have been getting occasional warnings from KIA on other items, most were handled by a dealer.

Time to winterize the car I will certainly mention this.

Thank you very very much.



2naSalit

(92,941 posts)
5. Definitely
Wed Oct 23, 2019, 11:34 AM
Oct 2019

pay attention to warnings from the manufacturer! Often times these issues are resolved free of charge from a dealer. It sounds like they must be aware of it. Do have someone qualified look at it. the manufacturer HAS and obligation to warn you about flaws in their product so maybe you should check those, if you still have them available to see if this problem is included in one or more of them, that will help you find out if the repair is free or not too.

Kaiserguy

(740 posts)
6. My daughter had a Ford
Wed Oct 23, 2019, 11:37 AM
Oct 2019

that did the same thing. There was an interlock switch on the shifter that was bad replaced that and it was all good.

3Hotdogs

(13,432 posts)
7. It may be covered under warrantee.
Wed Oct 23, 2019, 01:59 PM
Oct 2019

Also look at the website for (i believe) National Highway Safety Agency. It maybe a subsidiary of U.S.D.O.T. See if anyone else reported such a problem.

Then report the problem with your car.

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Automobile Enthusiasts»When the steering wheel f...