The ignition switch steering lock, standard equipment on most vehicles since 1969 and prior to 2001, see: (NHTSA FMVSS 114) is a hazardous and obsolete auto theft device. Due to the fact that the lock mechanism is spring loaded and combined with the ignition switch (engine on/off deactivation), it can lock a vehicle’s steering while driving and therefore is unsafe at any speed! This dangerous device should be factored in as a potential cause, or principal cause, in the many ignition switch recalls and accidents, past, present, Steering lock ignition switches, cause accidents, increase auto theft, strand motorists by malfunction, and have no merit whatsoever!
Steering Locks!
Ignition Switch Recalls
Steering Lock
Immobilizer
Steering Locks Malfunctions
How to unlock your steering wheel
Toyota Camry 2001 Ignition Problem – Locked Steering Column
Williams Toyota Do It Yourself Series- Locked Steering Wheel Segment
Ignition key won’t turn! Problem Solved – Official
Mini steering wheel lock up problem
BMW E38 steering wheel locked.
Japanese Ignition Switch Locks
Accidental activation of the steering lock system while the car is in motion is very dangerous.
– Japanese Automobile Manufacturing Association
ALL AMERICAN MADE AUTOS have a safety device to prevent “inadvertent lockup” of a vehicle’s steering while driving, Most Japanese auto makers ignored this U.S. de facto safety measure until it was required by NHTSA regulation in 1988. Furthermore, Japanese steering locks have dangerous on/off key, ignition tumbler activation design more prone to sudden lockup!
Ignition Switch News
National DMV Steering Lock Warnings!
Working in conjunction with national DMV, ASF authored a WARNING about inadvertent lockup printed in DMV Handbooks across the nation. (also see “Letters” link).
At the turn of the century, Europe, Canada and Australia enacted law requiring the modernization of auto theft prevention technology that replaces the ignition steering lock. Since that time al all new vehicles must be equipped with “Immobilizer,” a safe and effective auto theft prevention technology to replace ignition steering locks!
ASF Liberates the Automobile!
ASF was founded in 1988 with the mission to abolish steering lock production. Since that time, working with the help of President Clinton see: http://www.carsa
Immobilizer
The majority of new American made automobiles are equipped with Immobilizer.
Immobilizer technology is now the international auto safety and theft prevention standard that all countries and auto makers should observe!
When will the DOT & NHTSA prohibit ignition steering lock production and require modern auto theft prevention regulations that meet international safety and theft prevention standards?
Ignition Switch Steering Lock Facts
The United State Congress Subcommittee on Crime Stated in 1992 Anti-Car Theft Act (H.R.452):“…that the manufactures had a vested interest in seeing that the cars they built were stolen so they could replace them with new ones.
- The steering lock is unsafe at any speed, causing harm and death by locking a vehicle’s steering while driving.
- This ignition switch design has two fatal flaws: a. The steering lock is spring loaded, ignoring the fact that springs have built-in metal fatigue, and therefore must eventually malfunction or wear out. b. The ignition key that deactivates the engine, should never have been combined with a device that simultaneously locks the steering. c. Tumbler activated ignition switches are obsolete and innately dangerous due to metal fatigue as well as wear and tear degeneration.
- The steering lock introduced in 1969 is obsolete; a failed anti-theft device, that eliminates the need for electrical system knowledge to steal a vehicle. The lock can be defeated in 60 seconds. Auto theft has tripled since 1969!
- Steering lock warning and education helps prevent accidents and auto theft.
- Since the steering lock is spring loaded, it is likely unconstitutional as it does not offer freedom of choice, to lock or not to lock, imposing lockup per engine deactivation.
- “Immobilizer” is safe and modern auto theft prevention technology that should replace all steering locks. Immobilizer currently also offers “Bluetooth” technology, and buttons etc. to replace obsolete ignition switches.