Steering Wheel Not Locking

Evening all,

So, I am setting my 24 TRD sport for towing behind our RV on all 4 tires. I have everything wired and installed, but I just ran into a small problem bypassing the steering wheel lock.

The way to unlock the steering wheel and keep the truck turned off while towing is by tapping into the steering wheel fuse, and installing an in-line switch (or removing the fuse) during accessory mode, then turn everything off. This is what I am trying to achieve, but before I connected my switch and tapped into the fuse, I wanted to endure my tapping was done correctly and start with a “locked” steering wheel, but I have not been able to get my steering wheel to lock.

So here is what I need help with, can anyone check if your steering wheel locks after you turn off your truck and open your door? My steering wheel isn’t locking. I have tried everything, turn off, unlock doors, opened door, closed door, lock everything, walk away, but the steering wheel isn’t locking.

I have the front wheels 1-2 inches on the air, and I can move them with my hands. I have also tried with the wheels on the ground, and the steering wheel isn’t locking.

Any help is appreciated. Thank you all!

 

I assume you've read the manual about dinghy towing on page 211?

 

Yes. I forgot to add, I am aware about Toyota recommendations on towing on all fours. It’s been done before, people are still doing it. I’ve done it before. A lot of info on this and the topic has been covered and debated extensively. I’m not asking anything related to towing it, just if the steering wheel locks on 4 gens.

So with that out of the way…. Anyone with a 4 gen Tacoma experienced their steering wheel not locking after turning off the truck?

 

Mine's sitting at the port, or I'd go monkey with it.

 

Which port?

 

Yes mine doesn’t lock. Weird shit man. I put Spidertrax on my truck and when the front was in the air I could move the tires side to side.

 

I can't recall if push to start vehicles have a locking ignition? I guess not, isn't the lock built into the keyed ignition?

What about tieing off the steering wheel if you wheel lifted from the rear, how easy is it to get the belt buckle thru the wheel.

I never noticed other prople do this, but I would tie the belt very tight and then slide the seat back. IDK if that was good or bad idea, never had the truck I was towing try to pass me.

 

This helps, thank you for sharing...

 

It is actually a good thing for the steering wheel to not lock for those of use who will be towing on all four tires, I just want to confirm the system not locking its normal before towing it without tapping into the fuse.

There is a fuse for the steering wheel lock, if there wasn't I would be a bit more comfortable... hopefully other owners chime in..

 

Alright, just an update all. Confirmed with Toyota that the steering lock does not lock on 2024+ Tacomas. I installed the driveshaft disconnect and test drove all the components, happy to announce I was able to flat tow the tacoma on all fours, without tapping into the steering lock fuse. I'll post pics in the upcoming days if anyone cares for them

 

Just curious. What kind of RV mileage will you get pulling the Tacoma?

 

I averaged 11.5, I went up the mountains so I hope to see better results. Mileage will be entirely based on the RV to be honest, tacomas are light.

 

well, i cant upload pics for some reason. There is a thread on another forum Tacoma4g, pics are there. Hope this works.

 

Just to confirm, you don't want the steering wheel to lock when towing on all 4's. The towed vehicle needs to turn when you turn, otherwise not getting far..

Frank319, ever consider an automatic transmission recirculating pump...

 

I did, but didn't want to deal with electrical stuff or get too intrusive with the transmission. The driveshaft disconnect is all mechanic, and not tapping to anything.

And correct, the steering wheel must not lock. Front wheels must be free to turn as the tow vehicle makes turns.

 

Yep, I get it. I only towed my jeep and Toyos (with stick shifts) until i sold my rv. Always paranoid towing an automatic.

 

I can recall seeing an rv pulled off to the side of the freeway with the tow vehicle in flames at the engine compartment. I knew they destroyed the transmission. Felt sorry for them.

 

I remember there was a Jeep not that long ago that was left in 4L that grenaded.... that was epic and expensive.