Tilting Steering Wheel turns off engine

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Tilting Steering Wheel turns off engine

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Chevrolet Forum >> Chevy Trucks, Vans & SUV's >> Trailblazer >> Tilting Steering Wheel turns off engine

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Tilting Steering Wheel turns off engine - 1/6/2008 3:01:50 PM

tazordep

Posts: 12
Joined: 8/7/2007
Status: offline

First thing this morning I turned the key and no power at all, anywhere. Then I turned to lock the key and the darn thing wouldn't come out. Then I tilted the steering wheel and got power to come on and the instrument panel lit up. I started the truck and turned it off and still couldn't get the key out-- it would not turn to the "lock" position to remove the key. I started it back up and tilted the wheel and the engine shut off. With the key on the "on" position I tilted the wheel again and the panel lit up again. Strange, but true. After starting the engine again, I backed out of the garage and put it in Drive but it had reduced engine power, it wouldn't go anywhere fast; regardless of how much acceleration I gave it, almost as if it were in neutral and giving it gas. Coincidence? or related? Please help!!!
2004 Trailblazer LS EXT 4WD.

I've never seen such a thing as tilting the steering wheel and the engine shutting off.

Post #: 1

RE: Tilting Steering Wheel turns off engine - 1/6/2008 6:39:47 PM

tazordep

Posts: 12
Joined: 8/7/2007
Status: offline

Problem solved: The evening before I took my neice for driving lessons. When she entered the garage I asked her to adjust the steering wheel for me; she pulled the release lever and the steering wheel shot up forcefully. It must have broken the clip off the electrical harness and caused the "shorting" out of the wires. This wiring hook up was (you facing the steering wheel) just to the left of the ignition cylinder and in front of the (closest to you) hazard lights switch; but underneath the column. After we fastened the connection with those plastic tie-wire things, it worked fine. Engine started, wheel tilted without shutting off engine, key slid right out. On further test drive, all power was back to normal. I couldn't believe a small electrical malfunction would or could cause all that havoc.

I really hope this information will help someone else because I have friend with one of those pocket scan devices and it gave a P0740 error code which is the torque converter clutch and its solenoid not to mention labor :) . I looked them up and a new one costs $1399 and up. whew---eee.

later

(in reply to tazordep)

Post #: 2

RE: Tilting Steering Wheel turns off engine - 1/6/2008 6:45:31 PM

tazordep

Posts: 12
Joined: 8/7/2007
Status: offline

addendum:

I took the battery to AutoZone to have checked, they said the battery was fine.

(in reply to tazordep)

Post #: 3