I used to own a Citroen which used to settle down on its suspension as they do.  Unless the front wheels were pointing straight ahead this settling jammed the steering lock and I had to pull hard left or right on the steering wheel to release things before I could switch on.

 

On my TDI Rapid I get this "lock up" every time I return to my parked car.  Wheels left right or straight ---all the same.

 

It is a bit of a pain to be honest especially when it takes two handed force to get it to release.

 

I can't believe this is normal --or is it.

Any ideas what causes it?   Are Citroen making Rapids under licence?  Anyone also got it?

Many thanks.

Are you talking about the steering lock?

 

It should only lock with the keys out of the ignition and after giving the wheel a good tug in either direction.

Well in answer to your question---I don't know.  I drive where I'm going. Stop. Put on hand brake turn off ignition and pull key out of key hole.

Nothing else.    When I return I put key in ignition and it will not turn till I force steering wheel either left or right, pretty hard it is too, before key will turn.

 

If this is normal that is fine.  But what the hell good does it do apart from building up my forearms ?

 

And come to think of it this did not happen when I first got the car IIRC.  I keep checking my tyre wear in case tracking is shot. 

 

I am puzzled and don't like it but if it is normal so be it.

 

Thank you for your reply.

From whatt you seem to describe any car I have had has done this, 2 Rovers, Honda and Renaults's

Sometimes when I enter or exit the car, I hit the steering wheel with my leg and this causes the steering wheel to lock. Same thing can happen if you hold onto the steering wheel while exiting the car.

Unlocking it shouldn't require any major force, just insert the key into the ignition and while trying to turn the key lightly jiggle the steering wheel.

Yes, I think it is the slight movement of the steering wheel as you are getting out of the car that is locking the steering. If it isn't then I think you do have a fault.

 

Pat

The last car I had that didn't do that was a 1983 Metro. And only because some gorilla had broken the steering lock.

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Sounds like normal steering lock behaviour to me, most of the time a slight amount of pressure on the steering wheel while turning the key will do it, other times it can be a little more awkward. I've never really thought anything of it, my Fiesta and Fabia were exactly the same in terms of the randomness of the amount of force required when turning the wheel to disengage the steering lock.

Very many thanks to all.

 

I know I'm getting old but I did not realise I was so gormless.  I had never noticed this until recently when it seems to have stiffened up a lot---it take a damn hard tug these days to get the key to move.  I'm getting feeble as well.

I will monitor it.  In fact I'll monitor both

 Thanks.