Steering locks (US of A)

[SansSuit 1]

Here is another memo I missed.

I recently purchased a new Ford Fiesta. (Laugh if you must, I average 39 mpg.) I noticed that it does not have a mechanical lock for the steering. With the engine off and the key removed, the steering wheel is free to rotate. I can coast the last .25 mile home, make multiple turns, and negotiate to my parking spot, all with the key in my pocket.

Are all mechanical steering locks gone? If so, when did this happen? Is it just on some cars? If so, what is the determining factor? I thought it was law at some point that all cars had to have them.

Thanks!

Peace,
-Dawson.
http://www.SansSuit.com
The Society for the Advancement of Naked Skydiving

[airtwardo 7]

wouldn't worry...who would steal it?

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[AggieDave 6]

So you stole your car?

Call the dealer, I really don't think it is supposed to do that.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[Divalent 155]

But how about those keyless ignitions systems?

(Anyone remember that window of time when they just put in those steering wheel locking mechanisms, but you could still shut off the engine and remove the key without being in park or neutral? Really put the kibash on a common teenage prank.)

[BillyVance 35]

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But how about those keyless ignitions systems?

(Anyone remember that window of time when they just put in those steering wheel locking mechanisms, but you could still shut off the engine and remove the key without being in park or neutral? Really put the kibash on a common teenage prank.)

Hell, my first car, a '64 Buick Special, you could drive down the street and just pull the key out of the ignition without shutting the engine off!

Edited to add: It did have power steering, believe it or not! Even with a giant ass steering wheel.

"Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban

[aphid 0]

'62 Biscayne. Same, same.

[futuredivot 0]

Read "The World According To Garp" and you may rethink that, or at least hope nobody else does it.

You are only as strong as the prey you devour

[JohnMitchell 16]

I'm a big fan of coasting. But I leave the lights on and the key in the "run" position so the brake lights and turn signals all work. The Garp thing . .. yikes.

[BrokenR1 0]

I've coasted down hills before to see how fast I could get going by the bottom. Gotta turn it off and back to run so the steering won't lock though. Fun on motorcycles too.

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Rap is to music what etch-a-sketch is to art.

[skydiver30960 0]

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Hell, my first car, a '64 Buick Special, you could drive down the street and just pull the key out of the ignition without shutting the engine off! .

The ignition cylinders of Jeep Wranglers are notorious for the same. Mine isn't worn enough yet, but there are countless posts on Jeep forums about drivers taking the keys out of the ignition and handing them to their passengers while driving (engine running and all) down the road.

Stories also abound about people starting their jeeps with screwdrivers and whatnot. I guess once a Jeep gets old enough it kinda falls off the "hit list" for car thieves.

As far as steering locks go, I don't see it as being a huge problem unless it bothers you. How much do you have invested in the Fiesta? Is it all pimped out with hydraulics, fat spinners, and badass (read as: crappy) that just makes the whole trunk rattle instead of play music?


Elvisio "fuzzy dice all the way" Rodriguez

[AggieDave 6]

Ford Fiesta with no steering locks?


"I believe I can fly..."

http://carguideblog.com/wp-content/uploads/Ford-Fiesta-rally-kit-4.jpg?cda6c1

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."