skyhawk62y

I feel kind of stupid for asking this question, considering I am a mechanical engineer by education and trade but I am really am baffled by a noise in the dash I keep hearing.

When I push the 'engine start' button I hear a sound coming from the dash near the gauge cluster that sounds like some kind of stepper motor actuating something. It actuates right before the engine cranks and also actuates again when the car has been turned off and the driver's door is opened.

Does anyone know what this is?

Bichon

Yes, it's the steering lock. It's an anti-theft device that keeps the steering wheel from turning when the car is off.

skyhawk62y

Ha! Thanks, that makes total sense. I don't know why that didn't occur to me.

istarzan

iTrader: (8)

Lol I heard the same thing and was wondering too. Thanks!

Sango

iTrader: (10)

I've been wondering about that too but I just considered it as a electronic version of the steering lock. You know in the old cars, you turn the wheel when the car is off and you hear the streeting "click".

kinglexus99

LOL @ this thread.

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

I noticed that noise only occurs after you open the door after turning off the car too.

KillaIS250

iTrader: (1)

Lol when i first got my IS i thought that sound was weird too.

rookieIS

iTrader: (8)

Never knew what the sound was. Thanks for clarifying!

100degrees

iTrader: (1)

Wow I was wondering the same. Why is it so loud though on a luxury brand.

NastyIS

iTrader: (1)

Same here as everyone else. I've wondered what that was since I bought my IS.