This just popped up on the dash when I tried to start my car. The ignition would not turn but the steering wheel started to move into position. Anyone have any experience with this failure?

 

I found the answer on the British Lexus site. If anyone experiences the no-start issue, try moving the steering wheel side to side. The steering column lock pin tends to get pinched and won't allow the ignition switch to turn.

 

Yep happens to mine occasionally. Very disturbing the first time.. Lexus adviser said to just move the wheel slightly and it will allow ignition turn. Service tech could not duplicate problem when I had them look at it.

At least on my car, I have found that if I turn the ignition to start the engine without my hands on the wheel, the sticking ignition issue never happens. Note that i have my cbest settings changed to not auto move the steering wheel when engine starts and stops.

To me at least the steering wheel auto move was a fairly useless feature and it seemed to me that based on anecdotal evidence the steering column motors are a weak point on the car so turned off cbest option to preserve motors. I am gonna drive my LS till they make a full size plug in hybrid that gets 100mpg + to replace it.

 

Thank God for cell phones, Siri, Club Lex, and you! I've had my car for all of three days, and I was just now sitting in the supermarket parking lot when I had the same problem. The starter switch wouldn't turn, but there was a Check ST lock message on the instrument panel. Of course, I didn't have the manual with me, but I thought to ask Siri, who led me to this thread. I took your suggestion, and it did the trick. Thanks from an LS 430 newbie!