Disable Steering Lock
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
From: Florida
Disable Steering Lock
Hi Everyone,
I tow my 2004 RX330 behind my motorhome with all four wheels on the ground. I currently have to have the key on to keep the steering wheel unlocked. The problem with that is the battery runs down sometimes. I've tried feeding power from the motorhome but I still end up with a dead battery now and then. I'm tired of troubleshooting the electrical system to determine why.
So, I want to disable the steering wheel lock so the steering will be free WITHOUT a key in the ignition. I'd appreciate any help / advice you might have before I start tearing the steering apart.
For example, does anybody have an exploded diagram of the steering wheel lock mechanism?
Any advice on how best to disable the lock?
Are there any interlocks or other sneaky immobilizer things I need to worry about?
Thanks in advance for the help.
PS: I'll try to head off the concerned posts about towing. I use a REMCO lube pump powered by the motorhome electrical system that keeps the RX transmission happy while towing.
I tow my 2004 RX330 behind my motorhome with all four wheels on the ground. I currently have to have the key on to keep the steering wheel unlocked. The problem with that is the battery runs down sometimes. I've tried feeding power from the motorhome but I still end up with a dead battery now and then. I'm tired of troubleshooting the electrical system to determine why.
So, I want to disable the steering wheel lock so the steering will be free WITHOUT a key in the ignition. I'd appreciate any help / advice you might have before I start tearing the steering apart.
For example, does anybody have an exploded diagram of the steering wheel lock mechanism?
Any advice on how best to disable the lock?
Are there any interlocks or other sneaky immobilizer things I need to worry about?
Thanks in advance for the help.
PS: I'll try to head off the concerned posts about towing. I use a REMCO lube pump powered by the motorhome electrical system that keeps the RX transmission happy while towing.
Lead Lap
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 680
Likes: 0
From: Redmond wa
Simple solution....
Buy an inexpensive (Harbor Freight) dc/ac converter and 5-10 amp battery charger.
Use the battery feed from the tow vehicle to power the converter which powers the charger which will then maintain the battery charge.
You need a good/solid charging voltage supply, capable of up to at least 13.5 volts at the battery to keep it topped off.
Most DC/AC converters will continue to operate with as little as 10.5 volts supplied.
Buy an inexpensive (Harbor Freight) dc/ac converter and 5-10 amp battery charger.
Use the battery feed from the tow vehicle to power the converter which powers the charger which will then maintain the battery charge.
You need a good/solid charging voltage supply, capable of up to at least 13.5 volts at the battery to keep it topped off.
Most DC/AC converters will continue to operate with as little as 10.5 volts supplied.
10th Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
From: NH
Just to ask the obvious (and possibly dumb question) - What about unlocking steering, putting car in neutral and put a properly sized on-off switch on the battery, effectively disconnecting it when towing?
I'm also assuming you have a separate lighting array for the back of the RX (e.g. brakes, turn signals, running lights).
Just a thought ...
I'm also assuming you have a separate lighting array for the back of the RX (e.g. brakes, turn signals, running lights).
Just a thought ...
Lead Lap
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 680
Likes: 0
From: Redmond wa
Just to ask the obvious (and possibly dumb question) - What about unlocking steering, putting car in neutral and put a properly sized on-off switch on the battery, effectively disconnecting it when towing?
I'm also assuming you have a separate lighting array for the back of the RX (e.g. brakes, turn signals, running lights).
Just a thought ...
I'm also assuming you have a separate lighting array for the back of the RX (e.g. brakes, turn signals, running lights).
Just a thought ...
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