Anyone have experience replacing a steering lock actuator on Gen 3 RX450? Can it be done on the car or do I have to pull the steering column? Thanks!

 

I saw your other post and it mentions you can turn the steering wheel. So are you getting a communication fault but no real fault?
I would check with locksmith too. I suspect it is an older mechanism now controlled by servo.

Salim

 

It's a "keyless" system, just a FOB. From what I've deduced from the repair manual I downloaded, when the car is off and you can still turn the wheels, then the steering lock actuator is not working. So it does not output an "ok" during system startup check which causes the immobilizer system to kick in and prevent the car from going into "READY" mode. Since I didn't find a bad fuse anywhere, I suspect the actuator itself failed. I plan to get to the actuator connector to check voltages to confirm before buying a new one.

The manual also says the actuator is held on by 2 bolts. To remove, put the steering column in a vice, drill a pilot hole in each bolt and remove using a "bolt extractor". Thought I'd ask if anyone else has been down that road and whether it could be done without removing the steering column. Will let you know what I find. Thanks Salim.

 

You may want to do some searching at the Toyota Nation forum for the 3rd generation Highlander as it is a mechanical twin.
I would consider a global Toyota and Lexus search both on CL and TN as I suspect most of them use the same part.

 

Update: Replaced the steering lock actuator which cleared the "CHECK STEERING LOCK" warning on the display. Looking into C1256 code now.

 

I have the same issue, did you end up taking steering column off and work on bench or can you remove the actuator in car? thanks.