2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee -
I was towing my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee behind the MH today, and with the Jeep key in it's correct position ( I've towed the Jeep more than 6,000 miles), the steering wheel locked up (3 times). It s...
Forum Discussion
Ron,
While an alignment check might be something to look at, unless something's gone seriously wrong with your alignment, I don't think that should be your issue. You see, if your alignment had gone bad, enough to cause your issue(s), I'd sure think you'd notice some odd behavior in just driving the toad.
I don't know if you've ever had those steering wheel locks apart or not but, I have and, while it's not often, they can get defective, warped, bent etc. enough to cause issues. And, I've had the key system out of several jeeps and, it too can wear and cause issues. The steering wheel lock mechanism is nothing but a round plate, with a series of slots (almost round)cut into the outer perimeter.
The ignition/key mechanism has the "pin" that is retracted or, inserted into any one of those slots, depending on steering wheel position when the ignition is turned off. But, again while not common, that pin and the plate with the holes/slots can get together almost without the key being turned off. It's incredibly rare, due to the liability of such a phenomenon while driving the car.
Another possibility of your problem is, on rare occasions, the wheels can simply "lock" in a turned position. I've had it happen a few times on one of our Jeeps. It usually only happens when the toads wheels hit the limit stops and, for whatever unknown reason, fail to return to the straight forward position. It doesn't mean there's an alignment problem though. You see, cars/trucks/SUVs/ etc. were all designed and meant to "drive" not tow. It just so happens we, as RVrs, tow many of them and, usually without issues. So, go ahead and check the alignment but, consider other possibilities too.
Scott
While an alignment check might be something to look at, unless something's gone seriously wrong with your alignment, I don't think that should be your issue. You see, if your alignment had gone bad, enough to cause your issue(s), I'd sure think you'd notice some odd behavior in just driving the toad.
I don't know if you've ever had those steering wheel locks apart or not but, I have and, while it's not often, they can get defective, warped, bent etc. enough to cause issues. And, I've had the key system out of several jeeps and, it too can wear and cause issues. The steering wheel lock mechanism is nothing but a round plate, with a series of slots (almost round)cut into the outer perimeter.
The ignition/key mechanism has the "pin" that is retracted or, inserted into any one of those slots, depending on steering wheel position when the ignition is turned off. But, again while not common, that pin and the plate with the holes/slots can get together almost without the key being turned off. It's incredibly rare, due to the liability of such a phenomenon while driving the car.
Another possibility of your problem is, on rare occasions, the wheels can simply "lock" in a turned position. I've had it happen a few times on one of our Jeeps. It usually only happens when the toads wheels hit the limit stops and, for whatever unknown reason, fail to return to the straight forward position. It doesn't mean there's an alignment problem though. You see, cars/trucks/SUVs/ etc. were all designed and meant to "drive" not tow. It just so happens we, as RVrs, tow many of them and, usually without issues. So, go ahead and check the alignment but, consider other possibilities too.
Scott
