Steering Wheel on Volkswagen Golf Locks in Place When Flat Towing Behind a Motor Home

Updated 05/18/2015 | Published 05/17/2015

Question:

Our toad is a vw golf. We use a road master towing system. On occasion the wheels lock up when turning. But on our recent trip we were moving along at about 50 mph on a straight road with some un even areas in the road. The cars wheels locked at an angle then was dragged a bit till we could stop. The car seems fine the tires were smoking a bit,the wheels were straightened out then we continued on. Very scary! Our trip back was fine with no issues. This doesnt happen all the time we tow so I cant figure out why it is happening. Hope you can give me som idea as to why this happens. Thanks.

asked by: Kelly

Expert Reply:

The key may not be in the right position or there could be something wrong with the ignition switch/lockout feature used to unlock the steering when the key is in the right position.

I suppose it is possible that with a heavy enough key chain it could turn the key or damage the ignition cylinder there where the key is inserted.

I would take the Golf to a Volkswagen dealer and explain what is happening and have them check things related to the steering lock/unlock mechanism when the key is turned.

expert reply by: Michael H