Steering Column Remains Locked When Trying To Flat Tow My 2021 GMC Yukon AT4

Updated 06/25/2025 | Published 08/31/2021

Question:

I recently purchased a 2021 GMC Yukon AT4 4x4 with 2 speed transfer case, neutral 4low positions to flat tow. Just finished having everything installed in the motor home and the car to flat tow. I followed all the instructions on how to get the car ready to tow, put the 4x4 into neutral, put the car in park, turned off the engine, then turn on acc/accessory by pushing the start button with foot off the pedal. Car power turns on, engine off but the steering column remains locked and won’t turn freely. Do you have any suggestions?

asked by: Kyle M

Expert Reply:

After looking at the manual for your 2021 GMC Yukon, it seems like you're following the manufactures directions correctly. here are the steps you followed.

1. Position the vehicle being towed behind the tow vehicle, facing forward and on a level surface.

2. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the tow vehicle.

3. Apply the parking brake and start the engine.

4. Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral). Shifting into N (Neutral)” under Four-Wheel Drive 0 236 for the proper procedure. Check that the vehicle is in N (Neutral) by shifting the transmission to R (Reverse) and then to D (Drive).There should be no movement of the vehicle while shifting.

5. Shift the transmission to P (Park).Caution Failure to tow the vehicle with the transmission in P (Park) can cause damage to the transmission.

6. Turn off the engine.

7. Place the vehicle in ACC/ACCESSORY mode by pressing the start button without stepping on the brake pedal.

8. Release the parking brake only when you are confident it is secured to tow vehicle and will not roll.

9. Disconnect the negative battery cable at the battery and secure the nut and bolt. Cover the negative battery post with anon-conductive material to prevent any contact with the negative battery terminal.

10. Move the steering wheel to make sure the steering column is unlocked.

11. Rock the vehicle to make sure the parking brake is not set and transfer case is in N (Neutral).

In STEP 3, be sure to move the wheel to make sure that it's unlocked. the steering column lock is a theft-deterrent device. This feature locks the steering column when the vehicle is turned off and the driver door is opened, or when the driver door is opened and then the vehicle is turned off. The steering column unlocks when the vehicle is turned on.

If that doesn't work, try keeping the key inside the vehicle once you've gone through all these steps. The immobilization system is disarmed when the ignition is turned on or to ACC/ACCESSORY and a valid remote key is present in the vehicle.

If your battery disconnect switch # RM-766 isn't working correctly, this could also be the issue.

If this doesn't work, we may need to reach out to your dealer so they can check to see if there is something going on with the programming of the vehicle.