Troubleshooting Steering Wheel Lock with Keyless Ignition System on 2021 GMC Sierra 2500

Published 09/22/2021

Question:

Problem is after i successfully get the transfer case in neutral keyless system I interpret it to say put in park and turn it off. When I do the steering wheel locked I can turn it off and leave it in neutral and it’s ok I’ve only taken it from the dealer a few miles and haven’t disconnected the battery yet I don’t know it that will make a difference or not

asked by: Mitchel R

Helpful Expert Reply:

If the steering wheel is locking then one of the steps in the flat towing procedures has been missed; my guess is that it is the part where the battery is disconnected. I do believe that the steering wheel locks when the vehicle is put into Park, so I would go through the complete flat towing procedures as outlined in the owner's manual and disconnect the negative terminal on the battery and then complete the remaining steps. If you want to make the disconnect process quick and easy then I recommend using the Roadmaster Automatic Battery Disconnect with Switch for Towed Vehicle w/ Supplemental Braking System # RM-766; this will keep you from having to open the hood and pull the negative terminal each time you're getting the vehicle ready.

For complete flat towing instructions you'll want to follow the process outlined in the vehicle's owner's manual as you have been, but it's likely that the power to the vehicle is locking the steering wheel and you will want to disconnect that to ensure the vehicle isn't damaged during transit.

expert reply by: Erik B