Unlocking Of Steering Lock

If the battery voltage is 9V or less, the steering lock will be inoperative.

When a valid key is inserted and confirmed, the steering lock ECU activates the steering lock motor in the unlock direction. Movement from the locked to the unlocked position is detected by the Hall sensor in the motor and sensed by the steering lock ECU.

When the Hall sensor detects that the unlocked position has been reached, the ECU brakes the motor. The safety release solenoid actuator is de-energized and its spring loaded pin drops into a recess in the locking bolt. This forms a mechanical lock securing the locking bolt in the unlocked position preventing the steering lock from being applied when the vehicle is being operated. A Hall sensor in the safety release solenoid actuator informs the steering lock ECU of this condition. Once the unlocking procedure is successfully performed, the steering lock ECU de-energizes the steering lock motor.

Once the steering is successfully unlocked, the ignition switch lock disengages allowing the key to be turned to positions II and III.