Disabling Steering Wheel Lock - RX300

Our 2000 Lexus RX300 steering wheel locked 3 times while driving, sending us over a curb and nearly hitting a tree.
We needed a solution fast.
Option 1: Pay a dealership upwards of $1,500 for a new ignition unit
Option 2: Disable the steering lock feature for free.
Most cars made after 2015 don't have locking steering wheels because people aren't hot wiring cars anymore. Apparently there are more sophisticated ways to steal a car and this security feature is now obsolete. This is also handy if you're installing push-button start.

Hopefully this helps you if you're having similar problems.

[Lordoflarp_skrr]

4 yo video and its still helping. My wheel locked up on my 4runner today.

[rubenpaz]

The best tutorial I have seen about this common problem, I had mine lock enough like to make me throw the car in a dich ….Thanks a million... you are the best. And is true Lexus should have a recall on this problem,

[GaryShahabian]

This is the 'fix'. I was able to drill thru the mechanism and screw in a wood style course thread to lock out the culprit 'pin' WITHOUT removing the unit from the car.
This is a potential life treating problem that can lock the steering wheel while driving.
Toyota needs to do a public awareness campaign to fix these gen 1 rx300.
THANK YOU for posting this fix. I don't know how to make ALL rx300 owners aware of this problem.
Yes you can do the wiggle the steering wheel fix in an emergency, but if it happens often, STOP DRIVING that car until a DIY (or mechanic) can drill and disable that locking device. IT CAN SAVE A LIFE!

[Salvation]

Broooo, thank you so much. I'm installing currently a push start system on my 97 4runner, let me tell you! Your little drill bit trick seems to be saving my day; and many more guys and or gals that are in a similar situation like mines. Thank you so much for your video and 2 thumbs up 👍👍 on my end.

[HeathOakrayzy]

Bro you should do tutorial videos for fixes like this all the time this was great I really appreciate it!

[JohnNorris]

I think it is that little plastic part on the back, the actuator/motor that raises, lowers the pin. You can replace it for $50

[Markkzilla]

My car is a 02 IS300 and I think im having this issue but it wasn’t from driving, think I didn’t realize the steering was turned to the right before I lifted the car to check my suspension, when checking the front driver side wheel to see if I had any play in the ball joints I noticed with enough pressure I was able to turn the wheel slightly, once It was back down, the wheel key won’t go passed ACC and the wheel is locked just moves slightly from side to side.

[Crissttian_]

I see you posted this a year ago. How is this still holding up? I have a 03 Lexus is300 and it’s locked up on me 3 times while driving and I need a solution fast! I want to try this method!

[carms]

My corsa pick up just wouldnt unlock steering at all. Made a beeping sound when i tried to turn the key but wouldnt turn nor unlock the steering. Its at the mechanic i hope they can fix it.

[Othksjsj]

I have concern about my car it the Power steering is locked at high speed more than 120 km/h and it happening after driving one hour it get locked the starring and not moving smoothly and my car is lexus is 200 t 2016. In spite of that there is no alarm in car showing. Is the solution in the video will be the same for my car issue?!

[jordanhogsett]

I appreciate it. I had to do the same thing after someone broke my ignition barrel trying to steal my car. I had already replaced the ignition switch but the damn lock keep getting stuck even though ive got my key in the ignition

[ladymandella]

Thank you!!! I also thought... What about grinding or shaving the locking bolt off?... So it doesn't come out at all?....

[BobMerendina]

Thanks, my daughter has push button start. Im 210 lbs and could not rock wheel back and forth to free up. Finally tapped with hammer and dog/ pin retracted. Will do this if it happens again. Lexus is not help when working on vehichels.

[memeco]

Not many videos on this. my very old corolla wouldn't start. I change the cylinder. Found out the ignition wires were off as the screw came out. "fixed" it, it would start but locked on acc, on and start but free on lock. Try the old key cylinder and the same thing happening. I just bought the wires or cables too. If that doesn't fix it I will have to do something like this. But I have to buy a drill... Let's see what happens. Thank you for the idea.
Back, I just another video where they tap the bolts off or make a slit on the bolts. Hope it's the wire assembly because it was working fine before.

[alejandromazariegos]

My Camry for lock and now I can’t start it I had to call a tow truck I truck every possible way it’s in the internet but is not working

[joydeva]

Brother my car when I start steering wheel lock I try to start few minutes later will start after car drive on time ignition key flash on dash boat then drive a car and parked and switch off it then start again it wan 't start your video watch now I can clear thanks

[grasshop]

I really appreciate your video thank you

[kylejorgensen]

Was useful to locate the assembly. As I had removed the lower garnish, my temporary method was tap the assembly with a slender long wrench while turning the key AND moving the steering wheel back and forth, a third hand required. Broke free. The specter of having the pin engaging with the column while driving is scary. I will probably do something similar to here. I have had to replace ignition assemblies before on my recovered stolen car, a grinder to help grind some slots in the head worked well or, a hand held hack saw blade, tedious. But cheap. The bolts have a twist off head, all designed to help prevent theft, not sure it really helps.

[josephmedina]

I bought a '03 lexus gs300 and having this very same problem . This so called safety feature can lock up while driving does not sound safe at all .