Hello,

I was at some traffic lights (US: stop light) today when my (automatic transmission) 2004 Chrysler Crossfire engine cut out (stopped), all warning lights came on and stayed on and the steering wheel locked. I put the gear stick (US: shift lever) back into park position, put the handbrake on, turned the key to the off position and then tried to start the car. This would just illuminate all of the warning lights again but the engine would not start and the startup motor would not whirr. I got my fiancee clear of the car, phoned breakdown recovery, phoned the traffic police and started stopping traffic so lorries (US: trucks) and buses could get round my car. Someone came along about 10 minutes later to help me push the car out of the middle of the road, but when I got in the car at that point I tried starting it and it worked perfectly. I felt like a bit of an idiot (US: buffoon), but was nevertheless very relieved.

I have read that it could be a problem with the steering wheel column pin, but would be interested in your views before I start shelling out more money on this car, particularly if you have had the same problem. The problem has happened once (today), but is worrying.

Any idea what the problem is with the car?

For information:- I had a similar (but not the same) problem on the car quite recently, when the engine cut out at the traffic lights (US: stop lights), but the car would restart and the steering wheel was not locked. I had the crank shaft position sensor replaced, so it is not that.

Thank you, in advance, for any comments.

Grant.