Wheels straight...sorry about sister news.....

 

Did you take the tumblers out when you did this procedure? If so, is it possible they have not been replaced properly?

 

I followed the write up - except I did not replace the hatch cover. It was kinda beat up.

 

I had a stick shift at one time and I cannot recall what kind, if any, interlock there is on the ignition switch. If there is one maybe it has come loose after not being attached properly.
I would take it apart again and see where the trouble lies, it probably is an assembly problem as the chances of a problem arising unconnected to the fix are slim to none.

 

Yeah, seems like I have no choice. I'm still puzzled why it worked initially - ok round 2

 

I extended out steering wheel - coaxed key and it turns normal - felt slight resistance at first turn movement then turns free. Key now works w/steering wheel at all positions. Should I take it apart for the sake of re-assembly?

 

If it works OK you are good to go. Wheels can be straight ahead but I have found that parking on a slanted surface will twist the steering wheel against the locking pin and make hard to turn the key. Slightly turning the steering wheel away from the lock frees the key.

 

Well, took apart - messed w/angle of cylinder a bit - seems ok again. Quirky. I just love working on cars!

 

Glad your getting a lot of experience with the key/locking assembly! You earlier suggested you left something off (hatch cover)? I am not totally familiar with the internals BUT if that hatch cover should be there to hold something else in alignment, maybe you need to straighten it out and reinstall it? You did suggest you 'redo' the fix from start to finish, might be a good idea. The reason, it should not be (normally) effected when your steering wheel is readjusted. So, if you 'redo' the fix it might clue you in to why it is acting erratically. Also, do not forget to properly 'LOCK' the steering wheel lock, before driving. Good luck, intermittent mechanical things like this are sometimes hard to nail down.


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