2020 Sonic does not lock the steering wheel

[Bob Nodine]

I asked if I could remove the key on my Sonic while towing over on irv2 and one individual told me no because the steering wheel would lock. He sad locking steering wheels have been mandated since 1990. I did not think that was correct but to be safe left the key in the ignition. The manual says to leave the key in the ignition on ACC but I felt that was only to keep power on the 12 volt outlet if you were using a supplemental brake plugged into that source of 12 volts. We don't need that because we have a 12 volt outlet wired to the battery under the seat.

Got home and decided to jack up the Sonic and test the steering wheel for a lock. It does not lock and I believe I can just turn the key off and remove it while towing. Any thoughts? Check the video I made below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Q4a...l=RobertNodine

Bob

[Popfla]

My Jeep steering wheel doesn't lock, either. I believe most Jeeps are that way. I can't think of any reason why you can't remove the key. Does the Sonic's owner manual give any guidance on flat towing?

[paulwadley]

My 2014 Ford Flex does not have a locking steering wheel and I am now using a tow dolly to bring it along on our trips.


Paul

[EA37TS]

Key on ACC may be to provide power to electronic steering controls while towing.

That was the reason some older Jeep’s need a supplemental wiring harness installed to elimtthe wobble.

Follow the manuals procedures.

[16ACE27]

I have towed a 2016 Sonic for close to 5 years.

The steering wheel does not lock.

You can leave the key in ACC and all power turns off after about 10 minutes - that is the purpose of removing the DLIS fuse.

Another benefit of removing the DLIS fuse which the GM engineers didn't think about is; it removes the gear shift/key interlock so you can turn the key to OFF with the transmission in Neutral - this is what I do. Then I use the FOB to lock the doors.

I also leave the DLIS fuse removed for normal day-to-day driving; one less thing to worry about when connecting to tow. It makes the Sonic very simple to tow 4 down.

[Bob Nodine]

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

I have towed a 2016 Sonic for close to 5 years.

The steering wheel does not lock.

You can leave the key in ACC and all power turns off after about 10 minutes - that is the purpose of removing the DLIS fuse.

Another benefit of removing the DLIS fuse which the GM engineers didn't think about is; it removes the gear shift/key interlock so you can turn the key to OFF with the transmission in Neutral - this is what I do. Then I use the FOB to lock the doors.

I also leave the DLIS fuse removed for normal day-to-day driving; one less thing to worry about when connecting to tow. It makes the Sonic very simple to tow 4 down.

So Ted, do you tow with the key in the ignition and on ACC? It is not clear to me from your description if you do or do not. You say you lock the doors with the FOB so maybe you do take the key out or have the FOB removed from the key and still leave the key in the steering. Leaving the ignition in ACC like the manual instructs does not make sense to me.

Bob

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Bob Nodine

So Ted, do you tow with the key in the ignition and on ACC? It is not clear to me from your description if you do or do not. You say you lock the doors with the FOB so maybe you do take the key out or have the FOB removed from the key and still leave the key in the steering. Leaving the ignition in ACC like the manual instructs does not make sense to me.

Bob

What? You didn't read my mind??

Yes, I remove the key before locking the car. I agree, the procedure in the manual is not clear and kinda leaves you hanging like they forgot to finish it.

[Bob Denman]

I don't even think I can lock my cars: with a key left inside...
2016 Smart
2021 Lincoln

[Bob Nodine]

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

What? You didn't read my mind??

Yes, I remove the key before locking the car. I agree, the procedure in the manual is not clear and kinda leaves you hanging like they forgot to finish it.

Thanks Ted.