Community Forums

jondrew55 · 06-10-2017, 01:25 PM

Has anyone disabled the steering column on a 2014 CRV? I know this doesn't solve everything for flat towing, but it's a start. I imagine you can put the transmission in neutral by pressing the lock override under the little tab next to the transmission selector.

dennis45 · 06-10-2017, 02:50 PM

What does it say in your owners manual?

My 13 CRV says to start the engine, shift to drive, 2nd, 1st then Neutral. Shut off the engine.
DO NOT SHIFT FROM REVERSE TO NEUTRAL. Bad things will happen.
Leave the key in Aux position. Turn off the AC and sound system.
You're ready to tow. Steering is unlocked. You may lock the doors manually using your spare key.

docj · 06-10-2017, 03:03 PM

The owner's manual for your 2014 CR-V has explicit instructions for flat towing the vehicle that can be found on page 235. There is absolutely NO reason to have to disable the steering column lock since a key is supposed to be left in the accessory/aux position while the vehicle is being towed.

The most important instructions have to do with the transmission. It is essential that the transmission be left in neutral and that the neutral position is entered from the Drive position and NOT from reverse. It's my understanding that failing to do that would be disastrous.

Our 2014 CR-V has been towed for ~30,000 miles with no problems following these procedures.

jondrew55 · 06-10-2017, 03:36 PM

I may not have been clear. I want to make my steering wheel so it never locks.

I found a video describing How to remove the entire lock assembly. The pin that engages the column is in there. It's probably easy enough to grind that off.

docj · 06-10-2017, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jondrew

I may not have been clear. I want to make my steering wheel so it never locks.

I presume you want to do this so you don't have to leave a key in the ignition? We use the Valet Key and have locking hitch pins on the tow bar so no one can drive off with it.

If you don't like using a real key, have a locksmith make an unchipped key that won't start the car. IMHO that's a better solution than risking voiding the Honda warranty with an unauthorized modification. JMO

dennis45 · 06-10-2017, 05:15 PM

Tampering with any steering /safety related part could come back to bite you in a big way. Not only Honda warranty.

Mr_D · 06-10-2017, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by docj

I presume you want to do this so you don't have to leave a key in the ignition? We use the Valet Key and have locking hitch pins on the tow bar so no one can drive off with it.

If you don't like using a real key, have a locksmith make an unchipped key that won't start the car. IMHO that's a better solution than risking voiding the Honda warranty with an unauthorized modification. JMO

2014 CR-V like I also have won't have a Honda warranty anyway.

I had a non-chipped key made for the '05 Ody we used to tow, by holding the chipped key next to the lock you could start and run the Ody. I tried that with the CR-V and sometimes it'll work but most of the time not. Gave up and use the valet key now.

HighMobious · 06-10-2017, 06:43 PM

I too have a 2014 CR-V. I follow the instructions as written on page 235. No problems. I had a switch put in to make sure the radio, etc. is off. BTW my valet key does start the car, but not unlock the clovebox.

docj · 06-10-2017, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HighMobious

I too have a 2014 CR-V. I follow the instructions as written on page 235. No problems. I had a switch put in to make sure the radio, etc. is off. BTW my valet key does start the car, but not unlock the clovebox.

Yes, the valet key is supposed to start the car. That's why you give it to the valet when you leave the car to be parked!

With sedans the valet key usually doesn't open the trunk but with today's cars all having remotes that's of little consequence. I don't think I even have a locking glovebox for it not to open!

MSHappyCampers · 06-11-2017, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jondrew

Has anyone disabled the steering column on a 2014 CRV? I know this doesn't solve everything for flat towing, but it's a start. I imagine you can put the transmission in neutral by pressing the lock override under the little tab next to the transmission selector.

The 2014 CRV is Honda approved for flat towing. Just follow the directions in the owner's manual!

twinboat · 06-11-2017, 04:19 PM

If you want to take it apart and disable it, go for it !

I bent my lock pin in my Kia Soul, while jackknifing my dolly. Took it apart in a CG and got the pieces out. No more locking steering for me.

Go down to the " Hood " . Find a car thief. They will unlock it in under 13 seconds.

docj · 06-11-2017, 05:22 PM

I'm still puzzled by the OP's reasons for wanting to do this. Is it just to avoid having to keep a key in the ignition while towing?

Healeyman · 06-12-2017, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by docj

Is it just to avoid having to keep a key in the ignition while towing?

Doc,

I have disabled the steering wheel lock on 2 of my towed vehicles and will be doing a 3rd one soon.

For ME, it is not about the key, but about the Electrical system.

On MY cars, with the key in the ACC. position and a fuse pulled not ALL of the accessories are off and parasitic battery could still be an issue.

I have found it fairly easy to disable the wheel lock and that mitigates ALL of my concerns.

Tim

Mr_D · 06-12-2017, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HighMobious

I too have a 2014 CR-V. I follow the instructions as written on page 235. No problems. I had a switch put in to make sure the radio, etc. is off. BTW my valet key does start the car, but not unlock the clovebox.

That's all it's supposed to do. That way the valet can park and retrieve your car but not rifle through the glove box, or, in the case of the Ody, the floor storage tray.