Just observed that on my 99 Camry, the steering wheel does not lock when the ignition key is turned to "LOCK" position and then removed. (even when the steering wheel is then moved from side to side to try and get the locking pin to engage.) Actually it works very very occasionally. Not worried from a security angle since I assume that jimmying the ignition would release the pin anyway, but wonder - does this present any hazard that the pin could engage while driving, because something must be slightly out of alignment. Nothing has been overstressed or damaged and it may well have been this way when I purchased it new.
Anyone know exactly how this mechanism works and what physically keeps the pin safely retracted while driving?
Thnx for any info
Allan