Steering wheel WONT lock when key is removed

Sorry no pictures
Replacing the Front Heater Core in a 2006 Dodge Caravan.
1 Turn the steering wheel so that the wheels point straight forward.
2 Disconnect the negative (black) battery cable.
3 Drain the coolant by twisting open the valve at the bottom of the radiator. Use a clean container that holds at least 10.5 quarts. You will reuse the coolant later.
4 Remove the panel on the lower left side of the steering column and disconnect the parking brake cable with a pair of pliers.
5 Unscrew the 10 bolts that connect the steering column cover liner to the instrument panel and remove the cover.
6 Turn the key to the LOCK position and turn the steering wheel to the LOCKED position.
7 Unhook the gear shift cable and remove its mounting bracket.
8 Unscrew the two screws that connect the bezel to the instrument panel and remove the retaining clips. Remove the bezel.
9 Remove the two screws that connect the steering column shroud to the column and remove the shroud.
10 Remove the coupler from the steering column and intermediate steering shaft.
11 Loosen the nuts that connect the lower steering column mounting bracket, but do not remove them. Completely remove the two nuts and washers from the upper bracket.
12 Pull out the steering column.
13 Remove the interconnect and bracket that connects the instrument panel to the chassis wiring.
14 Remove the boot from the bottom of the steering shaft.
15 Use locking pliers to pinch off the heater hoses in the engine compartment. Remove the plate covering the heater core (the hoses run through it) and disconnect the hoses.
16 Unclip the connectors that hold in the heater core. Lift the accelerator pedal to enable you to slide the heater core out part way. Press the brake pedal to make room to completely remove the heater core.
17 Replace the heater core. Installation is the reverse of removal. The nuts on the steering column mounting bracket should be torqued to 105 ft. lbs. Torque the pinch bolt on the coupler to 21 ft. lbs.

The 2001 Dodge caravan has 2 heater cores - front (the main one), and the rear. Removal of the
rear heater core is a whole different procedure than the front.

Front Heater Core - Removal and Installation

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions Section.
2. Align the wheels in the straight-ahead position.
3. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
   CAUTION Before working around the steering wheel or the instrument panel all 2 minutes to pass to allow the air bag module to discharge.
   
4. Drain the cooling system into a clean container for reuse.
5. Remove the steering column, by removing or disconnect the following:
   
   Lower left side steering column cover Parking brake release cable from the parking brake lever 10 steering column cover liner-to-instrument panel bolts and the cover liner
6. Rotate the key to the LOCK position; then, rotate the steering wheel to the LOCKED position.
   
   Gear selector cable and its mounting bracket as an assembly from the upper steering column mounting bracket 2 instrument cluster trim bezel-to-instrument panel screws, retaining clips and bezel 2 steering column shroud-to-steering column screws and the shroud Steering column-to-intermediate steering shaft coupler
   
7. Loosen but do not remove the 2 lower steering column mounting bracket nuts/washers.
   
   2 upper steering column mounting bracket nuts/washers Steering column assembly from the vehicle
   
8. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Instrument panel-to-chassis harness interconnect and bracket Lower silencer boot, at the base of the steering shaft
   
9. Working in the engine compartment, pinch off the heater hoses.
   
   Heater core cover. Position some towels under the heater core hoses. Heater core plate and the hoses
   
10. Depress the heater core retaining clips.
11. Lift the accelerator pedal and slide the heater core past it.
12. Depress the brake pedal and remove the heater core from the heater/air conditioning housing assembly.
    
    

    Fig. View of the steering column assembly
    
    
    

    Fig. View of the interconnect and bracket
    
    
    

    Fig. View of the front heater core assembly
    

To install:

1. Depress the brake pedal and install the heater core into the heater/air conditioning housing assembly.
2. Lift the accelerator pedal and slide the heater core past it.
3. Install or connect the following:
   
   Heater hoses (using new O-rings) and the heater core plate Heater core cover Heater hoses clamps, working in the engine compartment Lower silencer boot at the base of the steering shaft Instrument panel-to-chassis harness interconnect and bracket
   
4. Install the steering column assembly by installing or connect the following:
   
   Steering column assembly, carefully into the vehicle. 2 upper and 2 lower steering column mounting bracket nuts/washers. Torque the nuts to 105 inch lbs. (12 Nm). Steering column-to-intermediate steering shaft coupler and tighten the pinch bolt to 21 ft. lbs. (28 Nm) 2 steering column shroud and the shroud-to-steering column screws Bezel, the retaining clips and the 2 instrument cluster trim bezel-to-instrument panel screws Gear selector cable and its mounting bracket as an assembly to the upper steering column mounting bracket 10 steering column cover liner and the cover liner-to-instrument panel bolts Parking brake release cable to the parking brake lever Lower left side steering column cover. Lower left side steering column cover
   
5. Refill the cooling system.
6. Connect the negative battery cable.
7. Run the engine to normal operating temperatures; then, check the climate control operation and check for leaks.

Instructions Things You'll Need:

• Replacement heater core
• Clean container
• Wrench
• Screwdriver
• Steering wheel nut

Removal

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable and wait at least one minute for the air bag system to lose power. Make sure the front wheels are straight ahead and lock the steering column.
   

2. Detach the air bag module by removing the bolts from underneath both sides of the steering wheel and the electrical connector. Remove the steering wheel bolt and press the wheel away from the steering column. Remove the lower steering column cover.
   

3. Insert a 1/8-inch wire or pin punch in the shroud hole under the ignition switch while it's in the "Run" position. Press on the pin and pull on the ignition switch lock cylinder to remove it.
   

4. Disassemble and remove the instrument panel from the Taurus' interior. This includes the radio and all panels, electrical connectors, harnesses and screws. You'll need an assistant to help you lift and remove the instrument panel.
   

5. Drain the engine coolant from the cooling system, using a clean container for reuse. Remove the heater hoses, actuator and metal cover from the heater. Disengage the spring from the heater core cover and the lever.
   

6. Depress the locking ramp and remove the lever from the secondary air temperature control (the lever is brittle, so don't bend it). Remove the primary air conditioning air temperature control door shaft from the pin.
   

7. Remove the heater core cover and seal from the heater/air conditioning housing assembly. Remove the heater core from the heater/air conditioning housing by pressing on the core tubes and assembly.
   

Installation

8. Install the replacement heater core to the heater/air conditioning housing. Install the core cover, seal, lever, spring, metal cover, actuator and heater hoses.
   

9. Replace and assemble the instrument panel with your assistant's help. Connect the steering wheel (use a new bolt to connect it to the column), air bag and negative battery cable.
   

10. Refill the cooling system with either the old coolant or new. Start the Taurus' engine and let it reach normal operating temperature. Watch the climate control operation and check for any leaks.
    

Read more: How to Replace the Heater Core in a Ford Taurus ' eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4521301_replace-heater-core-ford-taurus.html#ixzz132BljfG8

Copied from AutoZone.com:

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions Section.
2. Turn the steering wheel to the straight ahead position and remove the key from the ignition.
3. Turn the wheel counterclockwise in order to lock the steering column in place.
4. Raise and support the vehicle.
5. Remove the front wheels.
   WARNING Do not rotate the intermediate shaft once separated from the gear. Possible damage or a malfunction could occur.
   
   
   Fig. Steering shaft pinch bolt
   
   
   Fig. Steering gear mounting
   
6. Remove the steering gear to intermediate shaft pinch bolt and discard.
7. Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the steering gear.
8. Remove both steering gear outer tie rod to knuckle nuts and discard the nuts.
   WARNING Do not attempt to separate the joint using a wedge type tool.
   
9. Separate the outer tie rods from the steering knuckles.
10. Remove the steering gear bolts.
11. Remove the rear transaxle mount.
12. Carefully remove the steering gear from the frame and the vehicle through the LH wheel opening.

To install:

1. Install the steering gear to the frame through the LH wheel opening.
2. Install the steering gear bolts. Tighten the bolts to 81 ft. lbs. (110 Nm).
3. Install the rear transaxle mount. Tighten the rear transaxle mount to frame bolts. Tighten the bolts to 44 ft. lbs. (60 Nm).
4. Tighten the rear transaxle mount thru bolt. Tighten the thru bolt to 74 ft. lbs. (100 Nm).
5. Connect the intermediate shaft to the steering gear.
6. Install a new intermediate shaft pinch bolt. Tighten the bolts to 25 ft. lbs. (34 Nm).
7. Install the outer tie rods to the steering knuckles.
8. Install new outer tie rod nuts. Tighten the bolts to 44 ft. lbs. (60 Nm).
9. Install the front wheels.
10. Lower the vehicle.
11. Adjust the toe if necessary.

There is no real easy way to do it....not like the older cars..

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
   
   CAUTION After disconnecting the negative battery cable, wait for at least 10 minutes for the air bag module to deplete its stored energy.
   
   
2. 1. Remove the driver’s side air bag and steering wheel by performing the following procedure:
   2. Position the front wheels in the straight-ahead position.
      
3. Remove the 4 steering wheel-to-air bag module bolts.
   
4. Carefully, lift the air bag module and disconnect the electrical connector.
   
   CAUTION Place the air bag module in a safe location with the front facing upward.
   
   
5. Remove the steering wheel-to-steering column nut.
   
   NOTE If may be necessary to mark the steering wheel to steering column alignment.
   
   
6. Using a steering wheel puller, press the steering wheel from the steering column.
   
7. Drain the cooling system into a clean container for reuse.
   
8. Discharge and recover the air conditioning system refrigerant.
   
1. Remove the instrument panel by performing the following procedure:
2. Remove both the rear and front consoles.
   
3. Remove the knee bolster assembly.
   
4. Remove the “T” bar section.
   
5. Remove the relay bracket.
   
6. Remove the turn signal assembly and the upper/lower steering column covers.
   
7. Remove the hood release handle lockscrew, the hood release handle and the cable assembly nut.
   
8. Remove the left side front pillar trim and the lower left side cover.
   
9. Remove the 2 left side of the “T” bar-to-chassis bolts.
   
10. At the left side of the instrument panel, remove the 3 instrument panel-to-chassis bolts.
    
11. Remove the ashtray.
    
12. Remove the center panel trim.
    
13. Remove the ventilation control panel.
    
14. At the center of the windshield next to the windshield, remove the cap and the mounting bolt.
    
15. " Remove the right side front pillar trim and the lower right side cover.
    
16. Remove the 2 right side of the “T” bar-to-chassis bolts.
    
17. At the right side of the instrument panel, remove the 3 instrument panel-to-chassis bolts.
    
18. Remove the steering column-to-instrument panel bolts and lower the steering column.
    
19. Disconnect the instrument panel electrical connectors.
    
20. Remove the instrument panel.
    
9. 1. Remove the blower/evaporator housing by performing the following procedure:
   2. Disconnect the air conditioning refrigerant lines from the evaporator core and discard the gaskets. Plug the openings to prevent contamination.
      
10. Disconnect the fresh air control cable from the blower/evaporator housing inlet duct.
    
11. Disconnect the 5 connectors from the bottom of the blower/evaporator housing.
    
12. Move the carpeting from the bulkhead to gain access to the hole cover plate.
    
13. Remove the 4 hole cover plate nuts and the plate.
    
14. Remove the 2 upper blower/evaporator housing bolts.
    
15. Remove the 2 lower blower/evaporator housing-to-bulkhead nuts.
    
16. Remove the blower/evaporator housing.
    
17. Disconnect the heater hoses from the heater core.
    
18. Remove the temperature control cable from the heater housing.
    
19. Remove the 2 lower heater housing nuts and the upper heater housing-to-bulkhead nut.
    
20. Remove the heater housing.
    

1. Disassemble the heater housing by performing the following procedure:
2. Remove the seal from the heater core tube connections.
   

• Remove the vent seal.
  
• Remove the 2 wiring harness-to-heater servo screws.
  
• Remove the 8 heater housing clips located on the servo side (left side).
  
• Remove the left side of the heater housing.
  
• Remove the 6 heater housing assembly clips.
  
• Remove the 4 heater core tube mounting bracket screws and the bracket.
  
• Remove the 8 remaining heater housing clips and disassemble the housings.
  
• Remove the heater core from the housing.
  

Exploded view of the heater core and heater housing assembly—Kia Sportage


THIS IS JUST TO REMOVE IT!

Ok Here is what you need to do this job
1. #8 tork head wrench
2. # 3 tork head wrench
3. New cylinder or lock buy at junk yard or from dealer or lock smith with keys.
4. Tube of lock tight
5. steering wheel removal tool Rent it from Schucks
6. steering wheel spring compression tool Rent it as well.
7. Two dental picks to remove spring.
Now make thew wheels straight and pull the horn button off should just pop off, next you will see a nut 3/4 inch remove the nut now find the right size of threaded bolts out of the kit and put them in the holes with puller over the steering column remove steering wheel. Forgot to mention remove the metal cup and plastic ring held on by a3 philips screws. This is your horn button, next put the U shaped compression tool on the bolt that you took the nut off and compress the spring 1/4 of an inch to 3/8's of an inch. Now take the picks and get them under steel ring slide the ring over the steering bolt and pull clamp off now remove plastic plate you are now where you can get to the 2 screws on top to tighten the steering wheel. you will see a screw just at the end of the cylinder lock remove the one screw and pull the cylinder lock out, put a drop of lock tight on each screw and tighten down look to see if you see a wire by the lock ring is sticking up it will have a 45 bend in the copper wire there will be two one side by side this has to be pulled out along with the plastic holder that holds the two wires in this also holds the lock in as well as the one screw, install the new lock put lock tight on the screw and install new cylinder lock and key once you have done all of this leave it apart and get back to me so I can tell you how to remove the bueaty ring to get to the screw on the back side.

THE STEERING COLUMN (DO NOT ROTATE THE STEERING WHEEL AFTER THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT IS REMOVE, YOU WILL BREAK THE SIR COIL), WINDSHIELD MOLDINGS, AND DASH HAVE TO BE REMOVED FIRST. UNDER THE HOOD THE BLOWER RESISTOR, R/H INNER FENDER WELL, HEATER HOSES TO THE HEATER CORE AND SEVERAL NUTS AND BOLTS HOLDING THE HEATER PLENUM TO THE FIRE WALL INCLUDING THE HIDDEN BOLT UNDER THE BLOWER RESISTOR IN THE EVAPORATOR CORE AREA. THEN FINALLY THE BOLTS ON THE INSIDE OF THE TRUCK HOLDING THE PLENUM TO THE FIREWALL.

NO DISRESPECT INTENDED BUT IF YOUR NOT A TALENTED MECHANIC I WOULD FIND ONE OR HIRE ONE THAT CAN DO THE JOB FOR YOU. THIS IS QUITE INVOLVED FOR A NOVICE.

here is a step by step instructions on how to replace your bearing. please copy and paste the link into your browser for an image.

please do not forget to rate and comment about your experience with fixya today.

Removal & Installation

1. Apply the brakes and hold in place.
   
2. Raise the vehicle.
   
3. Remove the front tire and wheel assembly.
   
4. Remove the cotter pin, lock nut and spring washer from the hub nut.
   
5. While the brakes are applied, loosen and remove the hub nut on the end of the driveshaft.
   
6. Release the brakes.
   
7. Remove the front disc brake caliper and adapter as an assembly, and the brake rotor from the steering knuckle.
   
8. Remove the nut attaching the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle. To do this, hold the tie rod end stud with a wrench while loosening and removing the nut with a standard wrench or crowfoot wrench.
   
9. Remove the tie rod end from the steering knuckle using Remover, Special Tool MB991113.
   
10. Remove the tie rod heat shield.
    
11. Remove the nut and pinch bolt clamping the ball joint stud to the steering knuckle.
    
    CAUTION The strut assembly-to-steering knuckle attaching bolts are serrated and must not be turned during removal. Hold the bolts stationary in the steering knuckles while removing the nuts, then tap the bolts out using a pin punch.
    
12. Remove the two bolts attaching the strut to the steering knuckle.
    
    NOTE Use caution when separating the ball joint stud from the steering knuckle, so the ball joint seal does not get cut.
    
13. Separate the ball joint stud from the steering knuckle by prying down on lower control arm and up against the ball joint boss on the steering knuckle.
    
    NOTE Do not allow the driveshaft to hang by the inner C/V joint; it must be supported to keep the joint from separating during this operation.
    
14. Pull the steering knuckle off the driveshaft outer C/V joint splines and remove the steering knuckle.
    
    NOTE The cartridge type front wheel bearing used on this vehicle is not transferable to the replacement steering knuckle. If the replacement steering knuckle does not come with a wheel bearing, a new bearing must be installed in the steering knuckle. Installation of the new wheel bearing and hub must be done before installing the steering knuckle on the vehicle.
    
15. If the wheel bearing and hub need removal. Do not reuse the wheel bearing.
    http://www.chiltonlibrary.com/content/images/32050/images/32050_ptcr_g0035.gif The separation of the ball joint and the knuckle
    

To install:

1. Slide the hub of the steering knuckle onto the splines on the driveshaft C/V joint.
   
2. Install the steering knuckle onto the ball joint stud aligning the bolt hole in the knuckle boss with the notch formed in the side of the ball joint stud.
   
3. Install a new ball joint stud pinch bolt and nut. Tighten the nut to a torque of 70 ft. lbs. (95 Nm).
   
   CAUTION The strut assembly-to-steering knuckle attaching bolts are serrated and must not be turned during installation. Install the nuts while holding the bolts stationary in the steering knuckle.
   
4. Position the lower end of the strut assembly in line with the upper end of the steering knuckle and align the mounting holes . Install the two attaching bolts. The bolts should be installed with so that the nuts face towards the front of the vehicle once installed. Install the nuts. Holding the bolts in place tighten the nuts to a torque of 40 ft. lbs. (53 Nm) plus an additional 90° turn after the specified torque is met.
   
5. Place the tie rod heat shield on the steering knuckle arm so that the shield is positioned straight away from the steering gear and tie rod end once installed. Align the hole in the shield with the hole in the steering knuckle arm. Install the outer tie rod ball stud into the hole in the steering knuckle arm. Start the tie rod attaching nut onto the stud. Hold the tie rod end stud with a wrench while tightening the nut with a standard wrench or crowfoot wrench. To fully tighten the nut to specifications, use a crowfoot wrench on a torque wrench to turn the nut, and a wrench on the stud.
   
6. Tighten the nut to a torque of 40 ft. lbs. (55 Nm). Install the brake rotor, disc brake caliper and adapter.
   
7. Clean all foreign matter from the threads of the driveshaft outer C/V joint. Install the hub nut in the end of the driveshaft and snug it.
   
8. Have a helper apply the brakes. With vehicle brakes applied to keep brake rotor and hub from turning, tighten the hub nut to a torque of 180 ft. lbs. (244 Nm)
   
9. Install the spring washer, lock nut and cotter pin on the hub nut. Wrap the cotter pin ends tightly around the lock nut.
   
10. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Install the wheel mounting nuts and tighten them to a torque of 100 ft. lbs. (135 Nm).
    
11. Lower the vehicle.
    
12. Set the front toe on the vehicle to required specification.
    

Here is an exploded view of the heating/air conditioning blower box. This contraption is located on the passengerside under the dash. I've changed heater cores on other cars but never worked on a caravan so not sure how difficult it'll be. You may need to remove a few cover panels to access this and the heater core #22 is located behind the distribution box #6 containing parts 7-18 and hopefully comes off as a unit. I wouldn't want to put it back together just looking at the pic. You may just need to remove the heater tube cover #4 to access the connections and slide out the core.....NAH couldn't be that simple!!! Hope this was of some help. Good luck.

if you left the keys i n it the tumblers in the lock may of went down and locked the key where it wont come out