Steering column lock apparatus and method

A steering column lock assembly for locking a steering column of a vehicle, the steering column lock assembly comprising:

• a lock bolt movable into and out of locking engagement with the steering column;
• a pawl pivotable between a retracted position and an extended position with respect to the lock bolt, the lock bolt and pawl having a first relative position in which the pawl is extendable into engagement with the lock bolt at a first location on the lock bolt, and a second relative position in which the pawl is extendable into engagement with the lock bolt at a second location on the lock bolt;
• a controller operable to generate first and second signals;
• and
• an actuator coupled to the controller and to the pawl, the actuator operable to receive the first and second signals to move the pawl between its retracted and extended positions.

A steering column lock assembly for locking a steering column of a vehicle, the steering column lock assembly comprising:

• a lock bolt movable into and out of locking engagement with the steering column;
• a pawl pivotable between a retracted position and an extended position with respect to the lock bolt, the lock bolt and pawl having a first relative position in which the pawl is extendable into engagement with the lock bolt at a first location on the lock bolt, and a second relative position in which the pawl is extendable into engagement with the lock bolt at a second location on the lock bolt;
• a controller;
• and
• an actuator electrically connected to the controller and coupled to the pawl, the actuator operable by the controller to move the pawl between its retracted and extended positions.