No doubt already covered but can't hit the correct search parametrts

Have a 2019 Mazda 3 with push button start and would like to drag it behind our old Hino Bus on a tow dolly that has no turntable. That requires that the steering remain unlocked to allow the front wheels to be turned while towing around corners

I know that the steering does lock electrically once the engine is turned off - after a time delay but experimenting it seems as if pushing the start button once without pressing the brake does show an amber light on the start button and unlock the steering. Question is will it stay unlocked for a couple of hours and hopefully not run the battery flat.

Any advice would be appreciated as well as any insights into possible damage from turning the front wheels (as in steering turns) without power steering running.

The instruction manual supplied with the car doesn't even mention the button start so isn't much help

Thanks

Tony

 

Is it auto or manual?

If you disconnect the battery with the ignition on the steering wont lock up.

 

Thanks for that. It is an auto.
I was experimenting late today and did find that disconnecting the battery once the steering had unlocked did solve the problem. Slightly inconvenient but not too bad. I was hoping for something simpler using the controls which is why I posted.

I could achieve the same thing with the battery connected by pushing the button into "accessory" mode but of course a fair bit of the system was energised even then and battery drain was a bit over 3 amps which is OK for short runs but not for longer trips.

 

After 20 minutes the ignition will turn off, & may lock the steering - I'm not sure.

Try leaving it in neutral with ignition on, see what happens over an hour.

You could also wire up a Anderson plug to the tow rig, then run a cable to the Mazda 3 battery.

 

Yes it does relock, but not if it is put in neutral. Tried that for a couple of hours and it stayed unlocked, but the drain on the battery.

Towing vehicle is 24v so yes, a DC to dc converter would work too

Thanks