* Faulty or damaged steering wheel adjustment mechanism: The mechanism might be binding or malfunctioning in a way that's inadvertently impacting something near the shifter cable or linkage. This is unlikely to directly *lock* the shifter, but could cause binding that feels like a lockup.
* Accidental linkage or interference: Something might have become dislodged or installed incorrectly, creating an unintended connection between the steering column and the shifter mechanism. This is a more serious possibility, needing inspection.
* Worn or damaged shifter linkage: While unlikely to be *directly* caused by steering wheel adjustment, a worn or damaged shifter linkage could be exhibiting symptoms that are exacerbated by movement elsewhere in the vehicle. The act of adjusting the steering wheel might be putting extra stress on an already failing part.
* Electrical gremlin (very unlikely): Although extremely improbable, a bizarre electrical fault is possible, but highly unlikely to cause a mechanical lockup of the shift lever.
What to do:
This is not something you should attempt to fix yourself unless you have significant mechanical experience. You could easily make the problem worse. Take your Durango to a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair. Describe the issue precisely: "The shift knob locks up when I adjust the steering wheel." This will help them pinpoint the problem more quickly. They'll need to inspect the steering column, shifter linkage, and surrounding components to determine the root cause.
