Anyone have a "dead spot" in the steering mechanism where there is play in the wheel of about 5/8" left and right from center? When the steering wheel is moved within that "dead spot" it does not affect the direction of the car. It is quite annoying.

 

Nope, my 04 6MT certainly does not have anything that I would consider a dead spot. Just a guess but are your front tires properly inflated? might be worth a check

 

I heard a friend had something like this also on his honda a while ago. The mechanic knew he went to specialized in Japanese cars and knew exactly what it was. The dumbed down version of the fix was "he tightened a screw and that fixed it". Thats all I got out of it. But I have heard of that on a honda car and maybe the dealership can "tighten" the same screw for you.

 

When that happens on my Jeep, I tighten the nut that holds the steering wheel on. But, Jeeps are built like Leggos: simple.

I haven't experienced the dead spot on my 2004 TL.