Description and operation. Diagnosis and testing

Description and operation

Steering column

The tilt and standard column (fig. 1) Has been designed to be serviced as an assembly; less wiring, switches, shrouds, steering wheel, etc. Most steering column components can be serviced without removing the steering column from the vehicle.

Fig. 1 Steering column

1 - UPPER SHROUD

2 - LOWER SHROUD

3 - PANEL BRACKET

SERVICE PRECAUTIONS

Safety goggles should be worn at all times when working on steering columns.

To service the steering wheel, switches or airbag, refer to Group 8M and follow all WARNINGS and CAUTIONS.

WARNING: THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE, COMPLEX ELECTRO-MECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE, REMOVE OR INSTALL THE AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS YOU MUST FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE.

FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY. THE FASTENERS, SCREWS, AND BOLTS, ORIGINALLY USED FOR THE AIRBAG COMPONENTS, HAVE SPECIAL COATINGS AND ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THEY MUST NEVER BE REPLACED WITH ANY SUBSTITUTES. ANYTIME A NEW FASTENER IS NEEDED, REPLACE WITH THE CORRECT FASTENERS PROVIDED IN THE SERVICE PACKAGE OR FASTENERS LISTED IN THE PARTS BOOKS.

CAUTION: Do not hammer on steering column shaft or shift tube. This may cause damage to the shaft, shift tube or bearing. CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove or modify the park lock slider or link. CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove the pivot pins to disassemble the tilting mechanism. Do not remove shaft lock plate or plate retainer. This will damage the column (Fig. 2) and (Fig. 3).

Diagnosis and testing

Ignition switch

TEST AND REPAIR

If the key removal effort is excessive on a vehicle with a automatic transmission first adjust the shift linkage, refer to Group 21 Transmission And Transfer Case for procedure.

If the ignition switch effort is excessive remove the ignition key cylinder from the steering column. Refer to Group 8D Ignition System. Check the turning effort of the key cylinder. If the ignition key cylinder effort is excessive replace the key cylinder. If the ignition key cylinder operates properly look for the following conditions.

(1) Look for rough areas or flash in the casting and if found remove with a file (Fig. 4).

(2) Grease the lock plate actuator, lock plate, slider and locking link.

Fig. 2 Observe Cautions

1 - CAUTION: NEVER REMOVE SHAFT LOCK PLATE

Fig. 3 Observe Cautions

1 - CAUTION: NEVER REMOVE SHAFT LOCK PLATE RETAINER