Steering Column Wires?

[gbodyera]

Okay. A few weeks ago I installed a new steering column in one of my G Body's. While installing the part as pictured which goes on top of the column

I had trouble. It was hard for me to plug the wires in, so I took it off and plugged them.It was hard to bolt it back down with the rod thats there.So I just kinda sat it there and pushed the column up so it would be stuck. Is there a certain way you have to place this thing because with the new column when I turn my switch to start the car, the key just slides forward with no resistance freely so I have to turn it back by hand.

 

[GP403]

1) BE CAREFUL messing with the switch rod when connecting the ignition switch, I did this once, and accidentally hooked it up with the switch rod in the wrong position and toasted my fusible links when I reconnected the battery. 😳

2) Tilt and non-tilt columns either have different switches or they're mounted reverse from the other. I can't remember ATM which it is (or both) but there is a difference. Make sure you've got the right one and in the right position.

 

[gbodyera]

Can you explain the correct way to position the rod and switch? I had trouble putting it back. I think the rod goes thru the switch somehow?

 

[pontiacgp]

have you dropped the column down so you can get a good look at it.....it's not that difficult

 

[FE3X CLONE]

Here's a few pictures of my steering column that might help:

 

[gbodyera]

Thanks that really helped. So the rod and switches should be my problem with free moving key?

 

[gbodyera]

From a long morning I finally figured out what the problem was. As you can see the top ignition switch is a 83 cutlass and the bottom is an 84 monte ignition switch. I used the switch from the cutlass and put it on the monte column. The actions were reversed. Therefore the springs in the switch are on opposite ends.

 

[pontiacgp]

I don't see how you installed the wiring harness...the receptacle is designed differently to avoid that mistake...