Steering Column: Testing and Inspection

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - IGNITION SWITCH AND KEY LOCK CYLINDER

MECHANICAL DIAGNOSIS (KEY DIFFICULT TO ROTATE)
Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and a floor mounted shifter: a cable is used to connect the interlock device in the steering column assembly, to the transmission floor shift lever. This interlock device is used to lock the transmission shifter in the PARK position when the key lock cylinder is rotated to the LOCKED or ACCESSORY position. The interlock device within the steering column is not serviceable. If repair is necessary, the steering column assembly must be replaced.

If the ignition key is difficult to rotate to or from the LOCK or ACCESSORY position, it may not be the fault of the key cylinder or the steering column components. The brake transmission shift interlock cable may be out of adjustment. Refer to Brake Transmission Shift Interlock Cable Adjustment for adjustment procedures.

Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and a steering column mounted shifter: an interlock device is located within the steering column. This interlock device is used to lock the transmission shifter in the PARK position when the key lock cylinder is in the LOCKED or ACCESSORY position. If it is difficult to rotate the key to or from the LOCK or ACCESSORY position, the interlock device within the steering column may be defective. This device is not serviceable. If repair is necessary, the steering column assembly must be replaced.

Vehicles equipped with a manual transmission and a floor mounted shifter: on certain models, a lever is located on the steering column behind the ignition key lock cylinder. The lever must be manually operated to allow rotation of the ignition key lock cylinder to the LOCK or ACCESSORY position. If it is difficult to rotate the key to the LOCK or ACCESSORY position, the lever mechanism may be defective. This mechanism is not serviceable. If repair is necessary, the steering column assembly must be replaced.

On other models, the ignition key cylinder must be depressed to allow it to be rotated into the LOCK or ACCESSORY position. If it is difficult to rotate the key to the LOCK or ACCESSORY position, the lock mechanism within the steering column may be defected. This mechanism is not serviceable. If repair is necessary, the steering column assembly must be replaced.

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.

If the ignition switch effort is excessive remove the ignition key cylinder from the steering column. 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.
2. Grease the lock plate actuator, lock plate, slider and locking link.

REMOVAL
The ignition key must be in the key cylinder for cylinder removal. The key cylinder must be removed first before removing ignition switch.
1. Remove key cylinder.





2. Remove lower steering column cover screws and remove cover.





3. Remove ignition switch mounting screw. Use tamper proof torx bit to remove the screw.





4. Using a small screwdriver, push on locking tab and remove switch from steering column.
5. Disconnect two electrical connectors at rear of ignition switch.

INSTALLATION
The ignition key must be in the key cylinder for cylinder removal. The key cylinder must be removed first before removing ignition switch.





1. Before installing ignition switch, rotate the slot in the switch to the ON position.
2. Connect two electrical connectors to rear of ignition switch. Make sure that locking tabs are fully seated into wiring connectors.
3. Position switch to column and install tamper proof screw. Tighten screw to 3 Nm (26 inch lbs.).
4. Install steering column lower cover.