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Followup To
Question -
I hope you can help me with this problem, as even the dealership's service department seems not to be able to give any advice!
Here is the problem... My 1985 GMC S1500, Automatic transmission, Jimmy's steering column shifter would not unlock and go into gear after the key was turned on and the engine started? You could jiggle the shifter up and down, and eventually the shifter would unlock and go into the gear ranges. This condition, off and on, has gotten more frequent over time to the point that you are not sure when you park you can even get it into to gear after the SUV has been started!
In the last two days it has started a new problem on top of the one above... the key is now locked in the on position and won't turn off or come out? I have opened up the column, as far as I can (as per the manuals) short of taking the key/lock assembly out, because the "Haynes & Chilton" manuals I have both state... "BEFORE YOU REMOVE THE LOCK ASSEMBLY MAKE SURE IT IS IN THE OFF POSITION!"...
I am pretty sure the problem is in the column since the key is stuck in the on position, but why? And what should I do now with the key stuck in that position? Neither service manual even mentions a problem like this? HELP!!!!!!!
I know this is a SUV but the column should be the same in all vehicles of that year? Again...HELP!!!!!
Answer -
FIRST thing to do is JUNK those useless miss-informative generic HAYNES & CHILTON'S manuals.
I can give you pictures and procedures for taking the column apart but IF you have never had one apart no amount of pictures or diagrams can replace personal knowledge.
I just got done doing an 89 GMC tilt wheel steering column that had this similar problem and the problem was that the SWITCH ACTUATOR RACK had the teeth stripped off of it and needed to be replaced.
If you want the pictures I can get them to you.
Mounted under the dash on top of the steering column is the ELECTRICAL switch. There is a metal rod that goes from the ignition key down thru the steering column and into this above said electrical switch.
If you remove the electrical switch the rod will seperate from the switch and see if this frees up your ignition key so you can put it into the OFF position. IF you can and the key now moves FREELY and everything works like it should, Replace the electrical portion of the ignition switch as said previously.
autohelp
I appreciate your answer and will give it a try tomorrow. I sent you an email today and will eagerly await your reply!
I do have a question as to what in depth manuals/books you would recommend to aquire and use for this vehicle, or any other vehicle for that matter, other than the lousy Chilton & Haynes maunals?
Sincerely Yours
M. Jeeves
AnswerMy library consists of well over 100 + factory service manuals that anyone can purchase thru their respective publishers.
I do not own a Chilton-Hayes or any generic manual. All mine are OEM manuals which are the IDENTICAL manuals that the dealership service departments get.
Try looking on HELMS.COM website for your books for your vehicle.
I can e-mail you the pictures of all the steering wheel pictures, But unless you have done a few it is VERY complicated due to the numerous small pieces.
Do you have a TILT steering wheel or the single position steering wheel ?.
autohelp
