QuestionQUESTION: Why is that my 1993 Cadillac DeVille will only start if the steering wheel is tilted all the way down and I hold the gas pedal? If it's really cold outside that won't even work.
ANSWER: Hello,
You need to be more specific. When you say "Start", what happens when tilted in another position? Does the engine turn over (crank) or is it dead?
Or, does the ignition lock cylinder rotation not seem right and forced?
These could be two separate issues. One mechanical in the steering column, or in that antiquacated piece of garbage known as the GM VATS system.
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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: The engine will not turn over, it just goes "click".
AnswerHello,
Thank you for the follow up. Click tells you it is not a VATS issue, because you will have nothing.
The only possible reason I could even imagine that the lowered column would give you a start and not in any other position and only a click is the electrical ignition switch on the top of the steering column under the dash, and I am speculating, is where the rack is stretched enough in the column it is ready to snap off and in the other tilt positions is not pulling the ignition actuator rod back far enough.
Normally a click coming from the starter is telling you the solenoid is engaging, or attempting to engage and the lowered tilt position is pulling the rod far enough at the ignition switch to spin the engine.
It sounds like the steering column has to come apart.
Or have the VATS bypassed, because it is going to fail on you stranding you eventually. Then just put a junk yard column in. It would be the best cost effective approach.
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