Cadillac Repair: caddy deville vacuum park brake release, Auto theft SIU insurance investigation EUO, Nevada forensic ignition expert

Question
Hi. Saw your response to a gent with same problem I have. So I think you know your beans here. The parking brake vacuum release switch on the steering column of my 1993 caddy deville is bad. I somehow got the old switch out by a lot of prying. Got a new switch. However, I CANNOT get the new switch back in! No way, no how. It wants to cock and bind.

I'm thinking about removing the top instrument panel pad, or dropping the steering column. But I'm sure there is a recommended method of replacing that switch! I do have a FSM, but nowhere does it address R&R for that switch!

Thanks for your help.

Joe

Answer
Well Joe,

You might have dealt with someone else on this issue. I have never seen a bad one, so no, I never changed one myself, however I have rebuilt thousands of those steering columns, so I can assist you in the removal of the steering column. You did not state the year, but I will assume FWD.

Don't screw with removing the dash!

Remove the black plastic hush panel under the driver's side dash. Remove the knee bolster (dash panel under steering column. Should pop off and a steel plate behind it with 4 10 mm head bolts. Remove the clip for shift indicator at lower part of steering column shift bowl. Remove the two 13mm or 15 mm head bolts.

Under the dash farther back will be two mm or 13 mm or 15 mm head bolts. The steering wheel will drop to the seat and in full tilted up position will lower the column more.

Now, the vacuum switch may have a tang coming out of it that fits inside the shift tume in the steering column. Neutral switch is set up this way and I believe vacuum switch is the same. If there is a tang, you need to line it up in the steering column shift tube slot. You may have to block the wheels and shift the trans lever to drive before the vacuum switch goes in.
If I remember correctly, the brake released when put in drive.
Try that. Let me know if I am correct on that.I believe I am.

Once you get this installed reverse putting back together. You are best off putting the lower column bolts in first and that will line you up for the front mounting bolts.

As for the shift cable, put in neutral and install clip in N position after you have tightened the 4 mounting bolts. Put in park and shift to drive to make sure shift indicator lines up. Put the rest of the stuff together and check your brake.

Get back to me.

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