Cadillac Repair: 1990 cadillac Eldarado, rod assembly, keyswitch

Question
I think that the ignition switch is out. The keyswitch will move backand forth and it wont allow the power to shut off. wut do?

Answer
Hello,

this was a very common problem in this style of steering column. Unlike the normal Saginaw tilts, the locking mechanisms are on the right side. You have one of two problems, maybe both. I hope GM still stocks the parts, otherwise if you get a junkyard column, it will cost you a min of $250 over and beyond to replace the ignition lock and recode.

The rack and rod assembly have broken. The colmn has to be disassembled. The igntion lock gear has
probably broken off as well, which means you will need a new vats lock cylinder as well. This problem was very common and very costly to repair. There is no cheap fix.

In fact, this repairay cost more than the car is worth. If you can contact GM to see if a rack and rod assembly as well as the over priced ignition lock is available, I can refer you to a guy that can replace these parts, however you will need to remove the steering column and mail it to him.

Rebuilding these steering columns is an art and very few mechanics will touch them.

Rob