Cadillac Repair: Ignition Switch Remove/Replace, tilt column, 2 nuts

Question
I have a 1984 Cadillac Sedan DeVille, 8-250 (4.1L) engine, Tilt Column - I need to know the proper procedures for removing/replacing the ignition switch or better yet a way to check it out without removing it.  I have a Chilton Repair Manual (Cadillac 1967 to 1989) that has the R/R procedures for the ignition switch, but it appears wrong - it states to "loosen the two nuts on upper steering column, allowing column to drop. WARNING - Do not remove the nuts, as the column may bend under it's own weight."  I loosened the two nuts, and the column dropped only slightly, not enough to get to the ignition switch.  Do I need to completely remove the nuts? I even removed the air heating duct below the steering column (which the manual did not say to do).  Also, when I get the ignition switch out, how do I check it out with a meter to see if it works?  The car won't start (engine won't turn over) - the battery is good and the starter was relaced (didn't change anything), also the 4 fusable links are good, the connections from battery to starter appear to be good - I figure the only thing else is the ignition switch?

Answer
Hi Linda, Before checking the ign. switch you need to verify with a voltmeter or 12volt test light that when you turn the key that the small starter terminal doesn't get voltage to it in park or neutral. That positively eliminates a bad new starter and solinoid. To get the column to lower unhook the shift rod on the engine side and then at the base of the column there are 4 bolt/screws under a cover that have to be removed and then the column can lower after the gearshift indicator cable and 2 nuts are removed. Power comes into the switch through a big red wire and goes the the starter via the purple wire. You will need to back probe the wire with a meter or testlight to check for voltage. There is a theft relay that is above the column taped to the harness near the turnsignal flasher if you have that option. That is the last thing to check and hopefully the engine will start. I have seen times where the bulkhead connector doesn't allow voltage through it on the firewall and will need to be taken apart and cleaned if the voltage is comming out of the switch but not avaliable at the starter. Hope that helps. Bill