QuestionQUESTION: My daughter's '96 Buick LeSabre was broken into last night. The steering column on the left is busted and there is a bare wire that the criminal place between two points. We have not attempted to start the car. Suggestions on if we can just "put it back" and drive it as-is since the car isn't worth much in the first place. It does have tilt steering and there does not appear to be any attempt by the criminal to mess with the key ignition. I'm also curious - was the criminal just an idiot or did the car keep itself from being stolen? It does have a coded key.
Thanks
Jim
GM housing
ANSWER: Hi Jim:
The vehicle does have an anti-theft system which is why they could not start it. That explains the little black chip on the key. There are contacts inside the lock that read that chip & if it's not there while you are attempting to start the car, then the starter will not engage.
The wire you see on the left side sticking out is actually a "preload spring" for the locking mechanism when the key is turned to the off position. The steering wheel will probably not lock anymore. This 'wire' used to push a rod up and help the wheel lock in place. With it being bent out of the way, that will not occur (hopefully). That's my only concern. If it's not removed completely , it could actually lock while you are driving or repositioning the tilt column accidentally. I will enclose a picture of the mechanism so you see what I am referring to.
Aside from that, if the gears are all intact, then you can start and drive the car without any further problem or concerns.
If you decide to repair it, we sell the parts (for about $125) & I can provide you with a video of how to accomplish it, although it's a couple of hours for a novice to repair & you will need 2 different pullers.
I hope I've addressed all of your questions
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Wow - thanks for the quick reply. I just got back from looking at it again. I was able to put the little black gear back into its spot that attaches to the key mechanism and the car started fine. However, the turn-signal/brights/wiper handle is no longer functional and it looks like that gear could fall out pretty easily. Does the part you mention address it as well? The preload spring - should I just cut it out entirely?
Thanks again
Jim
PS - Did I mention that it is annoying when another human being messes with your stuff? :-/
Answer
lever
Hi Jim:
I know. We repair stolen vehicles every day & it really inconveniences and is upsetting to the owners. It really feels like a personal violation.
The preload spring can be cut out completely and if you can get to the locking pin, pull it out as well. It's easier to get the pin out if the gear is removed again and then put the gear back. After that, you;re fine.
Regarding the turn signal lever, the lever actuator has been forced out of position. You may be able to see where it goes if you look up into the part of the column that is not broken.
I am going to refer you to the site that shows the assembly of the upper column. Look at the last video.
http://www.stolenandrecovered.com/video
At 1:20 seconds into it, you will see the assembly for the dimmer-turn signal lever actuator piece that is out of position. If you can see how this has been moved out of it's groove, it's a simple task to reset it (from the damaged area) back into the groove it belongs in. I know this is a little fuzzy, but there are not a lot of pictures or photos of this particular piece. I have attached another still of what I could find with identifying labels. You will need to put pressure on the actuator from bottom up, until the turn signal lever is not jammed. It is a spring loaded piece set into a groove. Then, move the lever up (or towards a right turn position) and release the pressure from the actuator.
Good luck
