Steering Column Repair: Take Apart steering column on a 2002 buick regal, torx bolts, blown fuses

Question
QUESTION: Mr. Gan,
I have a dead short in the column of my 2002 buick regal. Before I fix the blown fuses it caused, I need to fix the short. To fix the short I nned to get the covers off the column. I started, but am stuck. Where can I find information on how to dis-assemle the column?  Thnkas

ANSWER: Hi John:
How do you know you have a short in the column?  Did you see smoke? Did a shop trace it out?
The reason I ask, is that all the wires in the column can be seen or accessed from the bottom.  If you remove the lower cover only (2 - 20 torx bolts) then you can see all the wiring in the column.
If I can help you, I need to know what fuses are blowing and how you came to suspect the column.  This is not a common question so something else is going on


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Mr. Gan,

Thank you. Here is what happens. The car starts fine, but the problem began as when I turned the signal on, the dash lights lit up and the engine "styumbled". Now, when the car is running, and you turn the signal on (either direction, left or right) the engine quits. I must disengage the signal, then re-start the car to continue. This is why I assumed (a dangerous word I know) that there is a dead short in the signal assembly. I also saw multiple occurances of this issue on the web.

Thanks

ANSWER: Sounds good.  OK.
The most common problem in the column for these vehicles in the column is the ignition switch itself.  This is a bolt-on switch with a long wire harness that goes down to the bulk connector under the dash.  when this fails, some of the ignition circuits cut out.  You would need to remove both upper and lower covers to access this switch and it's about a $90 part...but wait!
I have never heard of a signal light interfering with the engine running, except when the charging system is failing.  Thus when you ask for more current to engage the signals, there is not enough coming out of the alternator to supply both the engine and the turn signal lights.  That is the only circumstance that these two systems have in common.
I wouldn't jump into the column or the ignition switch, until you've had the charging system checked.  I think places like Auto Zone will do that for free (make sure your car is charging properly and the battery is holding the charge).  I truly think that is where your problem is, not in the column
Good Luck

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Mr. Gan,

Thank you for the response so far. I went to the Buick and did a test. Started the car, no problem. Turned the head lights on and also the wipers, no issues. Should I continue with the power test or continue to think it is the wiper block?

Thanks

Answer
Hi John:
You have an odd one there.  The signals and wipers are on a multifunction switch that is not cheap.  

     Without Cruise Control    26085928    $491.05     
     With Cruise Control    88963625    $526.78    

I still don't think it's the switch, but I have no idea what you are facing or how to test for it.  I wish I could help you more, but electrical diagnosis over the phone or internet is almost impossible;
sorry.  I would recommend you find a shop or mechanic you trust & work with him.
Good luck