QuestionQUESTION: the key does not engage in the lock cylinder. I replaced the lock cylinder, but the problem persists. I have taken a look at the actuator rack and the spring, both seem to be working, the ignition switch actuator rod is connected. the key moves freely and can be taken out of the lock cylinder any time. I can manually depressed the actuator rod, but there is no response. I've checked the starter and the battery. Both are in working order. It seems like there is a disconnect somewhere in the column or??? Do you have any ideas? Thank you.
ANSWER: Hi Peter.
You have thoroughly confused me! (and I need to know if it's tilt or non-tilt...they are different)
Yousay, "The key does not engage the lock cylinder"...what does that mean? Does the key go in and rotate or not?
If you replaced the lock cylinder then obviously the lock cylinder is good and working. But then you say the key can be removed from the lock cylinder anytime. That's a bad lock cylinder. Are you referring to the new one or the old one?.
Next you talk about the actuator rod...Have you disassembled the column? How can you push it if you haven't taken the column apart? Where are you pushing it from? When you say you get 'no response' do you mean there is no spring action when you push it to the start position, or there is spring action and the starter does not engage electrically?
Are we talking about a mechanical failure causing the key and lock not pushing the ignition switch and feeling correct (detent positions and spring action) or are we talking about an electrical problem where the key and ignition feel fine, but the lights do not light up and the starter does not engage?
I'm going to need your help understanding your problem better before I can help you solve it.
Waiting for you
Doug
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi Doug, thanks for your quick response. It has a tilt steering wheel. the key goes in, but does not seem to have a spring action- same with new lock cylinder as well as the old one. The key turns on and off. I took apart the top of the column to get to the lock cylinder release screw. there is a top end of a rod that sticks out of the plastic turn signal assembly that depresses or rises when the key is turned. This rod is connected to the ignition switch actuator rack, which in turn moves the actuator rod. I loosened the wire harness (but didn't remove it) a little at the base of the column to lift the turn signal assembly out of the column in order to get a better look at the mechanism. I removed the next part of the column housing and checked the actuator rod, spring, etc.. all seems fine. The original problem was the key turned in the lock cylinder, but had no response, and it felt like it turned easier going on and off. The headlights work. With key on, turn signals do not work. I get the starter to turn the motor over bridging the connections with a screw driver. Appreciate your response
Answer
ignition rack gear
Wonderful!
Thanks for the clarity, Pete. You have a broken actuator rack gear. The silver rack gear pictured here has broken off the 'bottle opener' end. This is very common. Although you are turning the gears and they are both moving, it is no longer connected to the actuator rod that goes down the column to the switch (hidden from view)
We sell the rack gear and the video instruction on how to replace it on our company website. You will need a pivot pin puller to get the tilt housing off so you can replace the rack.
www.steeringcolumnservices.com
Good luck
Doug
