Steering Column Repair: Car has trouble starting, 1992 camaro rs, high beams

Question
Hi Rob,
I have a 1992 Camaro RS, 3.1L engine, automatic transmission.  It seems to have trouble starting and I think it is in the steering column, because my highbeams switch doesn't work properly either.  The highbeams will not turn on and if they do they don't want to turn off.  I think it is some kind of wiring problem.  When I try to start it there isn't any noise except a faint hissing sound coming from under the hood (it sounds like it is coming from right in front of the driver seat).  In order to get the car to start I have to adjust the tilt wheel and play around with the signal/highbeams switch to get the car to start.  I have had recent repair work done on the EGR valve and the mechanic also looked at the starter cylinoids and he said it looked alright.  But I think the problem is in the steering column.  Any ideas or possible ways I can try to fix it so the car will start?

Answer
Hi,

Sounds like you have 2 problems. First though on the high beams is a bad switch located under the dash and located on the left side of the steering column.

The starting problem is probably an inherent VATS problem. There is a wiring harness that runs down the steering column from the ignition lock cylinder. These wires are very thin and move everytime you turn the lock cylinder. Its Very, Very,Very common for them to break.
The system can be bypassed easy enough, but I would not recommend it because if the car gets stolen the insurance company won't pay because they figure that resistor chip in you key makes the car unstealable.
If you have never had one of these columns apart, I would not recommend it. Don't go to the dealer. They are way too expensive. Call your local automotive locksmith and ask him if he can replace or repair the lock cylinder. Good Luck!