Ignition Switch: Service and Repair

IGNITION SWITCH
REMOVAL

SERVICE PRECAUTIONS





The tilt and standard column has been designed to be serviced as an assembly; less wiring, switches, shrouds, steering wheel, etc. Most steering column components can be serviced without removing the steering column from the vehicle. Safety goggles should be worn at all times when working on steering columns.
To service the steering wheel, switches or airbag, Follow all WARNINGS and CAUTIONS.

WARNING: THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS A SENSITIVE, COMPLEX ELECTRO-MECHANICAL UNIT. BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE, REMOVE OR INSTALL THE AIRBAG SYSTEM COMPONENTS YOU MUST FIRST DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE. THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY. THE FASTENERS, SCREWS, AND BOLTS, ORIGINALLY USED FOR THE AIRBAG COMPONENTS, HAVE SPECIAL COATINGS AND ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THEY MUST NEVER BE REPLACED WITH ANY SUBSTITUTES. ANYTIME A NEW FASTENER IS NEEDED, REPLACE WITH THE CORRECT FASTENERS PROVIDED IN THE SERVICE PACKAGE OR FASTENERS LISTED IN THE PARTS BOOKS.

CAUTION: Do not hammer on steering column shaft or shift tube. This may cause damage to the shaft, shift tube or bearing.

CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove or modify the park lock slider or link.

CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove the pivot pins to disassemble the tilting mechanism.

The ignition key must be in the key cylinder for cylinder removal. The key cylinder must be removed first before removing ignition switch.
1. Remove the negative (ground) cable from the battery.
2. Disable the airbag.
3. Remove the lower and upper shrouds
4. Remove key cylinder.
5. Disconnect the lower clockspring connectors.
6. Remove the wire retainer from the tilt lever bracket.
7. Remove the tilt lever mounting screws to gain access to the ignition switch mounting screws.





8. For columns without tilt remove the bracket to gain access to the ignition switch mounting screws.





9. Disconnect the electrical connector at rear of ignition switch.
10. Remove ignition switch mounting screw.
11. Using a small screwdriver, push on locking tab and remove switch from steering column.

INSTALLATION
The ignition key must be in the key cylinder for cylinder removal. The key cylinder must be removed first before installing ignition switch.
1. Before installing ignition switch, rotate the slot in the switch to the ON position.
2. Connect the electrical connector to rear of the ignition switch. Make sure that locking tabs are fully seated into wiring connector.
3. Position switch to column and install the mounting screw. Tighten screw to 3 Nm (26 inch lbs.).
4. Install the tilt lever bracket mounting screws. Tighten screws to 4.5 Nm (40 inch lbs.).
5. If the column is equipped with a non-tilt install the bracket. Tighten screws to 4.5 Nm (40 inch lbs.)
6. Insert the wire retainer to the tilt lever bracket.
7. Reconnect the lower clockspring connectors.
8. Install the key cylinder.
9. Install steering column upper and lower shrouds.
10. Enable the airbag system.