Steering Column Switches Buick Roadmaster VIII

BODY CODE IDENTIFICATION

BODY CODE IDENTIFICATION

DESCRIPTION

Steering columns are designated as fixed column or tilt column, and as column shift or floor shift. Column shift and floor shift columns are basically the same except for shift lever and related components. Floor shift models with automatic transmission are equipped with a park lock cable and ignition interlock. Some column shift models are equipped with an solenoid and interlock assembly.

Multifunction switch, on left side of column, incorporates wiper/washer switch, and acts as mechanical link to dimmer and turn signal switches.

DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM

1. To disable air bag, turn ignition off. Disconnect and shield negative battery cable. Remove SIR fuse from fuse block. Disconnect Yellow SIR connector at base of steering column. Wait 15 minutes before working on vehicle. All connectors used on SIR system use Connector Position Assurance (CPA) clips to ensure connector retention.
2. To activate air bag system, turn ignition switch to OFF position. Connect Yellow SIR connector and CPA clip at base of steering column. Install SIR fuse. Reconnect negative battery cable. Turn ignition switch to RUN position. Observe INFLATABLE RESTRAINT indicator light. If system is operating properly, light should flash several times and then go out.

ADJUSTMENTS

Note. For exploded view of steering column assembly (Scheme 4)-7.

DIMMER SWITCH ADJUSTMENT

With switch removed, insert a 3/32" drill bit into adjusting pin hole to limit switch travel. (Scheme 1) Insert actuator rod into switch. Install switch, and then finger-tighten screws. Lightly push actuator rod against switch until no lash exists between rod and switch. Tighten mounting screws to 35 INCH lbs. (4 N.m). Remove drill bit.

Scheme 1

IGNITION SWITCH ADJUSTMENT

1. Set key lock cylinder in OFF-LOCK position. On fixed column, set ignition switch slider (where actuator rod connects to switch) to the OFF-LOCK position by moving slider to left as far as possible and then one detent to right. (Scheme 2)
2. On tilt column, set ignition switch slider (where actuator rod connects to switch) to OFF-LOCK position by moving slider to right as far as possible, and then one detent to left. (Scheme 2)
3. Install switch. Tighten switch screws to 35 INCH lbs. (4 N.m). Ensure ignition switch functions properly with lock cylinder in all positions.

Scheme 2

PARK LOCK CABLE

Note. Lock cylinder MUST be in RUN position when park lock cable is removed from or inserted into ignition switch inhibitor.

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove center console trim for access to base of shift lever. Place shift lever in Park. If park lock cable is not already inserted into ignition switch inhibitor, turn lock cylinder to RUN position and insert cable into inhibitor.
2. Unlock cable adjuster at base of shift lever by pressing locking button upward. Turn lock cylinder to LOCK position. Push cable connector nose forward to remove slack. With no load applied to cable connector nose, lock cable adjuster button by pressing locking button down. Install center console trim. Connect negative battery cable.

SIR COIL ASSEMBLY ADJUSTMENT

Note. If the coil assembly hub or the steering shaft were rotated after the assembly was removed, use the following procedure to center the coil ribbon before installing assembly. A new coil ribbon does not require centering, as it is already centered and held in this position with a Blue plastic tab. Remove tab after coil assembly is installed.

1. Hold coil assembly with clear bottom upward to see coil ribbon. While holding coil assembly housing and pressing spring lock, rotate hub in direction of arrow (on bottom of assembly) until it stops. Coil assembly should now be wound up snug against center hub.
2. Rotate coil assembly hub in opposite direction about 2 1/2 turns. Release spring lock between locking tabs in front of arrow. Coil assembly can now be installed if front wheels are in straight-ahead position.

SOLENOID & INTERLOCK ASSEMBLY

1. Disable air bag restraint system. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/buick/roadmaster/viii-1991-1996/remont/steering-column-switches/#steering-column-switches__disabling-activating-air-bag-system) . Ensure shift cable is installed with no tension on shift tube lever. Ensure ignition switch is in OFF position. Place transmission selector in "N" position.
2. Unlock shift cable at transmission shift arm to eliminate shift cable tension. Lock shift cable. Move shift lever to "P" position. Ensure transmission linkage is correctly adjusted and fully engaged in "P" position.
3. Loosen 2 bolts and move solenoid and interlock assembly about 1/8" (3.2 mm) toward steering column. Retighten bolts. Activate air bag system.

Horns Do Not Sound

1. Remove horn relay. See «HORN RELAY LOCATION»(/buick/roadmaster/viii-1991-1996/remont/steering-column-switches/#steering-column-switches) table. Connect a test light between ground and Orange (Orange/Black on some models) wire of horn relay connector. If test light does not glow, replace fuse or repair open in Orange (Orange/Black) wire between fuse and relay.
2. If test light glows, connect a test light between Orange (Orange/Black) and Black wire terminals of horn relay connector. Press horn button. If test light glows, go to next step. If test light does not glow, check for open in ground circuit between horn relay and horn switch.
3. With horn relay removed, connect a fused jumper wire between Orange and Dark Green wire terminals of horn relay connector. If horns sound, replace horn relay. If horns do not sound, leave jumper wire connected and go to next step.
4. Check for battery voltage at Dark Green wire terminal of horn connectors. If no voltage is present, repair open in Dark Green wire. If battery voltage is present, check for open in horn ground (Black wire). If Black wire is okay, replace horn.

Horns Sound Continuously

1. Remove horn relay. See HORN RELAY LOCATION table. If horns stop sounding, go to next step. If horns continue to sound, repair short to battery in Dark Green wire between horn relay and horns.
2. With relay still removed, connect a test light between Orange (Orange/Black on some models) and Black wire terminals of horn relay connector. If test light does not glow, replace horn relay. If test light glows, repair short to ground in circuit between horn relay and horn switch.

HORN RELAY LOCATION

Note. For wiring diagrams and switch testing procedures on cruise control, lighting, wiper/washer & other components, see appropriate article for circuit being tested in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Section. Use the following procedure to test components not covered.

Disconnect switch connector. Check continuity between appropriate terminals of switch connector according to selected switch position. If continuity is not correct for selected switch position, replace switch.

* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST

Removal

1. For air bag precautions, see appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article. Disable SIR system. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/buick/roadmaster/viii-1991-1996/remont/steering-column-switches/#steering-column-switches__disabling-activating-air-bag-system) .
2. Loosen screws behind steering wheel until air bag module can be released from steering wheel. Pull up air bag module, and then disconnect electrical connectors from module. Remove module.

Installation

Connect electrical connectors to module. Install module. On Corvette, tighten screws to 87 INCH lbs. (9.7 N.m). On all other models, tighten screws to 27 INCH lbs. (3.1 N.m). Activate SIR system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .

Removal & Installation (With SIR)

1. Set front wheels in straight-ahead position. Turn ignition switch to LOCK position. For air bag precautions, see appropriate AIR BAG article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Section. Disable SIR system. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/buick/roadmaster/viii-1991-1996/remont/steering-column-switches/#steering-column-switches__disabling-activating-air-bag-system) .
2. Loosen screws behind steering wheel until air bag module can be released from steering wheel. Pull up air bag module, and then disconnect electrical connectors from module. Remove module.
3. Mark steering wheel hub in relation to steering shaft for installation reference. Remove steering wheel nut. Using appropriate steering wheel puller, remove steering wheel. DO NOT install puller bolts too deeply into hub, as coil assembly may be damaged.
4. To install, reverse removal procedure. Align marks on steering wheel hub and steering shaft before installing steering wheel. Tighten steering wheel nut to 30 ft. lbs. (41 N.m). Activate SIR system. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/buick/roadmaster/viii-1991-1996/remont/steering-column-switches/#steering-column-switches__disabling-activating-air-bag-system) .

Removal & Installation (Without SIR)

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Insert thin-blade screwdriver at top of horn pad, and then gently pry horn pad away from wheel. Gently push horn wire downward and turn counterclockwise. Lift wire and spring from cancel cam tower. Remove retainer and steering wheel nut.
2. Mark steering wheel hub in relation to steering shaft for installation reference. Remove steering wheel nut. Remove steering wheel using steering wheel puller. To install, reverse removal procedure. Align marks on steering wheel hub and steering shaft. Tighten steering wheel nut to 30 ft. lbs. (41 N.m).

SIR COIL ASSEMBLY

1. Set front wheels in straight-ahead position and turn ignition switch to LOCK position. Disable SIR system. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/buick/roadmaster/viii-1991-1996/remont/steering-column-switches/#steering-column-switches__disabling-activating-air-bag-system). Disconnect negative battery cable.
2. Remove air bag module. See «AIR BAG MODULE»(/buick/roadmaster/viii-1991-1996/remont/steering-column-switches/#steering-column-switches). Remove steering wheel nut. Using a puller, remove steering wheel. DO NOT install puller bolts too deeply into hub, as coil assembly may be damaged.
3. Remove coil assembly retaining ring. Note orientation of coil assembly to steering column housing. Remove coil assembly, allowing assembly to hang freely by wiring. Remove wave washer. Remove shaft lock plate cover (rotate steering shaft as necessary to access screws).
4. Remove shaft lock plate retaining ring using Spring Compressor (J-23653). (Scheme 3) Remove shaft lock plate, turn signal cancel cam and upper bearing spring. Remove upper bearing inner race seat and inner race.
5. Remove multifunction switch lever by grasping and pulling straight out. Remove hazard flasher knob. Remove turn signal switch, allowing switch to hang freely by wiring. Attach mechanic's wire to coil assembly lower connector at base of steering column. Carefully pull switch and wiring from column.

Note. Use care not to pinch wires when installing components. After wire is fed through, attach CAUTION tag to wire near connector at base of steering column. Tag is included in coil assembly repair kit.

To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure coil assembly hub and steering shaft are centered before installing coil assembly. After coil assembly is installed, remove slack from coil assembly wiring in steering column to prevent wire damage. Activate SIR system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .

Scheme 3

Removal & Installation

1. Remove steering wheel and SIR coil spring (if equipped). Remove steering shaft lock retaining ring using Spring Compressor (J-23653). (Scheme 3) Remove shaft lock plate.
2. Remove turn signal cancel cam and upper bearing spring. Remove hazard flasher button. Disconnect turn signal switch connector from harness. Remove turn signal switch. To install, reverse removal procedure.

Remove turn signal switch. See TURN SIGNAL SWITCH . With ignition key removed, remove buzzer switch. Insert key into lock cylinder. Turn lock cylinder to LOCK position. Remove lock cylinder retaining screw. Remove lock cylinder. To install, reverse removal procedure.

Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove trim panel(s) from base of column as necessary to access the dimmer switch. Disconnect electrical connector from dimmer switch. Remove dimmer switch from actuator rod.

Install and adjust dimmer switch using adjustment procedure. See DIMMER SWITCH ADJUSTMENT under ADJUSTMENTS. To install remaining components, reverse removal procedure.

Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove trim panel(s) from base of column as necessary to access the ignition switch. Remove dimmer switch, if necessary. Disconnect electrical connector from ignition switch. Remove ignition switch from actuator rod.

Install and adjust ignition switch using adjustment procedure. See IGNITION SWITCH ADJUSTMENT under ADJUSTMENTS. If dimmer switch was removed, install and adjust dimmer switch using adjustment procedure. See DIMMER SWITCH ADJUSTMENT under ADJUSTMENTS. To install remaining components, reverse removal procedure.

LOCK HOUSING

Note. Lock housing may also be referred to as main steering column housing.

1. Remove steering wheel, SIR coil assembly (if equipped), turn signal switch and lock cylinder. Remove dimmer and ignition switches. Remove cover from lock housing. Disconnect cruise control switch connector (if equipped) near multifunction switch.
2. Disconnect multifunction switch connector. Set multifunction switch lever in OFF position (centered), grasp lever and pull straight out to remove. Remove lock housing screws. Remove lock housing. To install, reverse removal procedure.

MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH

Note. Multifunction switch incorporates wiper/washer switch and acts as mechanical link to the turn signal switch and headlight dimmer switch. Also, cruise control switch (if equipped) is on end of multifunction switch lever. Manufacturer's procedure requires that the lock housing be removed to remove switch.

Remove lock housing. See LOCK HOUSING . Remove multifunction switch actuator pivot pin. Remove multifunction switch. To install, reverse removal procedure.

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

Scheme 6

Scheme 7

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

Horn Circuit Wiring Diagram (Beretta & Corsica). Scheme 8

Horn Circuit Wiring Diagram (Bonneville, Eighty-Eight & Ninety-Eight). Scheme 9

Horn Circuit Wiring Diagram (Fleetwood). Scheme 10

Horn Circuit Wiring Diagram (Camaro & Firebird). Scheme 11

Horn Circuit Wiring Diagram (Caprice & Roadmaster Wagon). Scheme 12

Horn Circuit Wiring Diagram (Roadmaster Sedan). Scheme 13

Horn Circuit Wiring Diagram (Century, Cutlass Ciera & Cutlass Cruiser). Scheme 14

Horn Circuit Wiring Diagram (Corvette). Scheme 15

Horn Circuit Wiring Diagram (DeVille W/O Trunk Pull-Down W/Anti-Theft). Scheme 16

Horn Circuit Wiring Diagram (DeVille W/Trunk Pull-Down & Anti-Theft). Scheme 17

Horn Circuit Wiring Diagram (DeVille W/Trunk Pull-Down W/O Anti-Theft). Scheme 18

Horn Circuit Wiring Diagram (DeVille W/O Trunk Pull-Down & Anti-Theft). Scheme 19

Horn Circuit Wiring Diagram (Eldorado & Seville). Scheme 20

Horn Circuit Wiring Diagram (LeSabre & Park Avenue). Scheme 21

Horn Circuit Wiring Diagram (Riviera). Scheme 22

Horn Circuit Wiring Diagram (Sunbird). Scheme 23

See also:
• DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
• HORN RELAY LOCATION
• SIR COIL ASSEMBLY ADJUSTMENT
• DIMMER SWITCH ADJUSTMENT
• IGNITION SWITCH ADJUSTMENT
• LOCK HOUSING