Steering Column and Steering Column Switches Cadillac Escalade GMT400

MODEL IDENTIFICATION

MODEL IDENTIFICATION - TRUCKS

DESCRIPTION

All models use a collapsible steering column with an integral ignition switch and locking device. Some models include tilt wheel, gear shift interlock device, and/or Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system.

DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM

1. To disable air bag system, turn ignition switch to OFF position. Remove SIR fuse from fuse block. Disconnect Yellow SIR connector at base of steering column. On models equipped with passenger-side air bag, also disconnect Yellow connector under right side of instrument panel. INFLATABLE RESTRAINT indicator light will come on. This is normal.
2. Wait 10 minutes before working on vehicle. All connectors used on SIR system use Connector Position Assurance (CPA) clips to ensure connector retention.
3. To activate air bag system, turn ignition switch to OFF position. Connect Yellow 2-pin connector and CPA clip at base of steering column and/or under right side of instrument panel. Install SIR fuse. Turn ignition switch to RUN position. INFLATABLE RESTRAINT indicator light should flash 7 times, then go off. For more information, see appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT.

PARK LOCK CABLE

Ensure gear shift lever is in Park. turn lock cylinder to PARK-LOCK position and remove key. Using Park Lock Cable Pliers (J-41396), unlock adjuster ring on cable assembly. Pull on cable until park lock latch contacts gear shift lever. Release cable. Using park lock cable pliers, lock adjuster ring securely in place.

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD

Removal (With Air Bag)

1. Disable air bag system. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt400-1998-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-and-steering-column-switches__disabling-activating-air-bag-system) . Inflator module is located on steering wheel hub. Turn steering wheel 90 degrees to access rear shroud hole. Insert screwdriver and push leaf spring to release pin. Turn steering wheel 180 degrees to access remaining shroud holes. Repeat release procedure with screwdriver.
2. Partially remove inflator module from top. Disconnect steering wheel inflator module connector, CPA clip and horn contact from inflator. Remove inflator module.
3. Position steering wheel straight ahead. Remove snap ring and steering wheel retaining nut. Mark steering wheel and shaft for reassembly reference. Using Steering Wheel Puller (J-1859-03), remove steering wheel.

Installation

Note. Use only specified screws. Using screws that are too long may prevent column from compressing upon impact.

1. Ensure turn signal switch is in neutral position. Install and align steering wheel. DO NOT misalign steering wheel. Install and tighten steering wheel retaining nut to 30 ft. lbs. (41 N.m). Install snap ring.
2. Install horn contact, steering wheel inflator module connector and CPA clip. Install inflator module to steering wheel. Press inflator module firmly until all latch pins are engaged.
3. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Check INFLATABLE RESTRAINT indicator light to ensure system is functioning properly. For more information, see appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT.

Removal (Without Air Bag)

Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove horn pad. Remove snap ring and steering wheel retaining nut. Disconnect horn lead assembly (if equipped). Mark steering wheel and shaft for reassembly reference. Using Steering Wheel Puller (J-1859-03), remove steering wheel.

Before installing steering wheel, ensure turn signal switch is in neutral position. Install steering wheel onto steering shaft aligning marks made during removal. DO NOT misalign steering wheel rim more than .79" (20 mm) from centerline. Connect horn lead assembly (if equipped). Install and tighten steering wheel retaining nut to 30 ft. lbs. (41 N.m). Install snap ring and horn pad. Connect negative battery cable.

Note. Although columns are similar, some procedures do not apply to all steering columns.

Removal

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect transmission shift linkage from column shift tube levers. Mark position of joint to steering shaft. Remove upper intermediate shaft bolt and nut from steering shaft.
2. Remove steering column support bracket bolts and nuts. Remove support bracket. Remove steering column seal bolts and seal. Remove steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt400-1998-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-and-steering-column-switches__steering-wheel-horn-pad) . Disconnect electrical connectors at column harness.
3. Disconnect start/neutral switch and back-up light switch electrical connectors (if equipped). Disconnect transmission indicator cable (if equipped). On column shift models, rotate column so shift lever can clear dash opening. On all models, remove steering column assembly.

To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts and screws to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.

Set front wheels in straight-ahead position. Mark joint-to-steering shaft position. Mark joint-to-steering gear worm shaft position. Remove intermediate shaft shield screw (if equipped). Remove shield (if equipped). Remove upper and lower intermediate shaft bolts and nut. Remove intermediate shaft.

To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts, nut and screw to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Position steering wheel half way between upper and lower tilt stops. Remove steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt400-1998-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-and-steering-column-switches__steering-wheel-horn-pad). Roll back shift lever seal from upper and lower steering column trim covers. Remove tilt wheel lever. Remove lower steering column trim cover. Remove screws retaining upper trim cover. Lift trim cover to gain access to lock cylinder access hole.
2. Hold ignition switch in START position. Using a bent tip awl, push on lock cylinder retaining pin. Release ignition switch to RUN position, and pull lock cylinder set from lock module assembly. (Scheme 1)
3. To install, insert key into lock cylinder and turn to RUN position. Ensure sector in lock module assembly is in RUN position. Insert lock cylinder into lock module. Align locking and positioning tabs with slots in lock module assembly, and press lock cylinder into position. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure.

Scheme 1

1. If equipped, disable SIR system, then disconnect battery. Remove tilt lever, if equipped. Remove 2 lower shroud screws. Tilt lower shroud down and slide back to disengage locking tabs, then remove lower shroud. Remove upper shroud retaining screws.
2. Remove retaining ring. Remove SIR clockspring assembly. See appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT. Remove wave washer. Using Lock Plate Compressor (J-23563-SIR), remove and discard retaining ring. Remove shaft lock shield assembly. Remove turn signal cancelling cam.
3. On models with park lock cable, ensure lock cylinder is in OFF-LOCK position and gearshift is in Park. Insert small screwdriver into slot in lock module assembly, push against locking tab on end of cable and remove park lock cable.
4. On all models, remove 3 screws, and remove lock module assembly with upper shroud. Remove backing plate from lock module assembly. Mark 2 sector gears at PARK-LOCK position for installation reference. (Scheme 2) Remove both sector gears.
5. Using 1/8"burring tool, remove positioning tab on end of lock cylinder. (Scheme 3) Remove all burrs in and around lock module assembly and lock cylinder. From inside lock module assembly, push on locking tab and pull out lock cylinder. Clean debris from lock module assembly.

1. Install sector gears and backing plate to lock module assembly, ensuring reference marks are aligned. Ensure sector gear in lock module is in OFF-LOCK position. Insert key in lock cylinder, and turn key to OFF-LOCK position. Align position and locking tabs with slots in lock module assembly and press lock cylinder into position. Turn lock cylinder to ACC position, and check alignment of arrows on sector gears (arrows should point toward each other). Turn lock cylinder back to OFF-LOCK position.
2. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. When installing turn signal cancelling cam, lubricate lower brass surface with synthetic grease. Use NEW shaft lock retaining ring. Tighten all screws to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt400-1998-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-and-steering-column-switches) table. Adjust park lock cable, if necessary. See «PARK LOCK CABLE»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt400-1998-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-and-steering-column-switches__park-lock-cable) in ADJUSTMENTS.

Scheme 2

Scheme 3

1. Ensure lever is in center of OFF position. Disconnect negative battery cable. Disable air bag system (if equipped). See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt400-1998-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-and-steering-column-switches__disabling-activating-air-bag-system) . Remove steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt400-1998-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-and-steering-column-switches__steering-wheel-horn-pad) . Remove knee bolster, if necessary.
2. Remove bolts/screws and lower column cover. Remove bolts/screws and upper column cover. Remove lock cylinder, if necessary. See «LOCK CYLINDER (FUNCTIONAL)»(/cadillac/escalade/gmt400-1998-2000/remont/steering-column/#steering-column-and-steering-column-switches) . Remove harness strap. Disconnect steering column electrical connector. Disconnect turn signal and multifunction switch Gray and Black connectors. Remove turn signal and multifunction switch.

Install turn signal and multifunction switch. Using small flat-blade screwdriver, compress electrical contact and move switch into position. Ensure electrical contact rests on cancelling cam. (Scheme 4)- (Scheme 6). Tighten turn signal and multifunction switch screws to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure.

OVERHAUL

Note. Use illustrations for exploded view of steering columns. (Scheme 4)- (Scheme 6).

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

Scheme 6

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

See also:
• DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
• STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD
• TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
• PARK LOCK CABLE