Steering Column Chevrolet Monte Carlo V

COLUMN DESIGNATIONS

All models are equipped with tilt columns, and are column shift or floor shift. Column shift lock will not allow lever to be moved from Park when ignition switch is locked, floor shift uses park lock cable system to prevent shift lever movement.

COLUMN COLLAPSE FEATURE

Steering column is designed to collapse if impacted during a collision. Steering shaft and column jacket are both 2-piece units, which are internally injected with plastic. The plastic protrudes from holes in each unit, keeping the 2 separate pieces rigidly together as one unit. (Scheme 8) If the column or steering wheel is forcefully impacted, the plastic pieces break off, allowing the column and shaft to collapse.

BRAKE/TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK

Column shift models are equipped with a Brake/Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) system. This system does not allow shift lever to be moved out of Park when ignition is on unless brake pedal is pressed.

PARK LOCK CABLE SYSTEM

The park lock cable system prevents the following

1. The lock cylinder from being turned to LOCK position unless floor shift lever is in Park.
2. The floor shift lever from being moved out of Park unless the lock cylinder is out of LOCK position.

On column shift models, these preventions are accomplished through a brake/transmission shift interlock solenoid, cable and cam assembly mounted on the column. On floor shift models, these preventions are accomplished through a park lock cable connected between shift lever and ignition switch inhibitor. (Scheme 4)

SERVICE PRECAUTIONS

Observe the following precautions when servicing air bag system

1. Disable air bag system before attempting any repairs to steering column or components. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.
2. Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) retains back-up voltage for about 10 minutes after air bag system is disabled. To avoid accidental air bag deployment, wait at least 10 minutes after disabling air bag system before working on vehicle components.
3. Always wear safety glasses when working around air bag system.
4. Always carry live (undeployed) air bag with trim cover facing away from your body. This minimizes the chance of injury if air bag accidentally deploys.
5. Place live (undeployed) air bag on bench or other surface with trim cover facing up, away from surface. This will reduce motion of air bag if it accidentally deploys.
6. Never probe air bag inflator module connectors. Air bag may accidentally deploy.
7. Never attempt repair of any air bag system components. Replace any faulty components as required.

DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM

1. Before proceeding, follow air bag service precautions. See «SERVICE PRECAUTIONS»(/chevrolet/monte-carlo/v-1994-1999/remont/steering-column/#steering-column__service-precautions) . To disable air bag, turn ignition switch to LOCK position and remove key. Remove SIR fuse (air bag fuse) from instrument panel fuse block. Remove left hand instrument panel sound insulator. Remove Connector Position Assurance (CPA) clip from Yellow 2-pin SIR harness connector at base of steering column. All SIR system connectors use CPA clips to ensure connector retention. Disconnect Yellow 2-pin SIR connector. Wait at least 10 minutes before working on vehicle.
2. With SIR fuse removed and ignition on, AIR BAG warning indicator light will be on. This is normal operation for SIR system and does not indicate a fault code or system problem. 3) To activate air bag system, ensure ignition is off. Connect Yellow 2-pin SIR connector and CPA clip at base of steering column. Install SIR fuse. Turn ignition switch to RUN position. Observe AIR BAG warning indicator light. Light should flash 7 times, then go out. If AIR BAG warning indicator light does not function as described, a malfunction exists in air bag system.

BRAKE/TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK SOLENOID

1. Turn lock cylinder to RUN position. Depress brake pedal. Move shift lever out of Park. Disengage locking button, pull cable away from solenoid until fitting starts to extend, compressing spring inside ball joint. Allow cable to move back.04-.08" (1-2 mm), engage locking button. (Scheme 1)
2. Check BTSI operation. Place shift lever in Park. With ignition on and foot off brake, shift lever should not move out of Park. Depress brake pedal, shift lever should be free to move to any other position. If operation is not as specified, readjust BTSI system.

Scheme 1

COLUMN SHIFT INDICATOR

1. Position shift lever in "N" position. Move "PRNDL" adjuster on left side of steering column to allow both dots above "N" position be filled by position indicator.
2. Move shift lever through all positions and back to "N" position to check adjustment. Verify flag fills window for each graphic, and does not show 2 gear positions at same time. (Scheme 2)

Scheme 2

IGNITION SWITCH ASSEMBLY

See IGNITION SWITCH ASSEMBLY under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION .

PARK LOCK CABLE

See PARK LOCK CABLE under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION .

CENTERING SIR COIL ASSEMBLY

Note. If column is allowed to rotate when disconnected from steering gear, or centering spring is pushed down allowing hub to rotate while SIR coil is removed, perform following procedure. New coil assemblies are centered and held in position with a plastic tab. Remove tab after coil assembly is installed.

1. Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead position. 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.

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

Note. Use illustrations for exploded view of steering column assembly. (Scheme 9)or (Scheme 10). For removal and installation of all components not listed under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION, see OVERHAUL. Before servicing steering column, place shift lever in Park, turn lock cylinder to OFF-LOCK position, and remove key.

1. Disable SIR system. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/chevrolet/monte-carlo/v-1994-1999/remont/steering-column/#steering-column__disabling-activating-air-bag-system) . Using a No. 30 Torx bit, loosen screws until air bag is released from steering wheel. Disconnect SIR coil electrical connector and retainer.
2. On Cutlass Supreme, and Regal, disconnect horn wire and ground lead from column. Remove air bag module. To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure wiring is not pinched between air bag module and steering wheel. Tighten air bag mounting screws to 25 INCH lbs. (2.8 N.m).

1. Disable SIR system. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/chevrolet/monte-carlo/v-1994-1999/remont/steering-column/#steering-column__disabling-activating-air-bag-system) . Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove CPA clip and disconnect electrical connector. Remove cable mounting clip, ball joint socket and spring from solenoid. Use care to avoid kinking BTSI cable assembly. Remove mounting bolts and solenoid. To install reverse removal procedure.
2. Check BTSI operation. Place shift lever in Park. With ignition on and foot off brake, shift lever should not move out of Park. Depress brake pedal, shift lever should be free to move to any other position. If operation is not as specified, adjust BTSI system. See BRAKE/TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK under «ADJUSTMENTS»(/chevrolet/monte-carlo/v-1994-1999/remont/steering-column/#steering-column) .

1. Turn ignition switch to OFF position. Remove air bag. See «AIR BAG (INFLATOR) MODULE»(/chevrolet/monte-carlo/v-1994-1999/remont/steering-column/#steering-column) . Mark steering wheel hub in relation to steering shaft for installation reference. Loosen nut, positioning it flush with end of steering shaft.
2. Using Steering Wheel Puller (J-1859-03), remove steering wheel. Remove steering wheel puller and steering shaft nut. Remove steering wheel from steering shaft. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten steering wheel nut to 30 ft. lbs. (41 N.m).

Ensure lever is in center position. Remove electrical connector. Remove combination switch by pulling it straight out. To install, align tab and push lever straight in. Connect electrical connector.

1. Remove steering wheel. See STEERING WHEEL. Remove combination switch. See «COMBINATION SWITCH»(/chevrolet/monte-carlo/v-1994-1999/remont/steering-column/#steering-column) . Remove SIR coil retaining ring. Remove SIR coil and allow to hang free. Using Lock Plate Compressor (J-23653-SIR), push shaft lock down. Remove wave washer. Remove and discard shaft lock retaining ring.
2. Remove turn signal cancelling cam, upper bearing spring, inner race seat and inner race. Remove housing end cap by prying inner edges up and out using finger pressure. Spread upper and lower tabs with screwdriver, remove pivot and pulse dimmer switch and allow to hang free. Remove hazard warning switch knob.
3. Move turn signal switch up to right turn position. Disconnect turn signal switch connector. Remove lower wire guard from column housing. Remove turn signal switch screws. Remove turn signal switch, carefully pulling connector and wires up through column.
4. To install, reverse removal procedure. Lubricate bottom of cancel cam with synthetic grease. Tighten mounting screws to 30 INCH lbs. (3.4 N.m).

1. Remove steering column. See «STEERING COLUMN»(/chevrolet/monte-carlo/v-1994-1999/remont/steering-column/#steering-column). Remove ignition switch mounting bolts. On models with column shift, remove "PRNDL" adjuster bracket and dimmer switch mounting stud. On all models, remove turn signal switch connector. Remove pivot and pulse dimmer switch connector from ignition switch assembly connector on column housing. Remove ignition switch assembly. CAUTION: If replacing ignition switch, NEW switch will be pinned in OFF-LOCK position, remove plastic pin after switch is installed.
2. Ensure lock cylinder is in OFF-LOCK position. Place ignition switch slider in far right position, then move one detent to the left. (Scheme 3) Insert a 3/32" drill bit into hole in switch to keep slider in position.
3. Insert ignition switch actuator rod into slider hole, and mount switch onto column. Remove drill bit. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Tighten mounting screws to 35 INCH lbs. (4 N.m).

Scheme 3

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

Removal

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Place shift lever in Park. Turn lock cylinder to RUN position. Insert screwdriver blade into access hole of ignition switch inhibitor. (Scheme 4) While pressing locking tab, pull cable out of ignition switch inhibitor.
2. Unlock park lock cable adjuster at base of shift lever by pressing button upward. Disconnect cable end from lever pin at base of shift lever. Disconnect cable housing from shift lever base. Remove cable.

Installation

1. Unlock park lock cable adjuster. Place shift lever in Park. Insert cable housing into shift lever base hole, then snap into place. Turn lock cylinder to RUN position. Insert cable into ignition switch inhibitor. Turn lock cylinder to LOCK position.
2. Connect cable end to lever pin at shift lever base. Push cable connector nose forward to remove cable slack. With no load applied to cable connector nose, lock cable adjuster. Install console trim. Connect battery cable.

Scheme 4

1. Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead position and ignition switch is in OFF position. Disconnect negative battery cable. Disable SIR system. See «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(/chevrolet/monte-carlo/v-1994-1999/remont/steering-column/#steering-column__disabling-activating-air-bag-system). Remove steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL»(/chevrolet/monte-carlo/v-1994-1999/remont/steering-column/#steering-column). Remove sound insulators and trim panels as necessary. Push top of intermediate shaft seal down for access to upper intermediate shaft coupling and upper coupling bolt.
2. Remove upper coupling bolt. On column shift, disconnect shift indicator cable and shift cable from column. On floor shift, disconnect park lock cable from ignition switch inhibitor. See PARK LOCK CABLE. (Scheme 4)
3. On all models, remove lower column-to-firewall mounting bolts. While supporting column, remove upper column mounting bolts. Lower column to seat. Some servicing procedures may be performed with column in this position. Disconnect column electrical connectors as necessary. Remove steering column.
4. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten upper coupling bolt to 35 ft. lbs. (47 N.m), lower and upper column mounting bolts to 18 ft. lbs. (24 N.m), and intermediate shaft bolt to 35 ft. lbs. (47 N.m).

OVERHAUL

Note. Use illustrations for exploded view of steering column assembly. (Scheme 9)or (Scheme 10). Perform overhaul procedure with steering column removed from vehicle, and with steering wheel, combination switch and turn signal switch removed from column.

Disassembly

1. Remove pivot and pulse dimmer switch and SIR coil assembly, attach a length of mechanics wire to connectors to aid in reassembly. Remove key from lock cylinder and remove buzzer switch. Place key in lock cylinder and turn to OFF-LOCK position. Remove lock cylinder retaining screw. Disconnect electrical connector (if equipped), remove lock cylinder.
2. Remove socket head screws, tilt lever, lock housing cover and sleeve assembly and wire guard. Using Tilt Spring Compressor(J-39246) compress spring retainer at least 1/4". Rotate lower hex of tilt spring compressor counterclockwise 1/4 turn to release retainer. Remove tilt spring compressor, retainer, spring and guide.
3. Using Pivot Pin Remover (J-21854-01), remove 2 pivot pins. (Scheme 5) Reinstall tilt lever. Pull tilt lever and pull housing assembly down and away from column. Remove retainer and steering wheel speed sensor. Remove and discard lower spring retainer. Remove lower bearing spring, seat, adapter and bearing assembly. Remove steering shaft assembly.
4. Mark race and upper steering shaft to lower steering shaft for reassembly reference. Tilt race and upper shaft 90 degrees to lower shaft and remove. Remove centering sphere and preload spring from upper shaft by rotating them 90 degrees.
5. Remove column housing support, shift lever gate, shift tube retaining ring and thrust washers. Rotate gearshift lever bowl to 4 o'clock position. Apply pressure to lock plate at 1 o'clock position and rotate counterclockwise to loosen. Remove wave washer, thrust washers, cam retainer and shift cam assembly. Remove gearshift lever bowl, shift tube and shift lever spring.
6. Separate shift tube from bowl (if necessary), using a press. Remove park position switch, "PRDNL" adjuster bracket and ignition switch. Remove BTSI cable from solenoid and ignition switch actuator, use care to avoid kinking cable. Remove BTSI solenoid.

Scheme 5

Note. Vehicles involved in an accident with frame damage, major body damage or impact to the steering column may have damaged or misaligned steering column. Use the following procedures to inspect steering column for damage.

Inspection (Column Jacket)

1. Check capsules on steering column bracket assembly. Capsules should be securely seated in bracket slots. (Scheme 6) If looseness is detected, replace bracket if bracket is bolted to column jacket, or replace column jacket if bracket is welded to column jacket.
2. Measure distance between indicated points on column jacket. (Scheme 7) If distance is not 7.2-7.3" (184-186 mm), replace column jacket.

Inspection (Steering Shaft)

Inspect steering shaft for sheared plastic injections. (Scheme 8) If plastic injections are sheared, replace steering shaft. Check steering shaft runout by installing a dial indicator at lower end of steering shaft, then rotating steering wheel. If runout exceeds.062" (1.59 mm), replace steering shaft.

Reassembly

1. To assemble steering shaft, lubricate centering sphere with lithium grease. Align marks made during removal and disassembly procedure. When properly assembled, with block tooth on upper shaft positioned at 12 o'clock, pinch bolt notch on lower shaft will be at 11 o'clock position.
2. To reassemble steering column, reverse disassembly procedure. Apply a thin coat of lithium-based grease to all friction points when reassembling. Before installing lock cylinder, set lock cylinder in OFF-LOCK position and remove key.

Scheme 6

Scheme 7

Scheme 8

Scheme 9

Scheme 10

See also:
• COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES
• SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
• REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
• OVERHAUL
• DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
• ADJUSTMENTS