Steering Column Tilt Function Inoperative
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Did you review the Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation |
| 2 | Verify that the steering column tilt function is inoperative. Does the steering column tilt function operate normally? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
| 3 | Verify that the shoe is not seized on the pivot pin. Is the shoe seized on the pivot pin? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Inspect the shoe grooves for dirt, burrs, or rust. Are the shoe grooves free of dirt, burrs, and rust? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Inspect for a weak or broken shoe lock spring. Is the shoe lock spring weak or broken? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 6 |
| 6 | Inspect the pivot pins for binding. Are the pivot pins binding? | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 7 |
| 7 | Inspect for a weak or broken wheel tilt spring. Is the wheel tilt spring weak or broken? | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 8 |
| 8 | Inspect the steering column wiring harness for tightness. Is the steering column wiring harness too tight? | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 3 |
| 9 | Replace the tilt head. Refer to Steering Column Tilt Head Housing Replacement . Is the repair complete? | Go to Step 13 | |
| 10 | Replace the pivot pins. Refer to Steering Column Tilt Head Housing Replacement . Is the repair complete? | Go to Step 13 | |
| 11 | Replace the tilt spring. Refer to Tilt Spring Replacement . Is the repair complete? | Go to Step 13 | |
| 12 | Reroute the steering column wiring harness to the correct location. Is the steering column wiring harness routed properly? | Go to Step 13 | |
| 13 | Operate the steering column tilt function in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
Steering Column Tilt Function Inoperative
Ignition Can/Cannot Be Turned Off with Transmission in Any Gear
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schematic Reference: Column/Ignition Lock Schematics Connector End View Reference: Steering Wheel and Column Connector End Views | |||
| 1 | Did you review the Steering Wheel and Column Operation and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation |
| 2 | Push the ignition lock cylinder control actuator release button which is on the underside of the ignition key cylinder. Turn the key to the OFF position and remove the key. Were you able to turn the key to the OFF position and remove the key? | Go to Step 3 | Go to Lock System Does Not Lock |
| 3 | Verify the fault is present. Does the system operate normally? | Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Turn OFF the ignition. Disconnect the ignition lock cylinder control actuator. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. Connect a test lamp between the battery positive voltage and ground circuits of the ignition lock cylinder control actuator. Cycle the gear shift from Park to Drive. Does the test lamp turn ON and OFF with each cycle? | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Connect a test lamp between the ground circuit of the ignition lock cylinder control actuator and B+ voltage. Does the test lamp illuminate? | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 8 |
| 6 | Turn OFF the ignition. Reconnect the ignition lock cylinder control actuator. Disconnect the floor shift control connector. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. Connect a test lamp between the battery positive voltage and ground circuits of the ignition lock cylinder control switch. Does the test lamp illuminate? | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 7 |
| 7 | Connect a test lamp between battery positive circuit of the ignition lock cylinder control switch and a good ground. Does the test lamp illuminate? | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 9 |
| 8 | Repair the open in the ground circuit of the ignition lock cylinder control actuator circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 15 | |
| 9 | Repair the open or short to ground of the ignition lock cylinder control switch battery positive voltage circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 15 | |
| 10 | Repair the open, short to ground, or short to voltage of the ignition lock cylinder control switch signal circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 15 | |
| 11 | Inspect for poor connections at the ignition lock cylinder control switch. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 13 |
| 12 | Inspect for poor connections at the ignition lock cylinder control actuator. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 14 |
| 13 | Replace the ignition lock cylinder control switch. Refer to Floor Shift Control Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | Go to Step 15 | |
| 14 | Replace the ignition lock cylinder control actuator. Refer to Steering Wheel Theft Deterrent Lock Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | Go to Step 15 | |
| 15 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 4 |
Ignition Can/Cannot Be Turned Off With Transmission In Any Gear
Lock System Does Not Unlock
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEFINITION: The lock system does not allow the key to rotate out of the OFF position. | |||
| 1 | Did you review the Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation |
| 2 | Verify that the lock system does not unlock. Does the lock system operate normally? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
| 3 | Inspect for an incorrect, worn, or damaged key. Is the key incorrect, worn, or damaged? | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Inspect for a faulty lock cylinder. Is the lock cylinder damaged? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Inspect the ignition lock cylinder case assembly for looseness. Is the ignition lock cylinder case assembly loose? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 6 |
| 6 | Inspect the ignition switch assembly for damage. Is the ignition switch assembly damaged? | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 3 |
| 7 | Replace the key. Refer to Key and Lock Cylinder Coding in General Information. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 11 | |
| 8 | Replace the lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 11 | |
| 9 | Tighten the ignition lock cylinder case assembly. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 11 | |
| 10 | Replace the ignition switch. Refer to Ignition Switch Replacement . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 11 | |
| 11 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
Lock System Does Not Unlock
Lock System Does Not Lock
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEFINITION: The lock system will not allow the key to be turned to the OFF lock position. | |||
| 1 | Did you review the Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation |
| 2 | Verify that the lock system does not lock. Does the lock system operate normally? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
| 3 | Inspect for a faulty lock cylinder or release button. Is the lock cylinder or release button damaged? | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Inspect the shift cable adjustment. Is the shift cable adjusted incorrectly? | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Inspect the ignition switch for damage. Is the ignition switch damaged? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 6 |
| 6 | Replace the lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 9 | |
| 7 | Adjust the shift cable. Refer to Automatic Transmission Range Selector Cable Adjustment in Automatic Transmission - 4L60-E/4L65-E. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 9 | |
| 8 | Replace the ignition switch. Refer to Ignition Switch Replacement . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 9 | |
| 9 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
Lock System Does Not Lock
Lock System Sticks in Start
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Did you review the Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation |
| 2 | Verify that the lock system sticks in the START position. Does the lock system operate normally? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
| 3 | Inspect the ignition lock cylinder case assembly for damage. Is the ignition lock cylinder case assembly damaged? | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Inspect the lock cylinder for damage. Is the lock cylinder damaged? | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Inspect the ignition switch for damage. Is the ignition switch damaged? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 3 |
| 6 | Replace the ignition lock cylinder case assembly. Refer to Ignition Switch Replacement . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 9 | |
| 7 | Replace the lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 9 | |
| 8 | Replace the ignition switch. Refer to Ignition Switch Replacement . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 9 | |
| 9 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
Lock System Sticks In Start
Key Cannot Be Removed in the Off Lock Position
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Did you review the Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation |
| 2 | Verify that the key cannot be removed from the lock cylinder in the OFF position. Does the lock system operate normally? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
| 3 | Inspect for incorrect, worn, or damaged key. Is the key incorrect, worn, or damaged? | Go to Step 5 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Inspect for a faulty lock cylinder or release button. Is the lock cylinder or release button damaged? | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 3 |
| 5 | Replace the key. Refer to Key and Lock Cylinder Coding in General Information. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 7 | |
| 6 | Replace the lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 7 | |
| 7 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
Key Cannot Be Removed In The Off Lock Position
High Lock Effort
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Did you review the Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation |
| 2 | Verify that the lock system has a high lock effort. Does the lock system operate normally? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
| 3 | Inspect for an incorrect, worn, or damaged key. Is the key incorrect, worn, or damaged? | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Inspect for a faulty lock cylinder. Is the lock cylinder damaged? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Inspect the ignition lock cylinder case assembly for damage. Is the ignition lock cylinder case assembly damaged? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 6 |
| 6 | Inspect the ignition switch assembly for damage. Is the ignition switch assembly damaged? | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 7 |
| 7 | Replace the key. Refer to Key and Lock Cylinder Coding in General Information. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 11 | |
| 8 | Replace the lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 11 | |
| 9 | Replace the ignition lock cylinder case assembly. Refer to Ignition Switch Replacement . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 11 | |
| 10 | Replace the ignition switch. Refer to Ignition Switch Replacement . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 11 | |
| 11 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
High Lock Effort
High Shift Effort
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Did you review the Steering Wheel and Column Description and operation? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation |
| 2 | Verify that a high shift effort is required in order to shift out of the PARK position. Does the shifter operate normally? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
| 3 | Inspect for worn or damaged shift linkage components. Are the shift linkage components worn or damaged? | Go to Step 5 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Inspect the shift cable for binding or misadjustment. Is the shift cable binding or misadjusted? | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 3 |
| 5 | Replace the shift cable. Refer to Automatic Transmission Range Selector Cable Replacement in Automatic Transmission - 4L60-E/4L65-E. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 7 | |
| 6 | Adjust the shift cable. Refer to Automatic Transmission Range Selector Cable Adjustment in Automatic Transmission - 4L60-E/4L65-E. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 7 | |
| 7 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
High Shift Effort
Looseness in Steering Column
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Did you review the Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation |
| 2 | Verify that the steering column is loose. Is the steering column loose? | Go to Step 3 | System OK |
| 3 | Inspect the steering column mounting brackets for looseness. Are the steering column mounting brackets loose? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Verify that the steering column bracket capsule is not sheared. Is the steering column bracket capsule sheared? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Inspect the support screws for looseness. Are the support screws loose? | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 6 |
| 6 | Inspect the intermediate shaft for worn joints or looseness. Is the intermediate joint worn or loose? | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 7 |
| 7 | Inspect the tilt head, support and pivot pins for looseness. Are there any loose components? | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 2 |
| 8 | Tighten the brackets to specifications. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 13 | |
| 9 | Replace the jacket assembly. Refer to Steering Column Jacket Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | Go to Step 13 | |
| 10 | Tighten the support screws to specifications. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 13 | |
| 11 | Tighten or replace the intermediate shaft as needed. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement - Upper and Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement - Lower . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 13 | |
| 12 | Repair or replace the tilt head, support and pivot pins as necessary. Refer to Steering Column Tilt Head Housing Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | Go to Step 13 | |
| 13 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
Looseness In Steering Column
Tools Required
J 42640 Steering Column Lock Pin
J 42640 Steering Column Lock Pin
J 42759 Ignition Switch Connector Release Tool. See Special Tools and Equipment .
J 21854-01 Pivot Pin Remover
Turn Signal Cancel Cam and Upper Bearing Thrust Washer
Tools Required
- J 23653-SIR Steering Column Lock Plate Compressor
- J 42137 Cam Orientation Plate Adapter. See «Special Tools and Equipment»(ref-187798-S24898803592005090100000) .
J 42640 Steering Column Lock Pin
Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil Centering
- Verify the following conditions before centering the SIR coil: The wheels on the vehicle are straight ahead. The block tooth (1) of the steering shaft assembly is in the 12 o'clock position. The ignition switch assembly is in the LOCK position.
- If the front (5) of the SIR coil has a centering window (4), and the back side (2) has a spring service lock (1), perform the following steps: Hold the coil with the face up. While depressing the spring service lock, rotate the coil hub clockwise until the coil ribbon stops. Rotate the coil hub slowly, counterclockwise, until the centering window appears yellow and both arrows (3) line up. Release the spring service lock between the locking tab. The SIR coil is now centered. Align the centered SIR coil with the horn tower and slide onto the steering shaft assembly.
- If the front (4) of the SIR coil has a centering window (3) and the back side (1) has NO spring service lock, perform the following steps: Hold the coil with the face up. Rotate the coil hub clockwise until the coil ribbon stops. Rotate the coil hub slowly, counterclockwise until the centering window appears yellow and both arrows (2) line up. This is the CENTER position. While holding the coil hub in the CENTER position, align the coil with the horn tower and slide the coil onto the steering shaft assembly.
- If no centering window is present on the front side (3) of the SIR coil, but a spring service lock (1) is on the back side (2), perform the following steps: Hold the coil with the back side up. While depressing the spring service lock, rotate the coil hub in the direction of the arrow (4) until the coil ribbon stops. Still pressing the spring service lock, rotate the coil hub in the opposite direction 21/2 revolutions. Release the spring service lock between the locking tabs. The SIR coil is now centered. Align the centered coil with the horn tower and slide the coil onto the steering shaft assembly.
- If no centering window appears on the front side (2) of the SIR coil and no spring service lock exists on the back side (1), perform the following steps: Hold the coil with the face up. Rotate the coil hub in the direction of the arrow until the coil ribbon stops. Rotate the coil hub, slowly, counterclockwise, for 21/2 revolutions. This is the CENTER position. While maintaining the coil hub in the CENTER position, align the centered coil with the horn tower and slide the coil onto the steering shaft assembly.
Vehicle Steering
The steering wheel is the first link between the driver and the vehicle. The steering wheel is fastened to a steering shaft within the column. At the lower end of the column, the intermediate shaft connects the column to the steering gear.
Vehicle Security-Some Vehicle Models
Theft deterrent components are mounted and designed into the steering column. The following components allow the column to be locked in order to minimize theft
- The ignition switch
- The steering column lock
- The ignition cylinder
Driver Convenience
The steering wheel and column may also have driver controls attached for convenience and comfort. The following controls may be mounted on or near the steering wheel or column.
- The turn signal switch
- The hazard switch
- The headlamp dimmer switch
- The wiper/washer switch
- The horn pad/cruise control switch
- The redundant radio/entertainment system controls
- The tilt or tilt/telescoping functions
- The navigation/OnStar® features
- The HVAC controls
Driver Safety
The energy-absorbing steering column compresses in the event of a front-end collision, which reduces the chance of injury to the driver. The mounting capsules break away from the mounting bracket in the event of an accident.
Ignition Lock Cylinder Control Actuator
If the vehicle is equipped with a floor mounted console gear shifter, it has a ignition lock cylinder control actuator system in the steering column as an added safety feature. The ignition lock cylinder control actuators purpose is to prevent the steering wheel from being locked when the transmission is in gear and the vehicle may still be moving. The column ignition lock system consists of a ignition lock cylinder control actuator, and a park position switch that is located in the A/T shift lock control switch. The ignition lock cylinder control actuator contains a pin that is spring loaded out to mechanically prevent the ignition key cylinder from being turned to the lock position when vehicle transmission is not in the Park position. If vehicle power is lost, and/or the transmission is not in the Park position the operator will not be able to turn the ignition key to the lock position and will not be able to remove the ignition key from the column.