TEST AND REPAIR
If the key removal effort is excessive on a vehicle with an automatic transmission first adjust the shift linkage, refer to ADJUSTMENTS .
If the ignition switch effort is excessive, remove the ignition key cylinder from the steering column. Check the turning effort of the key cylinder. If the ignition key cylinder effort is excessive, replace the key cylinder. Refer to REMOVAL .
Scheme 13
| 1 - KEY CYLINDER |
|---|
| 2 - GEAR SHIFT LEVER |
| 3 - MOUNTING HOLES |
| 4 - STEERING COLUMN |
| 5 - IGNITION SWITCH |
Note. The steering column on vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission is not equipped with an internal locking shaft with the ignition cylinder. Alternative methods of locking the steering wheel for service will have to be used.
The tilt and standard column (4) have been designed to be serviced as an assembly; without wiring, switches, shrouds, steering wheel, etc. Most steering column components can be serviced without removing the steering column from the vehicle. (Scheme 13)
Safety goggles should be worn at all times when working on steering columns.
To service the steering wheel, switches or airbag, Refer to RESTRAINTS - SERVICE INFORMATION and 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 air bag 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. This may cause damage to the shaft or bearing. |
| CAUTION | Do not attempt to remove the pivot bolts 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.
Scheme 14
Scheme 15
Scheme 16
- Remove the negative (ground) cable from the battery.
- Disable the airbag, refer to «REMOVAL»(ref-306149-S39581666922008120900000).
- Remove the lower and upper shrouds.
- Remove key cylinder. Refer to «REMOVAL»(ref-306136-S23014350942008120900000).
- Disconnect the lower clockspring connectors.
- Remove the wire retainer from the tilt lever bracket. 1 - IGNITION SWITCH 2 - TILT LEVER MECHANISM
- Remove the tilt lever mounting screws to gain access to the ignition switch (1) mounting screws. (Scheme 14)1 - Ignition Switch Mounting Screws 2 - Non-Tilt Mounting Bracket Screws
- For columns without tilt remove the bracket (2) to gain access to the ignition switch mounting screws (1). (Scheme 15)1 - Ignition Switch 2 - Ignition Switch Mounting Screws
- Disconnect the electrical connector at rear of ignition switch (1). (Scheme 16)
- Remove ignition switch mounting screws (2).
- Using a small screwdriver, push on locking tab and remove switch from steering column.
ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSIS
For ignition switch electrical schematics, refer to Ignition Switch in appropriate ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSTICS article .
MECHANICAL DIAGNOSIS (KEY DIFFICULT TO ROTATE)
Refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING .
Scheme 17
| 1 - KEY |
|---|
| 2 - KEY CYLINDER |
| 3 - RETAINING PIN HOLE |
The ignition key (1) must be in the key cylinder (2) for cylinder removal.
Scheme 18
- Disconnect negative cable from battery.
- Remove upper and lower covers (shrouds) from steering column.
- Place shifter in PARK position.
- A retaining pin is located at side of key cylinder assembly (2). (Scheme 17) 1 - KEY CYLINDER 2 - PUNCH Rotate key to RUN position. Press in on retaining pin while pulling key cylinder (1) from ignition switch. (Scheme 18)
Scheme 19
| 1 - KEY |
|---|
| 2 - KEY CYLINDER |
| 3 - RETAINING PIN HOLE |
The ignition key (1) must be in the key cylinder (2) for cylinder installation.
- Install the key cylinder into the housing using care to align the end of the key cylinder (2) with the ignition switch.
- Push the key cylinder (2) in until it clicks.
- Replace the upper and lower shrouds.
- Reconnect the battery.
Scheme 20
| CAUTION | The glow plugs operate on a 4.4-volt system. The glow plugs DO NOT tolerate any over voltage. Full battery voltage will destroy the glow plug immediately. DO NOT test the glow plugs with a 12V source as damage will occur to the glow plug. |
| CAUTION | Never bend, bump or knock the fast metallic glow plugs. Fast metallic glow plugs must not be handled loose in a container. Store, handle, and transport them only in original boxes. If there is any doubt about the proper condition of a glow plug, do not reuse it. Do not clean the glow plugs with abrasive or aggressive media. Avoid dipping the glow plug into fluids. Read Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). If a glow plug problem is indicated, do not start the engine. |
| CAUTION | Disregarding these instructions may cause severe engine damage. |
Glow plugs are used to help start a cold or cool engine. The glow plugs will heat up and glow to heat the combustion chamber of each cylinder. An individual glow plug is used for each cylinder.
Scheme 21
| CAUTION | The glow plugs operate on a 4.4-volt system. DO NOT test the glow plugs with a 12 V source as damage will occur to the glow plug(s). |
The Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors various engine sensors. When the ignition key is turned to the ON position, the ECM sends a signal to the glow plug module (relay) to turn on, and cycle, the glow plugs for a pre-determined amount of time, plus illuminate the glow plug light in the instrument panel. Once activated, the element inside of the core of the glow plug begins to glow. Each glow plug draws approximately 8 amps, for a total system amperage of 32 amps at 22° C (72° F) ambient temperature. If there is a fault with the glow plug system, the ECM will store a fault code.