Steering Column Switches: Removal & Installation GMC Pickup C3500

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

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

Removal

Disconnect battery negative 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.

Note. Turn signal switch must be in neutral position prior to installing steering wheel to prevent damage to canceling cam and switch assembly.

Installation

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 more than .79" (20 mm) from horizontal 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 battery negative cable.

Remove steering column support bracket bolts and support bracket. Lower steering column. Disconnect dimmer switch electrical connector. Remove dimmer switch retaining screws and remove dimmer switch. Remove dimmer switch actuator rod. Remove ignition switch retaining screws. Disconnect ignition switch electrical connector. Remove ignition switch. (Scheme 1)

1. On standard column, move ignition switch slider to far left position, then back 1 detent to right. On tilt column, move ignition switch slider to far right position, then back 1 detent to left. (Scheme 2) Ignition switch should now be in OFF/LOCK position. NOTE: Install ignition switch with switch in OFF/LOCK position. NEW ignition switch will be pinned in OFF/LOCK position and plastic pin MUST be remove after installation of ignition switch to steering column.
2. Install ignition switch onto steering column. Ensure actuating rod is aligned with ignition switch. Install dimmer switch actuator rod. Connect dimmer switch to actuator rod. Place a 3/32" drill bit into hole on dimmer switch. Position dimmer switch onto steering column and push against actuator rod to remove lash.
3. Remove drill bit and tighten dimmer switch retaining screws. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-30190-S37384759882001010900000) table at end of article. Connect ignition switch and dimmer switch electrical connectors.

Scheme 1

Scheme 2

1. Disconnect battery negative cable. Remove steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD»(ref-30190-S40525613692001010900000) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Remove shaft lock cover. Using Lock Plate Compressor (J-23653-C), compress lock plate and pry retaining ring from groove in steering shaft. (Scheme 3) Discard retaining ring. Remove lock plate. Remove turn signal canceling cam.
2. Remove upper bearing spring. Remove thrust washer. Place turn signal in up (right turn) position. Remove turn signal/combination switch lever and hazard switch lever. Remove switch actuator arm screw and remove switch actuator arm. Remove 3 turn signal switch retaining screws. Remove steering column support bracket bolts and support bracket.
3. Disconnect turn signal switch electrical connector. Remove 2 wiring protectors and carefully pull wiring through steering column. Remove turn signal switch and allow to hang free.
4. Remove buzzer switch. Place key in lock cylinder and turn to LOCK position. Remove lock retaining screw, being careful not to drop screw down column. (Scheme 4) Pull lock cylinder from housing.

1. To install, reverse removal procedure. Install turn signal switch electrical connector through housing. Install 2 wiring protectors. Install steering column support bracket and support bracket bolts.
2. To complete installation, reverse remaining removal procedure. Lubricate turn signal canceling cam with synthetic grease before installation. Using Lock Plate Compressor (J-23653-C), install NEW shaft lock retaining ring. (Scheme 3) Ensure retaining ring is fully seated in groove on steering shaft.
3. Carefully pull down on turn signal electrical wiring to remove any possible kinks within steering column. Tighten bolts and screws to specifications. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-30190-S26302704462001010900000) table at end of article.

Scheme 3

Scheme 4

1. Disconnect battery negative cable. Remove steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD»(ref-30190-S40525613692001010900000) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Remove turn signal switch and lock cylinder. See «TURN SIGNAL SWITCH & LOCK CYLINDER»(ref-30190-S01545414522001010900000) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
2. Remove steering column housing-to-steering column retaining screws. Remove steering column housing from column. Remove housing cover end cap screw and housing cover end cap (if equipped). Remove washer/wiper switch actuator pivot pin. Remove wiper/washer switch.

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