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 agitator 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.
Scheme 24
| Callout | Component Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Upper Trim Cover |
| 2 | Lower Trim Cover |
| 3 | Steering Column Closeout Trim Cover |
| 4 | Retaining Ring |
| 5 | SIR Coil |
| 6 | Wave Washer |
| 7 | Bearing Retainer |
| 8 | Cam Orientation Plate |
| 9 | Shaft Lock Shield Assembly |
| 10 | Turn Signal Cancel Cam Assembly |
| 11 | Upper Bearing Spring |
| 12 | Upper Bearing Inner Race Seat |
| 13 | Wire Harness Strap |
| 14 | Inner Race |
| 15 | Signal Switch Housing |
| 16 | Pan Head Tapping Screws |
| 17 | Turn Signal and Multifunction Switch Assembly |
| 18 | Steering Column Tilt Head Assembly |
| 19 | Pan Head Tapping Screws |
| 20 | TORX® Head Screw |
| 21 | Ignition Lock Cylinder Case |
| 22 | Theft Deterrent Control Module |
| 23 | Ignition Switch Assembly |
| 24 | Spring Guide |
| 25 | Tilt Spring |
| 26 | Theft Deterrent Control Module Electric Park Lock |
| 27 | Steering Shaft Assembly |
| 28 | Tilt Bumper |
| 29 | Pivot Pins |
| 30 | Steering Column Support Assembly |
| 31 | Coil Wire Harness Assembly |
| 32 | Coil Wire Harness Assembly (Export) |
Scheme 25
| Callout | Component Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Coil |
| 2 | Coil Wire Harness Assembly (Export) |
| 3 | Coil Wire Harness Assembly |
| 4 | Multifunction Switch |
| 5 | Theft Deterrent Control Module Electric Park Lock |
| 6 | Ignition and Key Alarm Switch Assembly |
| 7 | Hazard Signal Switch Housing |
Scheme 26
| Callout | Component Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ignition Switch |
| 2 | Passlock Sensor |
| 3 | Ignition Key Alarm Switch |
| 4 | Ignition Lock Cylinder Control Actuator |
| 5 | Steering Column |
Ignition Can/Cannot Be Turned Off with Transmission in Any Gear
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schematic Reference: Column/Ignition Lock Schematics | |||
| 1 | Did you review the ignition lock cylinder control actuator operation and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Steering Wheel and Column |
| 2 | Verify the fault is present. Does the system operate normally? | Go to TESTING FOR INTERMITTENT CONDITIONS AND POOR . | Go to Step 3 |
| 3 | 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 11 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | 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 5 | Go to Step 7 |
| 5 | 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 park switch. Does the test lamp illuminate? | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 6 |
| 6 | Connect a test lamp between battery positive circuit of the park switch and a good ground. Does the test lamp illuminate? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 8 |
| 7 | Repair the open in the ground circuit of the ignition lock cylinder control actuator circuit. Refer to WIRING REPAIRS . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 14 | |
| 8 | Repair the open or short to ground of the park switch battery positive voltage circuit. Refer to WIRING REPAIRS . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 14 | |
| 9 | Repair the open, short to ground, or short to voltage of the park switch signal circuit. Refer to WIRING REPAIRS . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 14 | |
| 10 | Inspect for poor connections at the park switch. Refer to TESTING FOR INTERMITTENT CONDITIONS AND POOR and CONNECTOR REPAIRS . Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 12 |
| 11 | Inspect for poor connections at the ignition lock cylinder control actuator. Refer to TESTING FOR INTERMITTENT CONDITIONS AND POOR and CONNECTOR REPAIRS . Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 13 |
| 12 | Replace the park switch. Refer to FLOOR SHIFT CONTROL ASSEMBLY . Did you complete the replacement? | Go to Step 14 | |
| 13 | Replace the ignition lock cylinder control actuator. Refer to Electronic Park Lock Switch Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | Go to Step 14 | |
| 14 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
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 - Tilt Description and Operation and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Steering Wheel and Column |
| 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 lock module assembly for looseness. Is the lock module 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. . 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 lock module 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 - Tilt Description and Operation and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Steering Wheel and Column |
| 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 linkage adjustment. Is the shift linkage 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 linkage. 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 - Tilt Description and Operation and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Steering Wheel and Column |
| 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 lock module assembly for damage. Is the lock module 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 | Tighten the lock module assembly mounting bolts. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications . 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 - Tilt Description and Operation and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Steering Wheel and Column |
| 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. . 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 - Tilt Description and Operation and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Steering Wheel and Column |
| 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 lock module assembly for damage. Is the lock module 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. . 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 lock module 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 |
High Lock Effort
High Shift Effort
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Did you review the Steering Wheel and Column Description and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Steering Wheel and Column |
| 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 linkage. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 7 | |
| 6 | Adjust the shift cable. 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 - Tilt Description and Operation and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Steering Wheel and Column |
| 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 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
Steering Column Tilt Function Inoperative
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Did you review the Steering Wheel and Column - Tilt Description and Operation and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Steering Wheel and Column |
| 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 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 Replacement . Is the repair complete? | Go to Step 13 | |
| 10 | Replace the pivot pins. Refer to Steering Column Tilt Head Replacement . Is the repair complete? | Go to Step 13 | |
| 11 | Replace the tilt spring. Refer to Tilt Spring Replacement - Steering Column . 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
Scheme 27
- Vehicles involved in accidents resulting in frame damage, major body or sheet metal damage, or where the steering column has been impacted, or where supplemental inflatable restraint systems deployed may also have a damaged or misaligned steering column.
- Check the capsules on the steering column bracket assembly. All capsules must be securely seated in the bracket slots and checked for any loose conditions when pushed or pulled by hand.
- Observe how the bracket is attached to the jacket assembly. If the capsules are not securely seated and the bracket is bolted to the jacket assembly, replace only the bracket. If the capsules are not securely seated and the bracket is welded to the jacket assembly, replace only the jacket assembly.
- Check for jacket assembly collapse by measuring the distance from the lower edge of the upper jacket to a defined point on the lower jacket. Replace the jacket assembly if the measured dimensions are not within specifications.
- Check for tab (1) breakage on the bearing and adapter assembly.
- Visually inspect the steering shaft for sheared injected plastic (1). If the steering shaft shows sheared plastic, replace the steering shaft.
- Any frame damage that could cause a bent steering shaft must have the steering shaft runout checked. Using a dial indicator at the lower end of the steering shaft, rotate the steering wheel. The runout must not exceed 1.60 mm (0.0625 in).
Tools Required
J 42759 Ignition Switch Connector Release Tool. See Special Tools and Equipment .
J 42640 Steering Column Lock Pin
J 42640 Steering Column Lock Pin
J 21854-01 Pivot Pin Remover
Scheme 28
- Disable the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to «DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM»(ref-150707-S15600138752002112000000) .
- Remove the steering column from the vehicle. Refer to «Steering Column Replacement»(ref-132061-S19393239262002011000000) .
- Remove the ignition lock cylinder case assembly. Refer to «Ignition Lock Cylinder Case Replacement»(ref-132061-S19625215872005091600000) .
- Remove the turn signal and multifunction switch assembly. Refer to «Multifunction, Turn Signal, and Hazard Switch Replacement»(ref-132061-S17880965342002011500000) .
- Remove the turn signal switch housing. Refer to «Multifunction Turn Signal Switch Housing Replacement»(ref-132061-S00913611792005091600000) .
- Remove the tilt spring. Refer to «Tilt Spring Replacement - Steering Column»(ref-132061-S21328905182005091600000) .
- Remove the 2 pivot pins (3) from the steering column tilt head assembly (1) using J 21854-01 .
- Install the tilt lever into the steering column tilt head assembly (1).
- Pull back on the tilt lever and at the same time pull the steering column tilt head assembly (1) down and away from the steering column.
- Remove the steering column tilt head assembly (1) with the steering shaft assembly (3) from the steering column jacket assembly (2).
- Remove the tilt lever.
- Remove the steering shaft (1) from the steering column tilt head assembly.
J 42640 Steering Column Lock Pin
J 42640 Steering Column Lock Pin