Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Ignition Switch/steering Lock All sections

Steering Wheel & Steering Column: Diagnosis Saturn ION I

Ignition Switch/steering Lock 1 illustration ~268 words

Visual/Physical Inspection

  1. Inspect for aftermarket devices which could affect the operation of the steering wheel and column.
  2. Inspect the easily accessible or visible system components for obvious damage or conditions which could cause the symptom.

Symptoms List

Refer to a symptom diagnostic procedure from the following list in order to diagnose the symptom

  1. «Lock System Does Not Unlock»(ref-196954-S34200196902005101000000)
  2. «Lock System Does Not Lock»(ref-196954-S32540594032005101000000)
  3. «Lock System Sticks in Start»(ref-196954-S15558199402005101000000)
  4. «Key Cannot Be Removed in the Off Lock Position»(ref-196954-S04871960412005101000000)
  5. «High Lock Effort»(ref-196954-S26500683482005101000000)
  6. «Noise in Steering Column»(ref-196954-S26413517492005101000000)
  7. «Looseness in Steering Column»(ref-196954-S36050121512005101000000)

Scheme 5

Scheme 5: Ignition Can/Cannot Be Turned Off with Transmission in Any Gear
StepActionYesNo
Schematic Reference: Column/Ignition Lock Schematics Connector End View Reference: Steering Wheel and Column Connector End Views
1Verify the fault is present. Does the system operate normally?Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring SystemsGo to Step 2
2Push 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 3Go to Lock System Does Not Lock
3Turn OFF the ignition. Disconnect the ignition lock cylinder control actuator. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. Connect a test lamp between the accessory voltage and ignition lock cylinder control switch signal circuits of the ignition lock cylinder control actuator. Cycle the gear shifter from Park to Drive. Does the test lamp turn ON and OFF with each cycle?Go to Step 10Go to Step 4
4Does the test lamp remain illuminated with each cycle?Go to Step 6Go to Step 5
5Put gear shifter into Park. Connect a test lamp between the ignition lock cylinder control switch signal circuit of the ignition lock cylinder control actuator and B+ voltage. Does the test lamp illuminate?Go to Step 11Go to Step 7
6Test the ignition lock cylinder control switch signal circuit of the ignition lock cylinder control actuator for a short to ground. Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 14Go to Step 9
7Test the ignition lock cylinder control switch signal circuit of the ignition lock cylinder control actuator for an open. Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 14Go to Step 8
8Test the ground circuit of the ignition lock cylinder control switch for an open. Did you find and correct the condition?Go to Step 14Go to Step 9
9Inspect for poor connections at the shifter assembly. 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 14Go to Step 12
10Inspect 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 14Go to Step 13
11Repair the accessory voltage circuit of the ignition lock cylinder control actuator. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you complete the repair?Go to Step 14
12Replace the shifter assembly. Refer to Floor Shift Control Replacement in Automatic Transaxle - 4T40-E/4T45-E. Did you complete the replacement?Go to Step 14
13Replace the ignition lock cylinder control actuator. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Solenoid Replacement . Did you complete the replacement?Go to Step 14
14Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition?System OKGo to Step 3

Ignition Can/Cannot Be Turned Off with Transmission in Any Gear

Inspection

This vehicle is equipped with electric power steering (EPS), with the electric motor and torque sensor mounted on the steering column. When involved in an accident resulting in sheet metal damage or driver-side air bag deployment, the steering column must be inspected for both electrical system integrity and steering column collapse. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information.

  1. If the steering column electrical system integrity is not within specifications, the complete steering column must be replaced. Refer to «Steering Column Replacement»(ref-196954-S33946586662005101000000) .
  2. If the steering column collapse mechanism is not within specifications, but the electrical system integrity is within specifications, then the steering column upper jacket must be replaced. Refer to «Steering Column Jacket Replacement»(ref-196954-S11840674682005101000000) .

Road test the vehicle when ever any steering system repairs or diagnostics have been performed.

Electric Power Steering (EPS) Inspection

2 Tests if the steering column is damaged due to a previous accident or airbag deployment.

StepActionValue(s)YesNo
1Install a scan tool. Does the scan tool power up?Go to Step 2Go to Scan Tool Does Not Power Up in Computer/Integrating Systems
2Start the engine. Turn the steering wheel 90° to the left, then 90° to the right, then return the steering wheel to center. IMPORTANT: After centering the steering wheel, remove hands and other objects from the steering wheel. Ensure the suspension is relaxed and that no bias, or uneven force, is being applied to the steering system. Using the scan tool, observe the Torque Sensor Main data parameter in the EPS data list. Does the scan tool indicate that the Torque Sensor Main data parameter is less than the specified range?< + or - 1 N.m (0.7 lb ft)System OK.Replace the steering column assembly. Refer to Steering Column Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column
IMPORTANT
After centering the steering wheel, remove hands and other objects from the steering wheel. Ensure the suspension is relaxed and that no bias, or uneven force, is being applied to the steering system.

Steering Column Accident Damage Inspection