How do I get at the steering column ignition switch?

[Arberg0]

From: fsd242  (Original Message) Sent: 9/7/2003 3:26 PM

HI, it's me again.....with another question. I  feel that the ignition-starter- key switch, is bad. I have removed the horn and the center bolt, and screws are rusted pretty bad, so i feel i am going to have a hard time getting them off. To avoid tearing apart the steering wheel I want to hot-wire the ignition switch to see if it's bad. I have tested, replaced the ORANGE wire in the wiring harness and am now  getting voltage through all of them so i believe the ignition-key switch on the steering wheel is bad.I have checked all the starting system components and they are getting voltage as well. So through the process of elimination I figure it's the ignition-starter-key  switch.  Is there someway of testing the ignition switch without further dismantiling the steering wheel?Also,as it pertains to hot-wiring, i know two wires need to be connected, and there is one wire i just need to tap to the connected wires. Which wires do i connect and which one do i tap to the two connected wires?....Has anyone pulled apart a steering column, is it difficult?  I do have the manual, but I really  don't want to do any uneccessary tearing apart till i get the thing started. I have already taken the horn pad off and I see the center bolt, and some of the screws are really rusted and may be hard to get off. Has anyone encountered this problem and what method did you use to get them off?.....I was thinking about using a cutting torch, good idea or not?....thanks forrest.....



From: denison Sent: 9/7/2003 8:28 PM
Dont use a torch on the column head, or you will need to replace more of the electrical items when you melt them, and they are pricey. With the center bolt off, you would need a steering wheel puller - even an inexpensive one will work, and pull the steering wheel off the splines of the steering shaft. Then you have the chore of removing the turn signal and flasher parts, and wiggling the wires up the column so you can move them out of the way. But - it would be quick and easy to buy a new electrical ignition switch, the part that has the 8 pin mating connector on it, and plug it in place of the switch that is inside the column. There will only be one connector near the column that matches. You can operate the new switch with your fingers, and forget the darn ignition key. If you cant find a new ignition switch, you can make the connections yourself - after studying the wiring diagram. I think connecting the orange wire to the red wire would make the starter spin for instance, and connecting the pink wire to the red wire would turn the ignition coil on. But check it yourself, dont blame me if you need a fire extinquisher suddenly. denison