Help!! Steering Column Swap
#1
Help!! Steering Column Swap
OK!!! The "new" steering column just came in. Maybe I'll have my Reach & Tilt functions back soon.
Maybe.....
After looking it over (and searching the forum), I have some questions for those of you who've done this. It looks as though I can not remove and swap out the ignition lock assembly (just the ignition switch) - which raises some problems.
1. Is it all possible to modify the new column and still use my old key for starting?
***Has anyone had a locksmith work on the ignition lock for this?
2. If I just go with the key that came with the new column, will the car recognize the new key?
***I.e., is the RFID recognition function carried out "in" the column somewhere (or in some computer module elsewhere)?
These are BIG questions, because although I might find a local guy to modify the mechanical lock, the closest guy capable of programming the car for a new key is 2 hours away!
I've read where people say that the best way to deal with a Reach failure is to just replace the column. Now I'm not so sure.
HELP!!!
Maybe.....
After looking it over (and searching the forum), I have some questions for those of you who've done this. It looks as though I can not remove and swap out the ignition lock assembly (just the ignition switch) - which raises some problems.
1. Is it all possible to modify the new column and still use my old key for starting?
***Has anyone had a locksmith work on the ignition lock for this?
2. If I just go with the key that came with the new column, will the car recognize the new key?
***I.e., is the RFID recognition function carried out "in" the column somewhere (or in some computer module elsewhere)?
These are BIG questions, because although I might find a local guy to modify the mechanical lock, the closest guy capable of programming the car for a new key is 2 hours away!
I've read where people say that the best way to deal with a Reach failure is to just replace the column. Now I'm not so sure.
HELP!!!
Last edited by scardini1; 10-18-2014 at 05:53 PM.
#2
You could also use the new column as a parts donor for all required tilt/telescope parts to rebuild your old column.
#3
Hi Plums. Thanks for the response. Yes - the "Switch" (little electronic package at the end of the lock mechanism) is replaceable, but the lock mechanism (has the tumblers that mechanically accept the key cuts) is an integral part of the column itself.
Because I have no idea where the key's RFID data is accepted, the safest course of action would be to somehow modify the lock to use my existing key, swap my current ignition switch into the new column, AND swap the little black collar thing that goes around the key slot (it has some wires coming out of it, so it might be the RFID interogator).
However, I can't find any references to modifying the lock tumblers. Is it even possible for a lock smith to swap out the internals of the ignition lock?
Thanks again - Jim
Because I have no idea where the key's RFID data is accepted, the safest course of action would be to somehow modify the lock to use my existing key, swap my current ignition switch into the new column, AND swap the little black collar thing that goes around the key slot (it has some wires coming out of it, so it might be the RFID interogator).
However, I can't find any references to modifying the lock tumblers. Is it even possible for a lock smith to swap out the internals of the ignition lock?
Thanks again - Jim
#4
#6
Hi guys,
I may finally get to this (other priorities, doncha know). I am worried that there may be something wrong with the plate that the wires come out of, and that "seems" to be involved with cancelling the turn signal. Please take a look at this photo and see the "pin" (or such) sticking out from the turn signal mechanism. It doesn't seem to do anything, except impede the movement of that raised trapezoidal thing on the plate.
Is this right? If not, what is it supposed to look like?
Also, is that Plastic Plate supposed to be able to rotate a little? Shouldn't it follow the steering wheel as it goes around? Although the actual steering shaft spins free, that plate seems to be fixed in place by something other than just that turn signal pin thingy.
As usual, all ideas, and especially experiences(!) are welcome.
Thanks - Jim
I may finally get to this (other priorities, doncha know). I am worried that there may be something wrong with the plate that the wires come out of, and that "seems" to be involved with cancelling the turn signal. Please take a look at this photo and see the "pin" (or such) sticking out from the turn signal mechanism. It doesn't seem to do anything, except impede the movement of that raised trapezoidal thing on the plate.
Is this right? If not, what is it supposed to look like?
Also, is that Plastic Plate supposed to be able to rotate a little? Shouldn't it follow the steering wheel as it goes around? Although the actual steering shaft spins free, that plate seems to be fixed in place by something other than just that turn signal pin thingy.
As usual, all ideas, and especially experiences(!) are welcome.
Thanks - Jim
#7
Disregard my last. I disassembled the turn sign switch a bit and found that it had a broken piece of white plastic in it. And, for the love of me, I still can't get the "disc" to rotate - something inside is jammed. I'm certainly not swapping all those components!
The whole reason for swapping the columns was to restore both tilt and reach functions. So with that in mind, I've removed the drives for both functions from the new column and will just drop my existing column and swap those out.
Thank you all.
The whole reason for swapping the columns was to restore both tilt and reach functions. So with that in mind, I've removed the drives for both functions from the new column and will just drop my existing column and swap those out.
Thank you all.
Last edited by scardini1; 02-12-2016 at 03:08 PM.
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#8
I don't know if you are aware that the CENTER white collar NEEDS to be depressed to release the 'clockspring' portion of the cancellation module.
It should LOCK IN PLACE if the collar is NOT depressed by the steering wheel. This is to prevent inadvertent rotation of the clockspring resulting in too tight or too loose of the winding.
bob
It should LOCK IN PLACE if the collar is NOT depressed by the steering wheel. This is to prevent inadvertent rotation of the clockspring resulting in too tight or too loose of the winding.
bob
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#10
Thanks Bob,
That was it. Pushed the white sleeve down and the disc rotated fine. I would also assume that the keys on that sleeve must align with with slots in the steering wheel when installing it. Thankfully I pulled my column without removing the wheel, so I won't have to learn from "that" potential mistake. Good gouge, Bob.
If I can repair the turn signal switch, the rest of the donor column will be good to go.
Thanks, to all.
That was it. Pushed the white sleeve down and the disc rotated fine. I would also assume that the keys on that sleeve must align with with slots in the steering wheel when installing it. Thankfully I pulled my column without removing the wheel, so I won't have to learn from "that" potential mistake. Good gouge, Bob.
If I can repair the turn signal switch, the rest of the donor column will be good to go.
Thanks, to all.
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