How do I get into the steering column?

[Jeff Clark]

I've got a new turn signal switch to replace the bad one, but I can't figure out how to get into the column. I'm hoping I can get in there without pulling the wheel. I don't have a service manual. Anyone have some thoughts?

 

[JVolpe]

Looks like the wheel has to be pulled. This is removal steps for Mulit-Function Switch



REMOVAL

WARNING: BEFORE SERVICING THE STEERING

COLUMN THE AIRBAG SYSTEM MUST BE DISARMED.

REFER TO THE ELECTRICAL RESTRAINT

SYSTEM FOR SERVICE PROCEDURES. FAILURE

TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT

OF THE AIRBAG AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL

INJURY

(1) Disconnect and isolate battery negative cable.

(2) Remove the steering wheel and the upper and

lower steering column shrouds. Refer to Steering,

Column, Shroud, Removal.

(3) Disconnect the wire connector from the back of

the multi-function switch.

(4) Remove the screws retaining the multi-function

switch to the steering column adapter collar (Fig. 16).

(5) Remove the multi-function switch.

(6) Remove the screws retaining the clock spring

to the multifunction switch.

 

[Jeff Clark]

Thanks for the info, JVolpe.

 

[Badunit]

Pulling the wheel is easy with a puller. No big deal. Assuming the clockspring setup is similar to the 2nd gen, have the wheels pointed straight ahead when you do all this so you can make sure the clockspring is centered when you put it back together - you don't want it wound up in one direction or the other.

 

[Jeff Clark]

Pulling the wheel is easy with a puller. No big deal. Assuming the clockspring setup is similar to the 2nd gen, have the wheels pointed straight ahead when you do all this so you can make sure the clockspring is centered when you put it back together - you don't want it wound up in one direction or the other.

Yeah, I didn't figure pulling the wheel would be that hard. I just don't like messing with the airbag. I've got a friend that has replaced the clockspring in his 97 several times, so I'll give him a holler.

 

[bighammer]

YOU DO NOT have to pull the wheel. Look for my instructions on the switch removal in my "BOMBed the multifunction switch thread. (click here)



It's pretty easy to do.

 

[Jeff Clark]

bighammer, your the man. I appreciate it.

 

[bighammer]

bighammer, your the man. I appreciate it.

No problem. Now if it were me, I'd do a little filing so you can have the low beams (and fogs) on with the high beams. Nice mod.

 

[Jeff Clark]

$38 and five minutes of my time and the new switch is in. Sure beats 2 days of dealer time for warranty work.