telescopic steering /starting problem
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telescopic steering /starting problem
I went to start my car today and it did nothing. I get lights but no starter. I verified my battery was good (even put my jump starter on just incase the battery somehow was drained). All lights working ok. I tilted the steering wheel all the way to my lap and it started?? Shut it off, put the steering wheel in the middle, top and nothing. Back in my lap and it starts. I tried moving the wires around under the dash to see if it was a loose wire there but that made no difference. It only starts if the steering wheel is in my lap. Anyone out there had this problem?? For some reason I am getting a bad feeling that this ain't gonna be a easy fix.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
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From: New Hill NC
Sounds like the joint in the tilt steering is bad. Is it loose? This is a common problem when they get sloppy. If not, you should be able to just adjust the ignition switch on the column.
Last edited by wombvette; Dec 27, 2006 at 10:42 PM.
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From: Seymour TN
I had a similar problem a few weeks ago and found the ignition switch located on top of the steering column to be out of adjustment. I dropped the column and adjusted the switch and no more problem..GL...Mike
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: Saginaw Michigan
You will find the ignition switch down under the dash mounted to the top of your steering column jacket. It is up there to keep people from stealing your car. It also makes it difficult to service.
There is a rod that extends down from your column head to the ignition switch. (You most likely will have to remove the plastic panel from under the column to see the rod.) Now, disconnect your battery before continuing.
Tilt the column to the DOWN position. Turn your ignition key to START. Does the rod move the ignition switch? (It most likely does since you stated that you could start your car in that position.) Now tilt your column up. Turn your ignition key to START. Does the rod move? If the rod moves, go the the full UP position. Does the rod move? If it moves in all positions, the switch just might need adjustment.
Now, if the rod moves in the full DOWN position and you find that the rod does not move when you tilt UP. Then you most likely have what is called a broken rack inside your steering column head. Parts of the broken rack are still engaging in the DOWN position. It is not engaging in any other positions.
Run the tests and we can suggest some repair options.
Jim
There is a rod that extends down from your column head to the ignition switch. (You most likely will have to remove the plastic panel from under the column to see the rod.) Now, disconnect your battery before continuing.
Tilt the column to the DOWN position. Turn your ignition key to START. Does the rod move the ignition switch? (It most likely does since you stated that you could start your car in that position.) Now tilt your column up. Turn your ignition key to START. Does the rod move? If the rod moves, go the the full UP position. Does the rod move? If it moves in all positions, the switch just might need adjustment.
Now, if the rod moves in the full DOWN position and you find that the rod does not move when you tilt UP. Then you most likely have what is called a broken rack inside your steering column head. Parts of the broken rack are still engaging in the DOWN position. It is not engaging in any other positions.
Run the tests and we can suggest some repair options.
Jim
Last edited by Jim Shea; Dec 28, 2006 at 12:45 AM.
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I finally found some free time and did the checks. The rod moves in the up, down & middle positions. So I guess it's safe to say either the switch needs adjusting or replacing. Oh.....the most important part...thanks for your ideas.
