Tilt steering electrical open
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
Tilt steering electrical open
I can't start my car if the tilt column is up, when I lower the column a little it starts normally. I don't see any easy way to get a look inside the column, I'm guessing I have a wire bundle in the column that is being stretched with the column tilted up that is causing an open. How do I get to the bundle inside the column, or do I even need to?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
I am guessing you have a very worn out joint in that tele-column. It is a common symptom. Is the column loose? Can you move it around? The switch is at the bottom of the column, not inside, so the wires are not stretchable.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
I've never noticed it feeling like it was loose, it doesn't move around when I'm driving it. The only thing I've noticed is that it doesn't seem like it tilts up as far as the tilt column in my dad's 76 and it won't start with the column tilted up.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 111
From: Saginaw Michigan
There is another possibility. On a tilt column there is a small die cast rack that has a collar that sorrounds a pin that pivots the tilt head. That die casting has been known to fail. This could cause the broken out part of the rack to not engage when the column is tilted up. The remains of the rack might engage in other tilt positions. Here is a picture of a typical broken rack.
Replacement racks can be ordered from various suppliers, GM dealers, or even at your local automotive store.
I recomment that you remove your steering column in order to be able to gain access to work on it. I have complete instructions on pulling the column as well as the other procedures necessary to replace the rack.
Instructions can be found at:
www.corvettefaq.com
Click on: Jim Shea's Steering Papers
Click on: Corvette Steering Papers
Scroll down to the Tilt & Telescoping Column 69-82 section
Download the T&T Disassembly & Repair Papers #1, #2, & #3
Download the T&T Disassembly & Repair Pics #1, #2, & #3
Further assistance is always available just a computor click away.
Jim Shea
Replacement racks can be ordered from various suppliers, GM dealers, or even at your local automotive store.
I recomment that you remove your steering column in order to be able to gain access to work on it. I have complete instructions on pulling the column as well as the other procedures necessary to replace the rack.
Instructions can be found at:
www.corvettefaq.com
Click on: Jim Shea's Steering Papers
Click on: Corvette Steering Papers
Scroll down to the Tilt & Telescoping Column 69-82 section
Download the T&T Disassembly & Repair Papers #1, #2, & #3
Download the T&T Disassembly & Repair Pics #1, #2, & #3
Further assistance is always available just a computor click away.
Jim Shea
Racer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 353
Likes: 30
From: warwick rhode island
try moving the switch that is on top of the lower part of the steering column under the dash. this is the switch that is connected to the column key switch with the long metal rod. moving the switch up toward the steering wheel should be the same as lowering the column a little. you will be able to tell if you move it too far because then with key turned to the accessory position the accessories will not come on.
yes it is a pain in the butt to do this.
yes it is a pain in the butt to do this.
