1979 T&T steering column and electrical problems
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 34
Likes: 5
From: GTA, Ontario, Canada
1979 T&T steering column and electrical problems
Greetings everyone. I got stuck with a repair and am humbly asking for help once again. Here’s the story:
my hazard switch was broken off at the turn signal switch, so I went about tearing down the steering column in order to get to the switch. It was a massive PITA to get the switch harness back up through the column, so I eventually removed some more of the column assembly (turn signal lever and ignition barrel came out), cut it, and used a rod to jam the harness back through the column and out. Got a replacement and went about putting it all back together. So far so good...
I figured I should test the turn signals before buttoning it all back up and that’s where I noticed that there was no power to them, nor to the radio! Weird! I started thinking that maybe the accessory power that links to the second click of the key might have been something I messed up, or maybe I blew a fuse from something stupid... I checked the fuses (all seem good), and I tore back down to where I could see the ignition mechanicals, but I don’t spot anything wrong.
I am scared to tear down any further and cause more problems. Am I missing something simple?
I should mention that I had power disconnected at the battery for the year down, and only hooked power back up for testing once I got the new switch connected.
I should also mention that prior to this repair, the turn signal lights would sometimes work and sometimes not, although the radio has been consistent throughout. I have suspected an intermittent electrical issue as the cause here.
did I do something dumb on the tear down? Or am I chasing an electrical ghost maybe? Anyone have experience this sort of thing? Any help would be totally appreciated.
my hazard switch was broken off at the turn signal switch, so I went about tearing down the steering column in order to get to the switch. It was a massive PITA to get the switch harness back up through the column, so I eventually removed some more of the column assembly (turn signal lever and ignition barrel came out), cut it, and used a rod to jam the harness back through the column and out. Got a replacement and went about putting it all back together. So far so good...
I figured I should test the turn signals before buttoning it all back up and that’s where I noticed that there was no power to them, nor to the radio! Weird! I started thinking that maybe the accessory power that links to the second click of the key might have been something I messed up, or maybe I blew a fuse from something stupid... I checked the fuses (all seem good), and I tore back down to where I could see the ignition mechanicals, but I don’t spot anything wrong.
I am scared to tear down any further and cause more problems. Am I missing something simple?
I should mention that I had power disconnected at the battery for the year down, and only hooked power back up for testing once I got the new switch connected.
I should also mention that prior to this repair, the turn signal lights would sometimes work and sometimes not, although the radio has been consistent throughout. I have suspected an intermittent electrical issue as the cause here.
did I do something dumb on the tear down? Or am I chasing an electrical ghost maybe? Anyone have experience this sort of thing? Any help would be totally appreciated.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,960
Likes: 4,516
From: Virginia
Specific experience, no, but the ignition switch that mounts on top of the column may require an adjustment. It has slots to mount, so it may need a forward or back adjustment. I had to replace mine for a reason that I have forgotten. Super inconvenient to get to, of course, but it's not a terrible job to pull the entire column. Is that what you already did?
https://www.zip-corvette.com/69-96-w...on-switch.html
The harmonic connector may also not be plugged in completely. Otherwise, check the fuses again, both for continuity, and then for voltage.
Everything you want to know about Corvette steering columns can be found here:
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/
https://www.zip-corvette.com/69-96-w...on-switch.html
The harmonic connector may also not be plugged in completely. Otherwise, check the fuses again, both for continuity, and then for voltage.
Everything you want to know about Corvette steering columns can be found here:
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/
