Need advice on SWPS
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Green Cove Springs Florida
Need advice on SWPS
I live in the Jacksonville, Fl area. I need the SWPS changed on a 2002 Convertible with tilt steering. Does anyone know of a good Dealership or mechanic who can do this?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,294
Likes: 482
From: Brea CA
Are you sure that the SWPS needs to be replaced? Are you getting a pull to either the left or right and cruise control dropping out? Is the DTC C1287 or C1288 set?
Don't know of anyone in the area, but I can tell you what is involved. I have done 3 of these so far in my garage.
It does require pulling the steering column out of the car to replace the SWPS. It can be done with basic tools. It has taken about 2 hours to complete. The center console, radio surround, drivers knee bolster and close out panel have to come out. It is helpful if the drivers seat is also removed. The toughest part is keeping the steering wheel from spinning once disconnected from the steering assembly. It is very important that it not spin as that can damage the wiring in the column if it was rotated 360*.
A dealer will probably charge 4 to 6 hours of labor. The part is about $70 to $80 depending on where you get it.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Gary
Don't know of anyone in the area, but I can tell you what is involved. I have done 3 of these so far in my garage.
It does require pulling the steering column out of the car to replace the SWPS. It can be done with basic tools. It has taken about 2 hours to complete. The center console, radio surround, drivers knee bolster and close out panel have to come out. It is helpful if the drivers seat is also removed. The toughest part is keeping the steering wheel from spinning once disconnected from the steering assembly. It is very important that it not spin as that can damage the wiring in the column if it was rotated 360*.
A dealer will probably charge 4 to 6 hours of labor. The part is about $70 to $80 depending on where you get it.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Gary
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 9
From: Lexington Park MD
I replaced mine in under 2 hours as SilverC54me stated. I would look at online reviews for the service department of your nearest Chevy dealer and if all seems good go ahead and take it to them if their quote seems reasonable. I considered taking mine to a mechanic as well since I was hesitant to disconnect the airbag but decided I would rather do it myself and know it was done right. My issue was the AHS would activate randomly while driving straight on the highway and sometimes under light braking. Eventually it tripped a code for the SWPS and it has been working great for over 2 years after the replacement. I did it on my own but a second pair of hands can be helpful when reinstalling the column. Good luck!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Green Cove Springs Florida
Swps
I am sure that it is the SWPS. It has thrown the C1288 code on several occasions as well as pulling to the right when the Active Handling light comes on. I believe that I have the CLB installed on my steering column and not knowing how this works, I prefer to take it someone who knows what they are doing.
Are you sure that the SWPS needs to be replaced? Are you getting a pull to either the left or right and cruise control dropping out? Is the DTC C1287 or C1288 set?
Don't know of anyone in the area, but I can tell you what is involved. I have done 3 of these so far in my garage.
It does require pulling the steering column out of the car to replace the SWPS. It can be done with basic tools. It has taken about 2 hours to complete. The center console, radio surround, drivers knee bolster and close out panel have to come out. It is helpful if the drivers seat is also removed. The toughest part is keeping the steering wheel from spinning once disconnected from the steering assembly. It is very important that it not spin as that can damage the wiring in the column if it was rotated 360*.
A dealer will probably charge 4 to 6 hours of labor. The part is about $70 to $80 depending on where you get it.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Gary
Don't know of anyone in the area, but I can tell you what is involved. I have done 3 of these so far in my garage.
It does require pulling the steering column out of the car to replace the SWPS. It can be done with basic tools. It has taken about 2 hours to complete. The center console, radio surround, drivers knee bolster and close out panel have to come out. It is helpful if the drivers seat is also removed. The toughest part is keeping the steering wheel from spinning once disconnected from the steering assembly. It is very important that it not spin as that can damage the wiring in the column if it was rotated 360*.
A dealer will probably charge 4 to 6 hours of labor. The part is about $70 to $80 depending on where you get it.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Gary
Last edited by flarick; Jan 24, 2016 at 01:25 PM. Reason: Needed to include pics of steering column
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Green Cove Springs Florida
Swps
I replaced mine in under 2 hours as SilverC54me stated. I would look at online reviews for the service department of your nearest Chevy dealer and if all seems good go ahead and take it to them if their quote seems reasonable. I considered taking mine to a mechanic as well since I was hesitant to disconnect the airbag but decided I would rather do it myself and know it was done right. My issue was the AHS would activate randomly while driving straight on the highway and sometimes under light braking. Eventually it tripped a code for the SWPS and it has been working great for over 2 years after the replacement. I did it on my own but a second pair of hands can be helpful when reinstalling the column. Good luck!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,294
Likes: 482
From: Brea CA
Replied to your PM.
The device on the side of the column is the telescopic motor. To get the column out of the car you need to do the following;
1. the two studs that the column mounts with at under the IPC need to be removed. these have t start style head on them, I forget the size but is should be about a 7mm or 1/4 inch socket.
2. to get the column out it needs to be gently rotated as you are pulling it out. be careful not to turn the steering wheel.
It may also help to remove the drivers seat. I have had to do that a couple of times.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Gary
The device on the side of the column is the telescopic motor. To get the column out of the car you need to do the following;
1. the two studs that the column mounts with at under the IPC need to be removed. these have t start style head on them, I forget the size but is should be about a 7mm or 1/4 inch socket.
2. to get the column out it needs to be gently rotated as you are pulling it out. be careful not to turn the steering wheel.
It may also help to remove the drivers seat. I have had to do that a couple of times.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Gary
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Green Cove Springs Florida
SWPS removal
Replied to your PM.
The device on the side of the column is the telescopic motor. To get the column out of the car you need to do the following;
1. the two studs that the column mounts with at under the IPC need to be removed. these have t start style head on them, I forget the size but is should be about a 7mm or 1/4 inch socket.
2. to get the column out it needs to be gently rotated as you are pulling it out. be careful not to turn the steering wheel.
It may also help to remove the drivers seat. I have had to do that a couple of times.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Gary
The device on the side of the column is the telescopic motor. To get the column out of the car you need to do the following;
1. the two studs that the column mounts with at under the IPC need to be removed. these have t start style head on them, I forget the size but is should be about a 7mm or 1/4 inch socket.
2. to get the column out it needs to be gently rotated as you are pulling it out. be careful not to turn the steering wheel.
It may also help to remove the drivers seat. I have had to do that a couple of times.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Gary
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