Steering column question

STEJOE

MEMBER
1998 CHEVROLET LUMINA
6 CYL

I am trying to replace the multifunction turn signal switch of a 98 Chevy Lumina, I removed the steering wheel, air bag and what I thought was the lock plate by removing the C clip. But now there is a serrated metal plate behind the plastic disk that I removed. How do I remove that serrated plate so that I can get to the switch? Thanks in advance for any help.

5 Replies

FIXITMR

MECHANIC
9,990 POSTS

Is there a c-ring at the center on the shaft. You have to pry it out while pushing down on plate.I use an awl to get it started. They make a tool to compress the plate while doing this. You can rent it at the auto store.

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Friday, January 21st, 2011 AT 5:58 PM

STEJOE

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thank you fixitmr. I did not see that c ring until you pointed it out. I was able to get the plate off, and then the signal switch, but now I am unable to get to the wires to disconnect them since it appear that the wires go down into the steering column and it is a solid encasement, not a top and bottom shell. So once again, I am stuck. Any advice? Thank you.

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Friday, January 21st, 2011 AT 10:35 PM

FIXITMR

MECHANIC
9,990 POSTS

Have you removed the upper and lower plastic column covers around the switch you are removing? Then unplug down under dash from body plug. Make sure you cut all plastic ties that keep harness together so you can free the switch wires/plug.

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Saturday, January 22nd, 2011 AT 3:27 AM

STEJOE

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4 POSTS

Unfortunately the column cover is one continuous piece, so it does not have an upper and lower. It looks like I will need to slide the whole piece off which will require removing the ignition as well. Could this be right? Thank you.

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Saturday, January 22nd, 2011 AT 3:44 PM

STEJOE

MEMBER
4 POSTS

I finally got it off and the new one plugged in, now I just need to remember how everything else goes back together. Thank you so much for your help. Hopefully I will not have any more problems.