Locate and Replace Ignition Switch

Tiny
JERRY S
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 GMC SUBURBAN
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 241,000 MILES
I have torn down the steering column as far as I dare. It has the adjustment knuckle. I am looking for the electrical module(?) That the rod ties into from the ignition key switch. Suburban will only "click" sometimes when trying to start it and will eventually start after continually turning the key on and off. Where down on the steering column is the module and how do I get to it?
Monday, October 4th, 2010 AT 7:51 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
AZTECA13
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Your switch is in steering column and rod to the module runs the top side of your steering column. You actually don't pull your steering column what you do is push front seat back. And follow these steps in the diagrams below.
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Tuesday, November 13th, 2012 AT 10:56 PM
Tiny
DAVID.ROYNELLE.KEOLA
  • MEMBER
  • 16 POSTS
  • 1993 GMC SUBURBAN
  • 143,000 MILES
When I put the truck into park, I cannot turn the key to shut off the engine, and take the key out. I can only turn the ignition forward to start the truck. What should I be checking, and how do I do it. Is this a repair that is done easily? How costly is it to take it to a shop and have them fix it?
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Friday, December 13th, 2019 AT 5:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RIVERMIKERAT
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,110 POSTS
STEERING COLUMN SWITCHES -1993 GMC Suburban C1500
Page 1 of 1
TURN SIGNAL SWITCH & LOCK CYLINDER

Removal

1.
Disconnect battery negative cable. Remove steering wheel. See STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Remove shaft lock cover. Using Lock Plate
Compressor (J-23653-C), compress lock plate and pry retaining ring from groove in steering shaft. See Fig. 3. Discard retaining ring. Remove lock plate. Remove turn signal canceling cam.
Remove upper bearing spring. Remove thrust washer. Place turn signal lever in up (right turn) position. Remove turn signal/combination switch lever and hazard switch lever. Remove switch
actuator arm screw and remove switch actuator arm. Remove 3 turn signal switch retaining screws. Remove steering column support bracket bolts and support bracket.
Disconnect turn signal switch electrical connector. Remove 2 wiring protectors and carefully pull wiring through steering column. Remove turn signal switch and allow to hang free.
Remove buzzer switch. Place key in lock cylinder and turn to LOCK position. Remove lock retaining screw, being careful not to drop screw down column. See Fig. 4. Pull lock cylinder from
housing.
2.
3.
4.
Installation

1.
To install, reverse removal procedure. Install turn signal switch electrical connector through housing. Install 2 wiring protectors. Install steering column support bracket and support bracket
bolts.
To complete installation, reverse remaining removal procedure. Lubricate turn signal canceling cam with synthetic grease before installation. Using Lock Plate Compressor (J-23653-C), install
NEW shaft lock retaining ring. See Fig. 3. Ensure retaining ring is fully seated in groove on steering shaft.
Carefully pull down on turn signal electrical wiring to remove any possible kinks within steering column. Tighten bolts and screws to specifications. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS TABLE at
the end of this article.
2.
3.
Fig. 3: Removing Shaft Lock Plate & Retaining Ring Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Fig. 4: Removing Lock Cylinder Assembly Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

2/7/2012
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Friday, December 13th, 2019 AT 5:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DFR820
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1986 GMC SUBURBAN
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
Wanted to change the ignition switch on a 1986 GMC K2500 3/4ton 4X4 suburban.
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Friday, December 13th, 2019 AT 5:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
CABALLERO, EL CAMINO, C, K, R, V & 1986---87 G MODELS
The ignition switch is mounted on top of the mast jacket inside the brake pedal support and is actuated by a rod and rack assembly.

Disconnect battery ground cable.
Disconnect and lower steering column. On some models, it may be necessary to remove the upper column mounting bracket if it hinders servicing of switch. Use extreme care when lowering steering column to prevent damage to column assembly. Only lower steering column a sufficient distance to perform ignition switch service.
On Caballero and El Camino, rotate ignition lock to ``Off'' unlocked position.
On C, K, R and V models, rotate ignition lock to ``Off'' locked position.
If lock cylinder has been removed, pull switch actuator rod up to stop, then pushrod down to second (Caballero or El Camino) or first (C, K, R and V models) detent as shown, Fig. 7.
Remove column mounted dimmer switch, if equipped, then remove switch retaining screws and switch.
Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
Place gear shift lever in neutral.
Place lock cylinder and switch in positions noted in steps 3 and 4.
Fit actuator rod into hole in switch slider and secure switch with retaining screws, ensuring switch does not move out of detent.
Install and adjust dimmer switch, if equipped, as outlined in ``Column Mounted Dimmer Switch, Replace'' procedure.
Torque retaining screws to 35 inch lbs, then check switch operation.
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Friday, December 13th, 2019 AT 5:25 PM (Merged)

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