Steering column question

Tiny
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.
Friday, January 21st, 2011 AT 3:46 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
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.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, January 21st, 2011 AT 5:58 PM
Tiny
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.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, January 21st, 2011 AT 10:35 PM
Tiny
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.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, January 22nd, 2011 AT 3:27 AM
Tiny
STEJOE
  • MEMBER
  • 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.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, January 22nd, 2011 AT 3:44 PM
Tiny
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.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, January 22nd, 2011 AT 11:02 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Steering Column Replace/Remove Content

VIEW MORE