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Here is the breakdown, I have a 90 camaro Rs that I am putting back together. The steering column was shot and needed a complete rebuild, so I picked up a 93 steering column( yes I realize it is a little longer and requires a shorter intermediate shaft). I installed the column and hooked up all of the wiring under the dash that was disconnected to change out the columns. Now, the original key that came with the column was bent during shipping which required me to order a new vats key. I got the resistance from the original key and order the correct new key. I had the new key cut and should be good to go, nope!!
At this point I can put the key into the ignition, I have no power at all in the cabin nor can I turn the key in the ignition cylinder at all. I can put the key in all the way but have no power at all. I have 12.5 volts at the battery and the bulk head connectors are secured at the firewall.
Before changing the column, I had no issues with power and was able to start the car no problem.
Is this a VATS issue, key issue or something else stupid that I’m missing?
Last edited by camarorsssss; 07-30-2022 at 11:54 AM.
Re: Changed out steering column, now no power at all.
I have decided to just repair the Original steering column and forget about the 93 column. Decided it’s more of a pain to make the additional adjustments in the 93 column vs rebuilding the original column. I may make a video of a complete column rebuild.
Unless someone has a good tilt column for sale PM me.
Re: Changed out steering column, now no power at all.
Update, “rebuilt” the original steering column and put it back into the car, removing the 93 column. Hooked up all the wiring and was able to start the car. Might need to move this thread to steering and suspension now, as I have a couple of problems to sort out with the original steering column.
1st, the ignition lock cylinder might be bad because when I turn the key to accessory position the car starts, this is no bueno as the starter will continue to crank leaving it in the position versus turning the car to cranking position and letting the car return to accessory 2 position once the car starts.
2nd, the steering column is still loose and has play at the wheel. No it’s not the tilt mechanism, the entire shaft has play 360 degrees as well as pushing and pulling. I replaced the holder shaft bearing and put everything back as it should be with both the lock ring and snap ring installed. I really don’t know what it is at this point, I will have to take the column apart again and probably replace the ignition cylinder and try to figure it out.
Last edited by camarorsssss; 07-26-2022 at 06:09 PM.
Re: Changed out steering column, now no power at all.
This is electrical problem I believe, what is causing the starter to engage and start the motor when I turn the key to accessory 2. The starter remains running and if I try to turn the key to start position it grinds the starter and flywheel(as I expected). I don’t know if this is a wiring at the starter issue or an ignition lock cylinder issue or something else. Does anyone have any suggestions or thoughts as to where I should begin.
Re: Changed out steering column, now no power at all.
It could be an issue with either the Electrical portion of the Ignition-Switch (not talking about the Lock Cylinder at this moment)...
Or it could be an issue with the Mechanical portion of the Ignition-Switch/ Linkage that goes up the Steering-Column to the Ignition Lock Cylinder.
The Ignition Lock Cylinder should not be an issue as the "Actual" Switch is a separate Component.
Re: Changed out steering column, now no power at all.
Moving forward, I decided to dismantle the upper steering column again and break it down further, down to the knuckle mechanism and see if all four reverse torx bolts were tight. It was discovered that 2 of the 4 bolts not only weren’t tight, they were missing. Now I need to determine the size of the bolt and get some new ones and re assemble the column again. Still don’t know what the ignition issue is yet but more to come.
Re: Steering column problems, need some expertise.
Ok Camarorsssssss, I'm gonna do ya a little favor here.
This link is my "Secret Weapon" for working on our steering columns. I used these instructions to rebuild not one but three of our columns, and all three turned out great.
Re: Steering column problems, need some expertise.
Also, our old GM Shop Manuals have excellent instructions as well.
I wish newer Manuals actually included Major Component Assembly Repair Instructions...
Like the Steering Column, Power Steering Pump, Starter Motor, Etc...
Re: Steering column problems, need some expertise.
I have reviewed that article from crank shaft coalition a few times now and has helped me out a lot. I will no doubt use it again when I have all the components to rebuild it. In the meantime I have located another column from a 91 with the vats system that I will swap in. Then I can rebuild the other column in the bench .
Last edited by camarorsssss; 07-30-2022 at 07:15 PM.
Re: Steering column problems, need some expertise.
Update! So I found a year correct steering column to replace the dismantled column that came with the car. I installed it and went to start it and wouldn’t you know, same symptom ( car starts in accessory II mode but cuts out power if you go to ignition on. This rules out if ignition switch and ignition. Time to trace wiring and figure out what it going on. Wouldn’t you know it, the main power to the starter off the relay has 3 wires spliced into it, not factory of course. Pics to come. I cut the 3 wires out and ran a single wire from the relay to the starter wire(2nd pic ) and wouldn’t you know the car cranks and starts as it should. Unfortunately, now there is a new issue. The injectors are not firing correctly now and car won’t idle, just starts and dies. Injectors aren’t firing. I believe one of the three wires that was connected to the starts relay wire is an injector wire because the car would run and idle when all three wires were connected to the main starter relay wire. Now I have to figure out what the other wires are and where they belong. I hate wiring. Anyone got thoughts or ideas?
Last edited by camarorsssss; 08-16-2022 at 10:15 PM.
07-25-2022, 04:08 PM
