I have a 1989 Camaro RS+ and I have no clue on how to change my steering column... I dont know what wires to discon first or what nuts to do first. Can someone help me? My steering column was busted in an attempt to steal my car. (NOT BY ME!!!) I have ordered a new one and need to know how to put it in.

Thanks in advance,

 

The whole column from the firewall to the steering wheel? Hopefully so, since that's the easiest route. You just unplug the wiring harness underneath. Then in the engine bay, remove the one bolt on the upper steering shaft and slide it apart. Then inside, you remove the three bolts on the firewall where the column goes through, and the two nuts that hold the bracket up a little further up the column. The whole thing should pull out then. You may have to move or disconnect some other wires to make room to pull it out, and sometimes the wires may be ziptied or otherwise attached to the column (like say if there was an alarm installed).

 

Yeah the whole dern thing ... Idiot people trying to steal something they cant is not cool! Ill look and see for the bolts.... I see the wiring harness's and the 3 and 2 sets of bolts on the inside, But I do not see the one under the hood?

Thanks in advance,

 

Where is the VATS box (Pass Key) located? I need to change this considering it is a different ohm resistor in the key. Does anyone have a pic of the box or where it is?

thanks in advance

 

It's kinda on the passenger side by the heater box.

The bolt under the hood is on (or actually through) the steering shaft. Just look at the shaft close to where it goes through the firewall.

 

I see the bolt now... But the passkey box is like no where to be seen.... I have found the ECM and the little black box with "AC" written on it and it has 1 wire harness comming out... I have unplugged this black box and it made no difference.... So i am guessing it is not the VATS box... I am awaiting a pic of the location or maybe a pic of the box or maybe a wiring diagram of the wire colors so I can find this box. This board has been very helpful so far and I hope to be able to help others as I have been helped.



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Simon - Proud Owner of a 1989 RS Camaro
Sad Was Owner of a Totaled 1991 Firebird.
I WILL OWN ANOTHER JUST LIKE IT BUT BETTER!!!
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My camaro Vats box was located behing the heater coltrols and radio cluster on the driver side.... I wonder why it was some where else.



Thanks for all your help.

 

Just change the lock cylinder... For that matter just disassemble the steering column and replace the broken pieces. Either way won't be easier then the other, but repairing would probably cost less.

 

allready paid 145.00 for the whole column key and vats box

 

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Simon - Proud Owner of a 1989 RS Camaro
Sad Was Owner of a Totaled 1991 Firebird.
I WILL OWN ANOTHER JUST LIKE IT BUT BETTER!!!
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- [/B][/QUOTE]

What do you mean by this. My screen name is simon and I have an 89 RS. Coincidence???

 

What do you need a VATS box for? It shouldn't be necessary.

You do have a key that comes with the used steering column you bought, right? Here's what you do.

Dillemma: Your original key has the correct resistor pellet, but of course, it won't turn the lock cylinder in your new column. The new key turns in the cylinder, but the resistor is wrong.

(By the way, there are only fifteen different possible resistors. There's something like a 7% chance that your new key has the correct resistor value anyway; just measure it with a meter and compare to the old one.)

Solution:

Bring both keys to your dealer or locksmith. As him to make you a brand-new key, that has the same resistor as the original key, and the same tooth pattern as the key that came with your used column.

 

Response 1:

My real name is Simon... I have an 89 rs... Maybe it was a coincedence......
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Responce 2:

The whole column is cracked on the left side where the bar is, (you have to pull it to crank the car now....) There is no point in paying $50 for a key when I can take 5 minutes and change the vats box I appreciate the idea but... I am a broke bum trying to get it as cheap as possible... So the cheapest way is to replace column... Parts = more... The column comes with key and vat box for that key, out of same car model and type.... So I can change the box... I has successfully removed the old vat box... Which was in a different location then most others.... hummm...

 

Help!...... same problem happend to me last week, and now I am stuck having to fix this problem. I purchased a column w/ key, and vats box from ebay. And just wondering if key or vats box needs to be programed with car or computer..