I’ve got a really frustrating problem with my 89 Camaro 305 TBI<--RS; hopefully notso confusing for you guys though. Just last week, while I was waiting on my order formy security system -- go figure, someone tried to steal my car. They didn’t break any windows getting in even though I know my doors were locked. Neither did they steal any of my system, guess they were frightened away? Anyway, the damage they did do was to my steering column.

Instead of popping the ignition they broke through the plastic on the left side just behind the tilt lever. As you probably already know that’s where the lever is that goes through the column that moves from the turning of my ignition lock cylinder. I mean, as the key is turned, on the opposite side a horseshoe-like “latch” pulls and pushes on the straight lever that controls the position of the ignition....lock, off, run, start. Sorry guys I don’t know the names of these parts. As I was saying the thieves broke this metal horseshoe and tried to move the lever themselves, bypassing my ignition. I guess the only thing that topped them was my cut-off switch...cause it’s still there.

Well now I can’t even get my car to start. I checked the wires where they were screwin’ around and they all seem to be intact. I can move the lever up to the “power on” position and I get all my accessories to run, with the exception of my rear hatch release. Of course my key doesn’t do sh** anymore. I’m hopin’ that there has to be some sort of grounding in order to work since the lever isn’t connected the “whatz-it-called” ?ignition switch assembly?. I don’t think they popped my ignition cylinder but I’m not sure; I don’t think I have a VATS either.

They didn’t access anywhere else and it’s still sitting in the same place so I wonder if it could have caused some wire fuse to blow? When I pull the lever like a key to start it my lights go a bit dim like they should but I don’t here any engine noise whatsoever. Awe! I don’t know if this will help but a previous owner said if for some reason the car won’t start and I’ve tried everything else it’s the relay next to my shifter (automatic). I replaced my alternator just a little while ago and I’m sure my battery is still good too. But I’m not “sure” of the condition of my starter of solenoid. If any of you can spare a moment for a lowly soul I’d REALLY appreciate some helpful advise.

Thanks all.....

ps- sorry about the length but I figure the more info the better.

Quote:
“May she rest in peace in Camaro Heaven.”
-me

 

I was in the exact same boat last year.

edit: I just read your post a little more closely. I guess you were pulling on it. when it happend to me I had to pull it really far back with a screwdriver because I could't do it with just my fingers alone.

 

Sorry, I don't have the skill to pull that sucker with my bare hands...though that'd be nice. I used a plyers for that job.

 

You said that you weren't sure if your car has VATS. If your key has a chip in it then you have VATS. The chip will be a black plastic bump near the teeth of your key. Try having a friend move your key all the way to the start position while you pull back on the lever on the other side of the column. Let me know what happens.

 

yeah, I don't have the VATS. i've even lowered my steering column and accessed that white box on the top of the column neer the firewall...after all that's where the ignition's lever pulls. I don't know the name but it produces the electrical feed. anyway, even after manually adjusting the positions and trying to start it nothing happens. the lights dimm a bit but zero mechanical noise. So I know that it has nothing to do with the steering column, but instead must be electrical. I mean it seems it wants to start but doesn't know how? I wonder if the cut-off switch is interfering with it, but it never did before so why now? I've already checked all my fuses and they're good. I've bypassed my key ignition so that's still not the problem . I don't know what else could have happened. Is it possible my starter's bad? It was never a problem before though.....

you guys have some experience in this kind of mess?

 

Try a remote start switch.


~M~

 

thanks for trying to help, but I noticed a cut wire far above the steering column, and I spliced it and now it starts no problem!!! Now all I have to do is fix my steering column........

 

Congratulations glad to hear that you got it fixed.