Electronics Need help wiring something up? Thinking of adding an electrical component to your car? Need help troubleshooting that wiring glitch?

Steering column issues

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 30, 2016 | 10:46 AM
  #1  
patrickz1985tgc's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 15
Likes: 1
From: memphis, tn
Car: red 1985 z28 camaro
Engine: 5.7 edelbrock
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3:73
Steering column issues

Well i bought an 85 camaro and the thing only cranks when my tilt steering wheel is all the way down. If it's up by any chance it'll crank but won't turn over. I'm a newbie to this stuff so I've been trying to do research but no luck. I believe it's some sort of wiring going on that i don't have a clue of.
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2016 | 12:10 PM
  #2  
bigal55's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 629
Likes: 2
From: Western NY
Car: 88 convertible
Engine: 5.7L
Transmission: 4+3 maual
Axle/Gears: 3.07
Re: Steering column issues

Could be broken wires from the ignition switch through the column. AustinThirdgen has the wiring diagrams you need to troubleshoot this problem. Study them and plan a logical step by step test to determine if you are getting power from the ignition switch to the starter solenoid and also ignition power from the switch. Could be power going to the ignition switch so check that first. HTH!
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2016 | 05:09 PM
  #3  
patrickz1985tgc's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 15
Likes: 1
From: memphis, tn
Car: red 1985 z28 camaro
Engine: 5.7 edelbrock
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3:73
Re: Steering column issues

Originally Posted by bigal55
Could be broken wires from the ignition switch through the column. AustinThirdgen has the wiring diagrams you need to troubleshoot this problem. Study them and plan a logical step by step test to determine if you are getting power from the ignition switch to the starter solenoid and also ignition power from the switch. Could be power going to the ignition switch so check that first. HTH!
Yeah i will check that site out. Thanks
Reply
Old May 1, 2016 | 03:03 AM
  #4  
paulo57509's Avatar
Supreme Member
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,178
Likes: 48
From: Tracy, CA
Car: '87 IROC
Engine: LB9
Transmission: TH700R4
Re: Steering column issues

It's most likely an adjustment issue with the ignition switch that's located down at the bottom of the steering column.

I've had older (1960's) Comfortilt columns apart so I don't know if 1980's columns are different (I would think the principle of operation is similar).

When you turn the key, the key cylinder operates a rod thingy that travels down the column and operates the ignition switch. The rod mechanism "compensates" for the length difference when the wheel is tilted up/down. But the compensation only works correctly if the switch is properly adjusted.

Crawl under the dash, remove the hush panel and observe what's going on at the switch when you turn the key. You can loosen the switch and move it slightly so the the rod pushes/pulls a little more when the wheel is tilted down. I "think" you'd want to move the switch up towards the steering wheel slightly.

Check the switch operation in both full up and full down tilt positions before crawling out from underneath.
Reply
Old May 1, 2016 | 10:18 PM
  #5  
84 1LE's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 6,649
Likes: 405
From: Oyth
Car: 89RS vert
Engine: Erod
Transmission: 4L65e
Axle/Gears: BW, 3.27
Re: Steering column issues

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/elec...on-switch.html
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
sahlomonic
Suspension and Chassis
4
May 11, 2016 12:33 AM
91charlene
Interior
3
May 9, 2016 10:33 AM
tecboy
Interior Parts Wanted
6
Apr 5, 2016 01:12 AM
erik69&85
Suspension and Chassis
1
Apr 3, 2016 01:33 PM
87zz28
Camaros for Sale
5
Apr 2, 2016 04:29 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:42 PM.