Well, my 92 Z28 column is loose (like every Gen3). I've decided to attempt the column tear down to replace the pivot pins and tighten the four bolts. Tell me if I'm crazy!
- I plan to replace the steering wheel with a non-air bag wheel with new horn. I plan to pull the air bag wire out.
- I also need to check turn signal switch and high beam switch.
- I have bypassed VATS under the dash. Is the wire in the attached pic buried in the column for VATS, and if yes can I leave it disconnected or pull out? (Sorry for the poor quality pic but I suspect anyone who's been there will recognize the plug right next to the ignition switch?)
- Any/All advise most appreciated as I am terrified I will never get it back together.

 

Hard to tell from picture quality but looks to be the contact for the horn ring or air bag (if equipped). The VATS is 2 small wires attached to ignition switch housing and is routed down inside of steering column and comes out at bottom to a small 2 wire connector.

 

I apologize for the poor pic. This is not the big yellow air bag wire/connector. I had not thought about the horn? This connector is right in front of the ignition switch on the right side of the steering column.

 

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It’s ok to leave the VAT wires inside the steering column, won’t hurt anything. Does the connector have brass colored springy contacts that match up to the horn ring that rotates with the steering shaft?

 

Don, I'm not that far yet, but I sure appreciate your help. It might be a few days before I tear the column apart.... I hope I can ask you for some guidance along the way. I think I'll recognize the VATS wire from the orange insulation (matching the insulation below the column). Thanks.

 

Hard to tell, but if it looks like the pic, thats contact for the key buzzer. The wire for the vats is attached to the ignition cylinder, i believe. The horn contact is the round plastic piece under the steel sprocket looking piece on the steering shaft.

 

I am familiar with that piece in the pic. Been told that it is difficult to get out, it comes out in two pieces, and is very fragile. Also, must go in exactly right. Good luck to me.

 

It comes out real easy with the key in the ignition. Or maybe not in the ignition. Cant remember, but i definitely remember one is almost impossible to remove without ruining it and the other it just slides right out. The other piece is the spring that clips onto it. Loose/damage that and the buzzer wont buzz, but both pieces come out very easy if the key is in the ignition...Im almost 100% sure its w/ the key in, not out, but i could still be wrong.

 

I am fairly certain the connector I was referencing is the buzzer. I need comedy at this point so I will say you covered both options... however, I have not heard of leaving the key in the ignition so that is a must try for me. Evidently that clip breaks frequently. Can't you buy a replacement?
BTW1 - I found the VATS wires on the ignition switch. I clipped them (trying to clean up this mess) since I already bypassed VATS via a resistor.
BTW2 - Finally found the fog light relay (are you kidding me) and continue work on fog light fix. I think its the relay and/or switch.