i have a question, i just had to remove my steering wheel and the guts to tighten my tilt column bolts, after i put it all back together, i realized i had no highbeams, the turn signal switch is screwed in place and both signals work, as does the cruise control. but when i tried to use my highbeams, the switch does not activate the lights, does anyone have any idea how to fix this or did i put it back together wrong, explinations and pics would be great.

thank you for any and all help

 

my 91 did the same thing when fixxed mine aswell so if anyone knows why this happens id also like to know

 

At the base of the steering column, there is the switch. A small rod actually runs through the column, from the turn signal lever, to this switch. There are two small (7mm I think) hex head sheet metal screws that hold this switch in place - the rod actually pushes on the switch. You may have to readjust by loosening these screws and moving the switch slightly higher on the column.

It's a PITA - lay your driver seat back all the way, and put feet on the headrest, lay on back, upside down, with light, and move the turn signal lever and see the rod and where it goes. If switch needs replaced - spend money on a good one (Napa or Carquest at least) - as the Autozone jobs don't last long, and you don't want to have to mess with it too much, as the screws tap themselves loos eventually and won't hold the switch in correct position (also don't overtighten - just enough to hold in place).

 

Camaronewbie said it perfect. it flat out SUCKS. I rebuilt my entire steering column b/c my tilt steering was loose, and this part was one of the worst.

Inspect the rod that runs down to the actual switch, and if it is in place, check the dimmer switch actuator. This is a black plastic piece that pushes on the rod when you pull the turn signal lever.

I attached a pic of this. It is the piece that is sticking out. Anyways, on my steering column, this is the piece that kept slipping off the rod, causing the brights to not work. Use a lot of grease to keep it in place, and be careful and gentle when putting it back in. It wants to slip off easily.

This is the article I used when rebuilding my column and which you should use for the parts you need:

El Camino Central - G-Body Loose Tilt Steering Column Repair...Fix it right the first time.

Whoever wrote this article did a heck of job. This is one of the most informative and detailed articles Ive ever read. The pic I attached is actually from the article.

Good luck!

Mark