Some a**hole tried to steal my car last night. My SES and e-brake lights are stuck on and I can't turn my ignition key.

A piece of the bottom cover was broken off under my steering column.

What do I need to do to fix this? I need to get it off the street b/f it happens again, but I need to fix it myself if possible b/c I am broke and can't afford to pay $$$ for a locksmith or tow/dealer.

Thanks verymuch for any help!

 

Don't you have insurance?? They will cover the cost. If you do the work yourself you are probably going to need a new lock cylinder.

 

I went back to my car and messed with it again... there is a silver metal piece (used to be actuator rod?) cut/broken under the broken plastic under the column. It pulls forward when I turn the key (which will now turn if I push the metal piece in so it clears the broken plastic), but whatever it was attached to obviously isn't going anywhere since it's broken off. I guess this is what I'm gonna have to replace? Any insight on this one, anybody?

Why were the SES/brake lights staying on?

I disconnected my battery (so the lights wouldn't stay on and drain it) and had it towed to my folks' house so I can work on it when I can make it up there next week... What a crappy day (poor Daryl Kile)!

 

VATS is very effective at preventing car thefts as you just found out. Car would be gone if it weren't for the resistor chip in the ignition key security system.

depending on what's broken, it may be more cost effective to get a used junkyard column instead of purchasing the replacement parts individually.

 

Joel,

These might help. Remove the steering wheel, then remove this:



Then this:



Remove the broken plastic trim (upper bowl) to reveal this:



Then find the pieces and reassemble like this:

 

Vader, thanks for the diagrams - very helpful.

I spent a while taking it apart last night. I identified the broken piece - the actuator rack was broken off at the far end, where it engages the actuator rod (anyone know the part #?)

I'm not sure how to get enough stuff out of the way to actually get the actuator rack off, tho - the wires for the turn signal stuff are preventing me from pulling the plastic trim all the way off. How do you take out the big turn signal sticking out the side without breaking it?

 

The turn signal lever actually just pulls out. There is a detent clip with a really stout spring, so it will require a good bit of force to pull it out. Make sure the cruise wires are disconnected so you don't rip them out of the lever when you pull it out,or use some restraint when pulling.

Next Hint: The tilt release lever unscrews.

 

tilt lever has a flat spot on it so it can be gripped with the proper size wrench or a pair of needle nosed vise grips.

if there is corrosion on the tilt lever, it may not unscrew from the column. metal of the lever may instead shear off near the base when twisted.