I am in the process of replacing a lock cylinder in my car. My only problem is that I can't get the old wire out. There is a clear plastic piece (called a wiring protector) directly attached to the underside of the steering column. This has to come out for me to route the old wire out and the new wire in for the lock cylinder. Does anyone know how to get this piece out or have any suggestions? I'm desperate.

 

you need to pull off the bracket that is bolted to the column with 4 bolts, this bracket is bolted to the dash with 2 nuts.
once you have it off you should be able to pull the wiring protector off, it is attached to the column on 1 side where the bracket is bolted at with square holes in it, it is just pushed on there. the protector is either split on one side or on the top side for the wiring to fit through. once you get the wiring started out of the split you then just pull the protector down/off. it goes back on the same way.
i tape the end of the wiring to an old speed cable to fish it down into the column.

 

I have both brackets off but one of them is still connected to the steering column. I have the steering column supported, too, so it doesn't fall. Is the bracket supposed to come off or not?

 

yes, the bracket has to come off the column.

 

Well, I think I just figured out why the bracket wouldn't come off, it's welded to the steering column . Now I really don't know what to do. I have a dremel tool but cutting near all those wires and the carpet is gonna to be fun. I don't really want to but I'm pretty much desperate now. What would you suggest?

 

no, do not cut it, some columns are suppose to be welded, there is another way, let me see if i can find a diagram on it. i was thinking you had the bolted type.

 

if your e-mail addy here is good, you should get 3 jpg files that i think will help.
total size on the email shows as 621k

 

I finally got it out! It was a combination of breaking it, pulling and pushing on it, and tearing it. After I got it out I realized how you are supposed to take it out. There is a small clip that holds it in inside the bracket. If you push in on the sides of the wiring protector real hard, it gets unseated and you can slide it out from the back.

I am really happy I got it out but it's crazy when you think about it. It took me 1/2 a day to take out all of the stuff in the steering column to get to the lock cylinder but a whole day to get some stupid piece of plastic off! Oh well.

Thanks for the help, DENN_SHAH.