321FormulaGuy

Ok so I took apart my steering column and replaced my ignition switch, and not realizing it was one the column itself instead of inside I took everything inside apart. I now put everything back together but, now the car won't start and the steering wheel won't unlock. The lock cylinder moves through the sequences with little resistance, with the key in it of course. Unfortunately, there's nothing coming of it when I try to crank the engine. The key just moves basically with no power appearing to go to it.

Any and all help will be greatly appreciated, I need this car running asap as well!

Thank you all ahead of time!

eseibel67

It's the spring in the ignition switch that gives the resistance. But if the wheel also won't unlock, it's certain that you missed connecting a part in the column. If I recall, there's a gear and rack that actuates the rod up and down, that's where I would look for something amiss.

321FormulaGuy

I believe I forgot to put a part back on the actuator. It's the black plastic piece in the picture.

321FormulaGuy

Anyone have any idea what this part is? I believe this might be one of my issues.

321FormulaGuy

Got everything back together. I figured out why the key wasn't working, the lock actuator slipped of the rod. But now when I go to start the car the brake light comes on and it won't start and on top of that the fuel pump sounds like it's priming constantly, any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

jharrison5

I believe that is what makes your high beams come on. It hooks to a rod and pushes a lever into a switch on your column. It hides behind the plastic cap right behind the turn signal.

As for the starting issue when you took the column apart did you take the two white switches off that were bolted to the top of the column that had metal rods going into them? The longer of the two switches is what tells your car to start and if it is in the wrong position your ca won't start. Also since your car is a 1990 the VATS might be screwing with you if you changed out the cylinder and didn't get the right chipped key.

Scorpner

iTrader: (4)

Best advice I can give is to search on Youtube for some steering column and/or cylinder lock videos. Most Chevys of the same years will be relatively the same.