I have a '97 Olds Bravada and I'm trying to change out the ignition switch. I'm trying to get the top cover off of the steering column but I can't tell how it comes off. Do I need to take the steering wheel off? Any help would be appreciated.

 

If i remember right, there are three screws under the column shroud into the column what will release the top panel. If i remember right, they are torx screws too!

Then again, i might be remembering wrong, but I would look there first.

 

I just took mine off the other day to remove a pesky after market alarm.

I dont know the exact size, but it is 3 torques screws from beneath. Once those are out, the 2 pieces (upper and lower) still wont seperate fully. They are hinged after a fashion in the back. This hinge is just a hook in the plastic, so wiggle the pieces until you feel them seperate, then you should be able to slide the pieces...

Hope this helps.

 

I got the bottom half off no problem but it only took two screws. I can't seem to locate the third screw holding the top half in. It feels like it is directly behind the steering wheel. Any suggestions?

 

Well, I got the top off. Now I'm trying to find some place in town that has inverted torx bits. If I can't find what I'm looking for does anyone know of a way to loosen the screws without the inverted bits?

 

The size you need is a DEEPWELLE4 (inverted torx). Sorry I didn't see the post before now, did you find the 2 inverted torx screws that held the top half of the column cover on? You might be able to remove the E4's with a pair of needle-nosed pliers, as they aren't very tight at all. I bought the deep E4 socket from Matco tools for $35.00, but if I was only gonna do it once I'd use the needle-nosed pliers.

 

I did find the torx screws that held the top half of the column on, but only after I broke it off! I think I fanagled it back on pretty securely, though. I couldn't find anyone in town with the right sized inverted torx screws, so I used the needle-nosed pliers. It took a LONG time to get them out, but I did it. Also, I got the old ignition switch out and go the new one put in and got everything put back together. Thanks for all the help! That's twice now that the blazerforum.com has come through!

 

Sorry I didn't see your post earlier, sounds like everything came out alright. Another trick is to cut the top cover right under the switch, this allows you more freedom in manipulating it around. The rubber key anti rattle pad below the switch hides the cut and life is a lot simpler if you need to go in again. I had to change mine twice in 300,000+ miles, second time around was about 20 minutes.