I turned off my K5 at the drive thru to order and when i went to crank it back up the key free spun and nothing happened. No electrical or nothing.

I had this happen once before on a Ford so I picked up another Ignition set and put it in. Same thing.

When I turn the key I see it move the gears on the drivers side of the column and moves that u shaped piece but nothing happens after that(this Help/GM/Chrysler 1977-2002 Ignition Switch Kit (83211) | Ignition Switch Rack Kit | AutoZone.com). I don't see the metal rod move that runs down the column. I can't see under the shifter bezel that runs around the column.

Is there a place for it to come apart? Anybody got a diagram of that area?

Anybody got a clue? lol

Thanks.

 

Oh yeah..it's a 1989

 

The rod goes along the top of the column. The ignition switch itself is on top of the column and a serious pita to get to. Basically you need to drop the steering column to get to it.

 

Hey!

If the rod is moving, ur problem is in the ignition switch far down on top of the steering column.
if the rod is not moving, ur problem is in the steering column.

I had the rack of mine break, and when you replace it you need to make sure you hook the rack up to the rod, otherwise it wont move.

here are some links and Pictures that might help.

1985 Chevy Monte Carlo Steering Column Repair Photo 14


Tilt Steering Column Wobble

let me know if you need more Pictures... or questions, i have a steering column on my dinner table



edit: based on your description my guess is that since the rod isnt moving itis then not connected to the rack

 

How do you get the column shifter off the rack to check out the rack and see if it's broken or disconnected? I've got mine torn down as far as I could go before it got dark on me last night.

 

Hi,

You do not remove the column shifter....

Take photo so i understand where you are stuck :P

BR Jonas

 

OK so I got the rod back into the rack and after cranking the key once it popped right back out so I think the rack is broken.

Do I just pull the gear to get it out? Or do I have to take the tilt section off the column to get to it?

Here's where I am

 

Well I got it. Now to try and remember how to get it back together lol

 

ok so I think this whole thing was caused by the drivers side pivot pin not being in all the way. Which caused extra play and allowed the rod to pop out. Cuz I swapped everything and put it all back together, which is when I noticed the pin wasn't in all the way to begin with, and it's perfect and much tighter than before.

All that for nothing lol

 

haha ya the pin looks way out =) Should have started with that Picture =)

Glad it worked out for you !!! =)

BR