Hi all. The starting switch rod, (the rod that moves the electrical connector on the steering column)has ceased to move. Causing my floor shift to remain in park as well as having my 71 GS 455 Stage I towed. Ouch. The rod is connected to the switch just fine but in the steering column I guess it somehow came undone, clip fell off, wore out or??? So help please. How do I remove the steel column surround covering where the turn signal switch, starting key cylinder, to find out what is wrong. Many thanks in advance. Len
I would take it apart first. The plastic gear is more likely to strip than the metal rack the rod is attached to
Yes, but how do I get it apart? I have the original books on the car as well as GM assembly books etc., would it be in there? I doubt it as the steering column would have been assembled elsewhere
George's site has a nice tutorial on how to take a tilt column apart. I would bet that the plastic gear stripped
Not that hard but if you have never tried DON'T, some special tools needed let the experts take care of it, Good luck Johnny
The parts you are after are in the upper end of the column (the sector gear, and the rod end attaches to the "rack" which is driven by the gear), not too bad to work on with some basic tools. I agree with everyone else the gear is probably stripped, the rack is metal as is the rod so makes the most sense or maybe switch end is worn out too (it drives the sector gear which engages the rack teeth). The GM service manuals go through disassembly/assembly in great detail.....you do need that "U' shaped tool for getting the spring compressed and the clip off for the lock plate (make one if needed, not hard, does not need ot be fancy like video shows), once that is done its all basic hand tools. It is finicky though, you have to pay attention and and not be ham fisted, some little clips and tabs in there. Just pay attention and be careful. Lots of videos on you tube of general procedure for GM columns. Take lots of pictures as you go as well for reference. Video is for another issue but does show how to get into the basic area. From there the three large screws will undo the upper section, you have to pull ignition switch out of course and it all comes apart, make sure you have service manual handy to double check all this.
