Have a bit of an electrical problem. There's a loose connection at the ignition switch which causes the car not to start occassionaly. I can push the harness up the steering column and it works again for a while but eventually comes loose. The service manual is pretty useless on this problem. Yesterday started digging into the column from the top and got past the spring clip and as far as trying to remove the upper shaft where it engages into the locking plate above the switch. Could only pull the shaft out about 1" when it seemed to snag on something inside the column past the switch that I couldn't see. The shaft is 2 pieces but I didn't want to pry it apart for fear of breaking something so I put it all back together. Just want to get in there to check the connections. So close but so far! Does anyone have any experience with steering columns? Fred
Joined: Fri Oct 07 2005, 12:03PM
Location: Central Ky.
Posts: 1575
Is the locking plate still on there? It has to be removed first. It compresses a bit & a snap ring is removed. You can get a compressor at the parts houses checp to compress the lock plate. It might be a K-D tools item. I got one but can't remember the brand.
Joined: Tue Oct 11 2005, 01:33AM
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Posts: 5893
Been awhile since I took one apart, but if I remember correctly, the wires are in a flat type cable that snakes down the column. The only connections are at the top and bottom. IE there aren't any plugs inside the column shaft. If you take the column apart from the steering wheel end, the harness can be pulled out - but it's a real bear to get back in unless you tie a string on the lower end before you pull it out. With the string in place its much easier to pull the harness back in after repairs. If your column is collapsible don't beat on it or its toast.
Joined: Sat Dec 10 2005, 04:28PM
Location: United States
Posts: 4954
I wonder if it's just the connector at the bottom. The harness you are talking, running through the column, is part of the switch. The wires are rivited on the back of the switch. To access it, you need to take off the steering lock wheel like Butch described. Then remove the turn signal switch. You don't need any special tools to get to the switch other than a very fine screw driver to take the little spring clip off. Try not to bend it.
It could just be the connector at the bottom of the column. . .every time you disturb it. . .well it goes from there. That was the first year for the column ignition so Ma Mopar hadn't gone through the learning curve yet. As it is, it took years to learn they were running too much current through the ignition switch on them anyway. The connectors were prown to burning
Sometimes those pins slip out of the plastic socket. When you look at the edge of the connector, make sure you don't see any metal. Push all the connectors in on both sides. The plastic is semi transparent, so you can see the connectors inside. If they are all even, take it apart and make sure the female side is in order. If the female pin in the socket is spread open.
Thanks for all the info. I got the upper snap ring off ok. The problem is I can't get at the lower snap ring or the lock plate because the bearing housing which is attached to the upper shaft won't pull out more than an inch. The service manual refers to a steering shaft removing tool that appears to be a specialized puller. Once the housing is clear theres also mention of the need to "press a pin" out of the shaft with another special tool to remove the lock plate. I was afraid to try and force it for fear of breaking something. If there's no connector at the switch and just rivets it sounds like I might be screwed anyway. I should be looking for another switch/harness. Before I do that I'll double check the connector as suggested. Again thanks for all the feedback. Fred
Joined: Sat Dec 10 2005, 04:28PM
Location: United States
Posts: 4954
MMMMM Sometin doesn't sound right.
I'll tell you what. Let me look at the parts book tonight and my manual and see if maybe I was a bit off on that. In the meantime check the wiring under the dash.
Thanks for the diagram. It's the tools to seperate 8, 9 & 10 the upper bearing and housing from the shaft and then the tool to press out the pin #12 from 13 to get the lock plate 14 off thats the stumbling block. I've checked the connection at the bottom of the harness and it seem good and clean but the problem is still there . That leaves the ignition switch. Best to get one and have someone with the right tools install it. Can't be more that 1 hour of labour. Fred
Joined: Tue Oct 11 2005, 01:33AM
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Posts: 5893
I remember making a gizmo to get the retaining clip #7 out of its groove. I used a piece of 1x1/4" flat stock about 4" long. I drilled three holes, one that would clear the thread end of the column and two outboard ones that would pass a 3/8" bolt. Put 3/8" bolts in with backing nuts so that the bolts rest against a solid part of #10. then run a nut down the threaded end of the column. The purpose being to allow #8 to move down enough to uncover #7. Pry #7 out of the grove with an awl or small screw driver. Once its out of the groove, undo the gizmo and slide the clip up and off the end of the shaft. I think I got clip #11 out the same way. I don't remember pin 12 or removing part #14, but if I did, probably used a pin punch or a sawn off big nail to drive out the pin.
Sorry I'm not being more explicit, its just that I had to replace the turn signal switch assembly in a couple of tilt columns as well as the Fury (non-tilt) but don't remember exactly what hoops I had to jump through on each one. <span class='smallblacktext'>[ Edited Sat Apr 15 2006, 11:59PM ]</span>