Ignition Switch Actuator Rack

WAVEPINSTRIPE

MEMBER
1991 CHEVROLET BERETTA

Steering problem
1991 Chevy Beretta 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

How do I remove and replace the Ignition Rack Switch Actuator inside the upper steering column housing?

My ignition switch would turn both ways like it was broken, I removed the steering wheel and old ignition cylinder but a new one did not fix the problem.

Then I found that the ignition rack switch actuator was broken. This was only a $14 part but I am unable to remove the old one.

It looks like I will have to remove the upper steering column housing to get to the rack switch but there are 2 pins on each side of the housing that I can't remove.

What is my next step? - Please before I forget where everything goes back together.

3 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

Removal ("J", "L" & "N" Bodies) 1. Disconnect and shield negative battery cable. Ensure ignition lock cylinder is in OFF-LOCK position. Lower or remove steering column from dash. On lower left side of steering column, remove park lock cable assembly from ignition switch. See Fig. 8 . 2. Remove dimmer switch retaining nut and screw. Remove dimmer switch from actuator rod, leaving actuator rod connected to upper pivot point. Remove ignition switch lower retaining stud and lift ignition switch off actuator rod. Disconnect electrical connectors. Installation 1. Ensure ignition switch slider is one detent from left end of switch. Ensure ignition lock cylinder is in OFF-LOCK position. Install ignition switch onto actuator rod on steering column. Position ignition switch on column to install lower retaining stud. 2. Torque retaining stud screw to 35 INCH lbs. (4.0 N.m). Install dimmer switch actuator rod (if removed) to upper pivot point. Install dimmer switch to lower end of actuator rod. Install dimmer switch to ignition switch lower stud and install retaining nut. Install upper retaining stud, but do not tighten yet. 3. Install 3/32" drill bit into dimmer switch adjustment hole. Lightly push dimmer switch toward actuator rod to remove free play. Torque upper retaining stud screw and lower nut to 35 INCH lbs. (4.0 N.m). Remove drill bit. Place console shift lever in neutral and install park lock cable assembly to ignition switch. Reverse removal procedure to complete installation.

Perform Disassembly steps for INFLATOR MODULE, COIL ASSEMBLY, SHAFT LOCK, TURN SIGNAL CANCELLING CAM, UPPER BEARING SPRING, UPPER BEARING SEAT, INNER RACE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH, BUZZER SWITCH & LOCK CYLINDER SET .
Remove lock housing cover attaching screws and the cover, then the tilt lever.
Remove cover housing end cap, then dimmer switch rod actuator.
Using a cross recess head screwdriver, remove spring retainer. Push retainer down and turn counterclockwise to release.
Remove spring and spring guide.
Remove pivot pin using tool J 21854-01 or equivalent, then reinstall tilt lever.
Remove steering column housing by pulling back on tilt lever and pull steering column housing down and away from steering column.

Check out the diagrams (Below)

Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers

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