i need some help here my ignition lock turns but it turns freely and doesnt pull the rod to the ignition switch to start the car. i can start it by pulling the rod and the lock is working properly but i think the little black gear that pulls the rod is stripped. how do i get to this to replace it? ive read this thread up and down and it helps alot but i need specifics on just getting to this gear
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/088020.html

im sure its this gear


thanks in advance

[This message has been edited by kennyrounds (edited 02-09-2008).]

on my 85, i can NOT get the car to crank unless i have the tilt column in a down position.

you might try that...

That used to be the case with this car but now it quit working all together. when you turn the lock cylinder to the start position it doesnt even spring back, there isnt even any resistance when you move it. it turns freely,

Can you buy and install a new key lock or is it more than that?

i borrowed some pics from the thread above to hopefully explain what i mean, the key turns the lock just fine, and the rod (in yellow) turns just fine, if i pull the rod from the ignition switch (in blue) i can start the car. so i think that the teeth on the gear (in green) or the center hole (also in yellow) may be stripped

any help on how to change this would be appreciated, thanks
Kenny

the rack could be your problem also
either way. it sounds like you are going to be tearing down the column

[This message has been edited by buddycraigg (edited 02-10-2008).]

would it be best to pull out the entire column or try to take it apart in the car?

you can try fixing it but in my own opinion, just screw it. those cursed columns are tricky. i tried doin that stuff myself too but it never works out right. columns are really really easy to swap. it consists of 4 bolts holding it on, as well as one at the end of the steering shaft and one wire to disconnect. However, if you wanna be really brave and fix your own column, then yes. dropping the column is your best bet. its soo much easier to work on that way.

[This message has been edited by 250rider3 (edited 02-10-2008).]

The most likely problem is the metal sector, that's the part the black gear engages. Those break fairly often when people have symptoms like yours.

I find it easier to service the column in the car when possible because it provides a nice working/seating position, a radio for entertainment, and a nice flat floorboard to put parts on (use paper towels to protect the carpet from grease, etc).

Replacing the sector is the same work as fixing the wobble problem, if you're halfway mechanical and have the right tools you should be able to do it yourself. Give yourself a day to do it for the first time, though.

JazzMan

when i said rack, i was talking about this

quote Originally posted by buddycraigg: the rack could be your problem also either way. it sounds like you are going to be tearing down the column

like this

[This message has been edited by buddycraigg (edited 02-11-2008).]

That image helped me out alot! the steering wheel lock still functions properly so i know now that the gear is turning, so chances are it IS the actuator rack, i am going to attempt this fix with the help of the thread above and the good people of PFF. so check back when you can.

Also does anyone have an extra Acuator Rack they woud be willing to sell me for a reasonable price, the parts store sells them in a kit with a bunch of other parts i dont need for $50 and for that price i may as well buy a salvage column

Thanks for the help. Kenny

the parts stores have them for about 15 bucks.
i'll try to get you a part number.

[This message has been edited by buddycraigg (edited 02-11-2008).]

SWEET!! thanks i called autozone and its $9.99, i went to advance auto parts last night and that same kit, plus the highbeam thing and something else was fifty bucks. looks like i got a new project for this weekend! no more scraping up my wrists to reach the ignition switch rod!

(edited to add these links so i dont loose them)

http://www.fieros.de/en/articles/steering.html

http://elcaminocentral.com/article95.html

[This message has been edited by kennyrounds (edited 02-11-2008).]

quote Originally posted by kennyrounds: SWEET!! thanks i called autozone and its $9.99,

if you dont have them, you are going to need the...
lock plate depressor.
steering wheel / HMB puller
pivot pin puller.

you'll probably need to buy the pivot pin puller for 10~15 bucks.
the other two should be in the auto parts store's rental program.
but ask about the pin puller too.

Yeah i rented the steering wheel puller, and didnt know about the lock plate compressor, managed to get the ring off and back on with no trouble. i am going to have to get the pivot pin puller.

The last pivot pin puller I bought came from the local Northern Tools store, automotive section, it ran $4.99. The lock plate compressor I prefer using is the red handled one that AutoZone sells for $9.99, you can see it in the tools picture of my column thread.

JazzMan

[This message has been edited by JazzMan (edited 02-12-2008).]

i was looking back at some achived threads and found my wifes car, it was at wheatstock, and actually buddy was asking about it, heres the two pics i found



https://www.fiero.nl/forum/A...050119-1-043047.html

[This message has been edited by kennyrounds (edited 02-16-2008).]

quote Originally posted by kennyrounds: i was looking back at some achived threads and found my wifes car, it was at wheatstock, and actually buddy was asking about it, heres the two pics i found

what a small world...

Wow this just happened to me tonight. Must the steering wheel be removed to get to the gear? Looks like a lot of work. My problem is no time to do it. The rod when I pulled it with pliers worked and all the indicator lights came on . The key just turns with out any resistance and of course the car does not start. So it must be the gear? ??????

I replied in your other thread. My bet it's the actuator rack.

JazzMan