Steering column swap questions (Page 1/1)
starlightcoupe SEP 23, 11:43 AM
Pretty sure I sold my Fiero but my bad luck came back to bite me. The ignition switch (not the key lock) on the old steering column needed adjusting and while I had the column apart, I checked the bearing and race and it is badly worn. I have a very good replacement column but I am not sure how to tell the difference between a column meant for stick shift and an automatic. The only difference I can see between the old and new switch is the lockout safety switch that allows you to start the engine in Park and Neutral.

My questions are these: can I simply attach the safety switch (or pushrod) to the new switch? They look identical to me.

Question two: How would I tell the difference between an auto and a manual column?

A simple swap out looks easy. I've done this kind of thing a few times in the past on other GM vehicles but getting under the dash is a killer for me at my old age and I want to minimize the time I spend lying on the floor. I intend to remove the driver's side seat to make it easier.

I'd appreciate any tips and answers to my questions.
crashmydaytona SEP 23, 03:15 PM
A manual column will have the lever you press to turn the key all the way off, the automatic will not. If you are putting a manual column in an auto car you need to swap the whole switch that has the safety cable attached to it. The switch on the manual looks identical but its not. 4 bolts hold the column in and 1 pinch bolt it is very easy to do I don't think pulling the seat would be necessary it will only take about 15 minutes.
starlightcoupe SEP 23, 04:04 PM

quote
Originally posted by crashmydaytona:

A manual column will have the lever you press to turn the key all the way off, the automatic will not. If you are putting a manual column in an auto car you need to swap the whole switch that has the safety cable attached to it. The switch on the manual looks identical but its not. 4 bolts hold the column in and 1 pinch bolt it is very easy to do I don't think pulling the seat would be necessary it will only take about 15 minutes.



Thanks for your reply. I have the column almost switched out--been working on it this morning. The replacement column is definitely for an automatic and I will change out the ignition/safety switch per your instructions. Thanks.

I took out the seat because of medical problems that include wearing a back brace from my spinal fusion surgery.

Thanks again. I really appreciate it.
crashmydaytona SEP 23, 11:03 PM

quote
Originally posted by starlightcoupe:


Thanks for your reply. I have the column almost switched out--been working on it this morning. The replacement column is definitely for an automatic and I will change out the ignition/safety switch per your instructions. Thanks.

I took out the seat because of medical problems that include wearing a back brace from my spinal fusion surgery.

Thanks again. I really appreciate it.



Ouch sounds like you should of had a buddy doing it for you. I just changed my manual column to an auto and those were the only differences I noticed. Hope all went well for you.
starlightcoupe SEP 24, 10:30 AM

quote
Originally posted by crashmydaytona:


Ouch sounds like you should of had a buddy doing it for you. I just changed my manual column to an auto and those were the only differences I noticed. Hope all went well for you.



Thanks for your help. I did change out the ignition and safety switches and it is fine.

I have the column hooked up and discovered everything works except the front directional signal. Rear works fine including the emergency flasher. Looking at the wiring, the replacement column has a slightly different plug from the old one. It has fewer wires. I am in a time crunch as well as a physical crunch (and mental crunch, probably ) and have little time to troubleshoot the wiring. I have a lot of electrical and electronics experience but time isn't on my side. The new owner wants the car this week and I can't sell it to him in good conscience with turn signals that don't work properly. I did ground everything to ensure power is there. Any ideas??? Thanks in advance.
NightMare Cruiser SEP 26, 12:30 PM
I have a 87 (auto) with tilt and the turn signal stuff is starting to wear out. I have a spare 86 (manu) column. Should these be interchangeable? Wiring issues beside the manual lock out bar. So basically remove lock out bar switch and put auto switch on??