2002 Steering column issue
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2002 Steering column issue
It started as P being R, R being N, D being 2 and so forth and having the lift the shifter in order to start.
Last week it escalated to the starter automatically engaging when shifted into N or P.
This is a workhorse so I installed a kill switch temporarily so the starter and flywheel don't get damaged .
Days after I completely lost start at the key, no soleniod action under the hood.
I've been told by my original mechanic the column needs to be replaced, but I stopped doing business with him after he screwed up two of my other vehicles.
A new mechanic I consulted says there is a kit to repair this and he has done it before.
Is this a common problem with these vehicles?
Today I am sparking two wires together I ran into the cab for starting.
Last week it escalated to the starter automatically engaging when shifted into N or P.
This is a workhorse so I installed a kill switch temporarily so the starter and flywheel don't get damaged .
Days after I completely lost start at the key, no soleniod action under the hood.
I've been told by my original mechanic the column needs to be replaced, but I stopped doing business with him after he screwed up two of my other vehicles.
A new mechanic I consulted says there is a kit to repair this and he has done it before.
Is this a common problem with these vehicles?
Today I am sparking two wires together I ran into the cab for starting.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,254
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Depending how heavy handed you are AND how often the shift lever is moved wear on the column parts will happen causing the problems you describe. The column detent is either severely loose or worn/damaged. There also maybe be an issue with the neutral safety switch (goes by another name these days, not sure what though) but most likely all this is contained in your column.
The starter engaging is another symptom of something damaged or worn out.
Honestly finding a good condition replacement column with or without the steering wheel and clock spring is the fastest, easiest way to solve your problems. I don't know there's a specific kit of replacement parts that would include the column detent you'd need.
Columns from '97 to at least 2004 should physically fit, the major parts which tend to be body & year dependent is the clock spring---that can transfer from your existing column and connect into chassis wiring harness with no problem. Same with your steering wheel if it has cruise control that too follows the clock spring from existing column.
HTH
The starter engaging is another symptom of something damaged or worn out.
Honestly finding a good condition replacement column with or without the steering wheel and clock spring is the fastest, easiest way to solve your problems. I don't know there's a specific kit of replacement parts that would include the column detent you'd need.
Columns from '97 to at least 2004 should physically fit, the major parts which tend to be body & year dependent is the clock spring---that can transfer from your existing column and connect into chassis wiring harness with no problem. Same with your steering wheel if it has cruise control that too follows the clock spring from existing column.
HTH
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,414
Likes: 10
From: Thornhill , Ontario
If you PM me I can send you some pictures of when I did it..The thing is you have to take all the plastic off the colum and drop it first..I took the seat off and rested the column on that ......I used 1/4 drive ratchets / extensions and a bit holder with the Torx bit (15 I think) and a Mirror will not hurt either..The Ignition switch removal can be a pain it you don't press the pin in correctly...I used Loctite on the 2 shift cable bolts and it took me a few minutes to adjust the indicator since I lost the tiny spring and had to take it apart again....Like PStruwing said ..a Pain but doable
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