I was unable to get a Cherokee steering column as I originally planned to use, so I’m using an 85-90 GM truck tilt column with a 4 spd auto gearshift on the column.

The guy I bought it from (from Michigan, recommended in this forum back around Christmas time) has wired the Cherokee delay module into the column to go with the 84-91 Cherokee wiper motor I have.

Now I’m trying to understand the wiring on this column. As stated;

85-90 GM truck tilt column with 4 spd auto shifter on the column.
No cruise
Wipers controlled from lever on the column

So far I’ve been unable to find a manual for the column that shows what this stuff is.

I’ve tried to use Cowman’s drawings that he posted in a gallery on his Cherokee column but the definition on the notations is just too fuzzy for me to be able to read.

I’m not going to ask any questions about the main connector that goes to the wiring harness. There are many sources for determining what they’re for.

However, here are my questions -

There are three connectors on this column that I have no idea what they’re for. If I’m smart enough to follow Bob’s stickied thread on posting pictures, here goes;

1. Horse shoe shaped white plastic thingie near the bottom of the column. Seems to have 5 spade connectors on it. What’s it for?




2. “round connector” found about the middle of the column. Has three spade connectors or contacts on it. What’s this bugger for?







3. Mounted underneath the round connector, is this rectangular one. It has nine contacts on it. What’s this bugger for?




Now to see if I can edit the pictures into this thread.


Wow! I finally did it! I finally posted pics in a note! (Who says you can't teach an old (cranky, miserable) dog new tricks!

 

RMF,
The first pic is the neutral safety switch. The "start" signal from the key to the solenoid routed through that switch so that it will only start in Park and neutral. I think maybe the back-up lights are on there too.

Not sure about pic #2, but it might be a dimmer switch? My columns are too old to have that fancy stuff on the column.

Pic #3 looks like the electrical portion of the ignition switch. If I remember correctly, there is a rod hooked to the key that actuates this switch. I've got some diagrams in the shop that I'll check to see if I can help with what goes where.

Good Luck!

 

Kent,

Re: # 3 - there is definitely a steel rod tha runs down from the head of the steering column into the switch, so it sounds like you got it right.....

The Haynes manuals don't give any detail on all this stuff on the column....maybe I'll just cart the whole darned thing into my parts store and let them sell me the stuff that connects to them......

Thanks,

 

The 1st picture is definately the Neutral saftety switch, it's new enough that it has the spades for the EFI/cruise safety. The other part of this switch is for back up lights.


The 2nd picture is dimmer switch.

The 3rd is the ignition/accessory/crank switch. You can buy pigtails for all these switches from Painless wiring, or go to a junkyard and cut them off. If you cant find any, I have lots of them.


P.S. I usually take the column dimmer switch off and re-locate it just behind the ignition switch, but before the neutral switch on top of the column. The reason is so I can make a very slim column shroud without having the bulge for the dimmer switch. Of course, you can take it off and use a floor mounted switch?

Hope this helps! GOD bless

 

RMF,
Here's a bit of the wiring diagram for the Camaro I cannibalized for my truck. It looks like the same switch. Like Terry pointed out, these are available from Painless Wiring or Hot Rod Wires or the junkyard. If you are buying a harness, you can tell them to wire it for a GM column and the connectors should be included.
Here's a sketch

The connector is actually in two parts. The diagram is looking at the mating side of the connector body. The words on the right tell you what makes contact when the key is in a particular position. Hope this helps.

Good Luck!

 

Kent & Truxx,

Thanks both of you. That helps.

 

Fergie,

I was away from the computer for several days and just now saw this thread. I think I might have a service manual for that column. I'll check when I get home this evening.

As already been stated, the first pic is the neutral safety/back up light switch, the second pic is dimmer switch, the final pic is the ignition swich.

(I take it that you have managed to keep a clear path out to the shop?)

Stay warm
Bobby

 

Bobby,

That'd be great if you could photocopy a couple of pages for me.

It's finally starting to melt, although the snow is still a MINIMUM of three feet deep anywhere on my property.

Was out in the garage on Friday upacking all the goodies I got from Rod's. Kinda like Christmas all over again..especially with all the friggin snow

They expect to be making maple syrup within the next week though, so that means spring is coming.......