Author Topic: ignition switch actuator rack help  (Read 7313 times)

Offline mpierce9

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ignition switch actuator rack help
« on: December 03, 2013, 06:51:48 pm »
Hello, My ignition switch recently stopped feeling like it was doing anything internally. It would spin freely and not activate the Accessory, Run, or most critical position Start.

I reviewed the tech section regarding the column break down. VERY helpful, his and my year truck are slightly different. There have been many other helpful threads as well. My problem is very particular and I can't seem to find it referenced here.

After some research i'm feeling my ignition switch actuator rack has become disconnected. I'm working on breaking down the steering column in order to expose this piece but i've run into a snag. The turn signal actuator is hardwired and those wires run down the center of the column. I'm trying to remove the upper jacket bowl from the steering column and since I can't disconnect the turn signal actuator AND the wires are so short, there isn't enough room for me to pull the upper jacket off the column. I need to separate the wires from the turn signal actuator in order to allow enough room to slide the jacket off the steering column.

I've included some pictures to reference.


Below is the turn signal actuator and the attached wiring. As you can see it is not a plug, but is hardwired.




Below you can see the upper jacket with some separation from the lower jacket. However it stops due to the connected turn signal actuator being hard wired.



On a final note this is for a 1975 K5 Blazer. I can't imagine the steering column is that much different from a truck. Any insight is welcome.

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: ignition switch actuator rack help
« Reply #1 on: December 03, 2013, 07:06:47 pm »
Did you unplug the connector at the base of the column? fashion a piece of mechanics wire around the connector and slide it up the column jacket a few inches and you will have plenty of clearance.
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Offline Captkaos

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Re: ignition switch actuator rack help
« Reply #2 on: December 04, 2013, 07:40:35 pm »
These pics from the tech section are at the same spot you are.  Are you wanting to remove it completely or just enough to get it apart?  If you remove it and then put the wiring back in the sleeve it will drop down without unhooking it.




Offline haroldwca

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Re: ignition switch actuator rack help
« Reply #3 on: December 14, 2013, 03:27:04 pm »
I'm at about the same point on my '85 Silverado.  I have separated the upper bowl, and it is hanging by the turn signal switch.  The actuator rack is broken at the big end, which allowed it to be removed at that point.  Having purchased a new actuator rack, I cannot see how to install it without removing the pivot pin.  I assume this is what needs to be done, and I will be buying the removal tool for that task.  My question is "how does the big end of the actuator rack connect to the ignition rod, and how do I access this area of the column?" The big end of the actuator rack seems to attach to the switch rod under the shift collar.  I can't see how they attach, and if I could, I can't get to it.  Anyone out there know the missing piece of my puzzle?  Thanks, and Merry Christmas.

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: ignition switch actuator rack help
« Reply #4 on: December 15, 2013, 09:54:06 am »
Refer to the factory service manual as it is quite detailed and shows pics of what you are looking for.

http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/techinfo/7387CKMans//Service/X8632_1986_GMC_Light_Duty_Truck_CK_G_P_10_to_30_Service_Manual.pdf
,                           ___ 
                         /  _ _ _\_
              ⌠ŻŻŻŻŻ'   [☼===☼]
              `()_);-;()_)--o--)_)

74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10