tow/haul not working

[19Hillary69]

Sounds like I am the only one fighting the covers on the steering column to get access. After much googling I find these two sites that are very helpful. So for any others in my situation, try these.

http://www.ehow.com/how_6245008_remo...evy-truck.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_7248969_do-r...ilverado_.html

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by 19Hillary69

This site may be helpful to me....and others.....showing disassembly.

http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com...tml#msg1630689

that info should get you going. good detailed info/pictures.

I knew it was out there .

[19Hillary69]

Finally fixed mine by soldering in extensions to both white wires in the orange casing. Now works great. My problem with removing the lever on the left which allows the movement of the steering wheel. People just said pull it out....sounded easy but my fingers couldn't do it. Finally made a wire loop over it and jerked the wire, lever came right off. Thanks for all the help.

[heckufaguy]

I joined just to say THANKS!

Purchased a used 2000 suburban for towing our travel trailer and hit the column switch...and nothing.
my Orange wire looked intact, under the first fastener on the column. But a light tug and it came apart. Soldered in a little longer wires, and I'm back in business.

Thanks alot everyone!

[chevy54307]

I don't see a broken wire on my 04... I then tested each wire with a test light to see if either one had power to then and they didn't any ideas on where to go from here ?

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by chevy54307

I don't see a broken wire on my 04... I then tested each wire with a test light to see if either one had power to then and they didn't any ideas on where to go from here ?

first your use of a test light is not to be used to troubleshoot these modern computer controlled vehicles. now if you have some trailers or pre 1975 type vehicles lawnmowers or even some electrical house wiring test lights can be used.

with a volt ohm meter you will find that the wires are with a break. you will use the ohms scale / resistance ability of the meter. the vehicle will be off . you do not check for volts .

as was mentioned many times with this issue ///// the wires are too short they then break. the insulation looks good but the small copper conductor breaks. good luck .

[Moses1992]

This was the problem! After about a year without my tow/haul button working, I finally had time to look into it. Easy fix. Thanks for all the pointers!

[Leapyear]

I signed up to this forum just to say thanks. I opened the cover on the steering column and sure enough two out of the four small wires in the orange casing were broken. I left it apart to show the dealer but the still said that the couldn't slice in a wire and I'd have to change the whole shifter for $288 (parts&labor&taxes). After having another shop tell me the could try but not guarantee anything I just fixed it myself in the parking lot with some wires strippers and electrical tape! The wires are so fine it took me a while to strip them without snapping them. No wonder this is such a common problem with wires that small!

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by Leapyear

I signed up to this forum just to say thanks. I opened the cover on the steering column and sure enough two out of the four small wires in the orange casing were broken. I left it apart to show the dealer but the still said that the couldn't slice in a wire and I'd have to change the whole shifter for $288 (parts&labor&taxes). After having another shop tell me the could try but not guarantee anything I just fixed it myself in the parking lot with some wires strippers and electrical tape! The wires are so fine it took me a while to strip them without snapping them. No wonder this is such a common problem with wires that small!

these small sized wires are because GM designed these to fail. the issue you had is very common. wires too short and the wire so small with little flexing it is going to break. no big deal to fix why pay for a repair like this when GM did this intentionally . solder and some heat shrink works good also .