New steering column...

[regalfriend]

i have 97.5 Regal GS. Low beam headlights stopped working. I replaced the dash switch(push/pull knob). Low beams still dont work. I found the problem to be the multi-function column switch. To buy new is around $3OO.OO. I found a salvage yard that will sell me the complete column for $1OO.OO w/ radio controls. My car has no radio controls on the steering wheel....My questions are.....Since i suspect my ignition switch is going too, Can i swap used(salvage) column as a whole? Will there be a problem w/ GM's passkey? I believe Passkey has a chip that measures resistance. Does the CPU need to be changed for another column to work? Will the radio controls from the salvage column work in my car?

[BNaylor]

Whole steering column?

I guess it could be ignition switch too since the 12v comes from it. Are you sure just changing out the multifunction switch won't fix your problem? See link below:

http://www.clubgp.com/cgi-asp/mods.asp?modid=141

Have you checked to see if there is an aftermarket MF switch available for a lower cost?

PCM or BCM does not need to be changed. Not sure about the radio controls since yours came without it

On Passkey the key cylinder has the other resistance that is combined with the one on the key resistor pellet. But I recall all that needs to be done is a key relearn when you swap out columns. Good luck!

[regalfriend]

I priced an AC Delco switch at about $330. I found a Standard switch for $260. Junkyard wont sell switch only. Whole column for $100. I may need the ignition switch in the future. The salvage part i bought didnt match my interior. I swapped switches using the instuctions on the link you left. It worked great. Thanks Bob.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by regalfriend

I priced an AC Delco switch at about $330. I found a Standard switch for $260. Junkyard wont sell switch only. Whole column for $100. I may need the ignition switch in the future. The salvage part i bought didnt match my interior. I swapped switches using the instuctions on the link you left. It worked great. Thanks Bob.

Sounds good. Good job! At least it came out a lot cheaper. Nothing wrong with used parts from the salvage yard.

I just finished putting in a fuel level sending unit and float into our Regal LS. Took about 90 minutes total time. Got the part at a salvage yard for $20.00 versus $90 on a GM only part or worse yet a whole fuel pump assembly for over $300.00.