Removing steering column cover

Batman82 · #1 07-30-2009, 02:17 PM

I was trying to remove the steering column cover last night to replace a bad turn signal switch and I could not get the top section to come off. The bottom came off fine after removing the screws. Am I missing something here?

Nick07 · #2 07-30-2009, 02:20 PM

Not exactly for sure about Grand Prix's but usually you have to take the steering wheel off to get in there. Check into some more...

Batman82 · #3 07-30-2009, 02:35 PM

Huh, I don't know, I used an archive thread from this forum to troubleshoot it. I was pretty sure they said removing the steering wheel was not needed. If so I might be in trouble, going on a trip saturday morning, checked all over the net for a solution and came up with nothing.

Nick07 · #4 07-30-2009, 02:43 PM

what year is your car?

Batman82 · #5 07-30-2009, 02:50 PM

It is a 2002.

JonJon68 · #6 07-30-2009, 03:13 PM

There's a procedure in our "Tips and Maintenance" section on how to remove the top panel of the steering wheel cover. Click on "how to replace your ignition switch" and you'll find directions there.

Nick07 · #7 07-30-2009, 03:28 PM

how bout that... learn more everyday

Batman82 · #8 07-30-2009, 03:28 PM

Thanks!

tblake · #9 07-30-2009, 09:40 PM

Yep, there are two allen screws pointing upward, you have to lay on the floor and break your neck to see them. One is pretty far up there if I remember right.

BNaylor · #10 07-31-2009, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick07

Not exactly for sure about Grand Prix's but usually you have to take the steering wheel off to get in there.

That is very poor advice and a bad assumption.

doctorhrdware · #11 07-31-2009, 11:05 AM

What I had done in the past, is to take the seat out so that you can lay down. Much easier on the back and neck, just my

worth.

Nick07 · #12 07-31-2009, 02:28 PM

Hey no advice is bad advice, I didn't tell him what to do. I told him what I THOUGHT, I've never had to replace a turn signal switch so I didn't know for sure. Or if there is a way without taking the steering wheel off on ALL cars. Check out http://tss.likeabigdog.com/ and tell this guy he's wrong if you wanna jump down someone's throat about it. No offense, you guys have a lot of good input. I'd just appreciate it if people ask about my source of information before tellin me I have no idea what I'm talkin about. Thanks...

JonJon68 · #13 07-31-2009, 03:34 PM

Nick, nobody was jumping down your throat. The great advice "as you mentioned" and the invaluable experience in this forum from our members and moderators is a wonderful online asset and I'm sure that whatever advice was directed your way was not intended to offend you.

tblake · #14 07-31-2009, 04:14 PM

Nick, you have to understand that Bob (bnaylor)'s job on this forum is to keep the information accurate. He meant no offence and did not "jump down your throat". (although that might be sort of funny to see).

BTW, that is a very detailed write up. I am going to book mark it for when my turn signal stock goes bad. Problem with that write up is in fact that it covers all GM W-body's. Which if my memory serves me correctly, the buick w-body needs the steering wheel to come off before the column covers can, the GP does not. Catch my drift? Its sort of like all data, they told me to remove my exhaust down pipe to get the rack and pinion out. I didn't have to do that, but I'm sure their write up covered multiple makes and model cars where some might need certain exhaust components to be removed in order to remove a rack and pinion.

Nuff Said. Keep on posting, but please dont take my feed back (or anyone else's) to heart. I've posted some pretty retarded things in my day and needed to be set on the right path. In Fact Bob and Doc are keeping tallies on my demerit points right now, and I dont have enough to spair before I get the boot.

BNaylor · #15 07-31-2009, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick07

Hey no advice is bad advice, I didn't tell him what to do. I told him what I THOUGHT, I've never had to replace a turn signal switch so I didn't know for sure. Or if there is a way without taking the steering wheel off on ALL cars. Check out http://tss.likeabigdog.com/ and tell this guy he's wrong if you wanna jump down someone's throat about it. No offense, you guys have a lot of good input. I'd just appreciate it if people ask about my source of information before tellin me I have no idea what I'm talkin about. Thanks...

Nothing wrong with the link except it is irrelevant to the '97 - '03 Grand Prix. See below. I would highly recommend reviewing the applicability of what ever link you throw back at me or use as a lame excuse.

Quote:

This document pertains to the following vehicles:

Generation 1 W-Bodies:

Pontiac

1994-1996 Grand Prix

If you give advice in this forum do so at your own risk if not well researched and we hope what ever you post is beneficial to our membership. If not you may be told it is incorrect or out in left field by a member of the Moderating staff, our Advisors or even a regular member. This is what we do as explained so please don't take it personal or go on a rant.

To the OP:

Here is another good relevant link with pics. For a '97 - '04 Buick Regal but '97 - '03 GP is the same. I have used this same procedure on a Regal and Grand Prix. Note how the steering wheel is left intact.

Click here

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