OT - 96 Tahoe Trans Update

Kirk Grau

Member
OK, picked up an ignition switch yesterday as somebody here suggested and it was generally confirmed by some other research on the web. Went about doing the disassembly required this afternoon and get to the point I want to remove the switch and wire harness. To my chagrine, I find these 3 wires (lt blue, grey, orange/black) that are attached to the existing terminal block and disappear up into the dash somewhere. Have no matching wires on the new switch block and can't find a connector to disconnect anyway.

Anybody have any suggestions on what they do, where they go, can I do without, etc.

Any help appreciated. About ready to put it back together and return it to my FIL, but would like to have it working properly.

Thanks,

Kirk
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Maybe Allan in Nebraska could help more but I think you have the wrong switch. A correct substitute switch would have a connector.
 
Agreed that switch does not match. For the life of me I cannot see/find/follow these 3 wires out to another connector to even think about removing the existing terminal block without just cutting them and that is not an option until I know what they do.

Hoping some of the real service people here can look this up for me.

Thanks for looking,

Kirk
 
Based on a little bit of research, I'd say the wires have something to do with neutral/park start safety or the passlock system, which I didn't think a 96 would have. Allan in NE would likely know.
 
Thanks, I will go see if I can trace them from the other end. All I can see them doing is going over the column and disappearing.

How do I get the proper switch for this. This was the only option at Auto-Zone. Might have to try a real parts store tomorrow.

Did not see these mentioned anywhere in the research I did.

Kirk
 
What is the make/part # of the replacement switch?

Do the 3 wires go into the rectangular connector hanging from the original switch?

If so, does the connector on the new switch have 3 corresponding openings?

If so, you may have to release their terminals from the old switch and transfer them to the connector body on the new switch. They can be release using a SMALL flat screwdriver inserted in the area where the terminal lock tab "catches", or, better yet, the correct tool..
Connector tools
 
Don't have the replacement switch/receipt handy at the computer, but seems like it is in a Dura-Last box.

Yes, those three wires end in the existing terminal block. Assuming the replacement block has matching openings (I think it probably does) how difficult is it to move these to the new block without the tools you show?

I have a set of jeweler's screwdrivers as well as a set of "dentist tools" so might be able to substitute for the tools you show. Problem is working under the dash with difficulty visualizing what is going on. Kind of hate to break something further if I can help it.

Thanks for the assistance,

Kirk
 
Shouldn"t be TOO tough to do... Take pictures and/or make some CLEAR drawings FIRST showing wire locations and colors.

Just went through that yesterday with the connector on the shift sector lock on a 32006 Impala SS that has FOUR broken wires. THANKFULLY, there was a ting bit of colored insulation left in each terminal the wires had broken off from.
 
There is a connector wrapped in foam taped above the column. It is a pain to get to. They are for the steering wheel position sensor, it will drive terrible if they are not connected. The wires can be swapped if the holes are there in your new switch, but they are included on a high quality brand switch such a AC Delco. Duralast stuff is cheaper for a reason, that stuff doesn't get near my shop.
 
Thanks for the further insight.

It was Saturday afternoon when I started this so purchase options were limited. Am going to give NAPA a call in a few minutes and see if they have or can get the correct switch.

Will try later to see if I can find the connecter in question now that I know where to look.

Kirk
 

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