The ignition switch in your 1986 Chevrolet Celebrity is hidden at the base of the steering column and is only accessible by lowering the column. Once you gain access, the switch is relatively easy to remove. However, if your Celebrity model is equipped with an airbag system, make sure to follow the proper procedure to disarm it and arm it during this task.
Tools Used: Wrench, Ratchet, Socket, Phillips screwdriver, if necessary, Ratchet extension, Small wrench
Remove an Ignition Switch
Disarm the Air Bag System
Point the front wheels of your Celebrity straight ahead and remove the ignition key.
Disconnect the ground (black) battery cable using a wrench.
Open the hood and remove the Air Bag fuse from the fuse block in the engine compartment.
Remove the knee panel from under the steering wheel column using a ratchet and socket or Phillips screwdriver, depending on your particular model.
Locate the yellow two-way connector on top of the main electrical harness at the base of the steering column.
Disengage the Connector Position Assurance (CPA)--the small rod connector--that holds the two-way connector plugged.
Unplug the yellow two-way connector.
Remove the Ignition Switch
Detach the steering column from the instrument panel using a ratchet, ratchet extension and socket. Make sure the ignition lock remains in the off position during this procedure.
Locate the ignition switch assembly at the base of the column. The switch is located under the dimmer switch assembly (a small wired box on top of the ignition switch).
Remove the nut from the dimmer and ignition switch assembly mounting stud using a small wrench.
Unscrew the dimmer and ignition switch mounting bolt using the small wrench.
Disengage the dimmer switch from the connecting rod and remove the switch form the steering column.
Disengage the ignition switch from the connecting rod and remove the switch from the steering column. If you are replacing the ignition switch, make sure the new unit is in the Off position before installing it and follow the reverse procedure you used to remove it.
Arming the Airbag System
Plug in the yellow two-way connector and secure it with the CPA.
Install the knee panel under the steering wheel column using the ratchet and socket or Phillips screwdriver.
Insert the airbag fuse in the fuse block in the engine compartment.
Connect the ground (black) battery cable using the wrench.
Stay clear of the steering wheel cover and turn the ignition switch to the Run position. Make sure the Air Bag warning lamp on the instrument panel flashes 7 times and then turns off. If not, one or more electrical connectors are not properly engaged or your computer system has stored a Trouble Code(s) in memory. In this case, take your vehicle to a service facility and have them erase the codes.
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