The ignition switch in your 1990 Cadillac DeVille is hidden at the base of the steering column. You can replace the ignition switch by lowering the steering column. However, you need to disarm the air bag system before you begin replacing the switch. This will prevent you from triggering an impact switch and deploying the air bags by accident, which may cause serious personal injury.
Tools Used: Wrench, Phillips screwdriver, Ratchet, Ratchet extension, Socket set, 3/32-inch drill bit
Replace an Ignition
Removing the Ignition Switch
Set the ignition to the "Off" position and remove the key.
Open the hood and disconnect the battery using a wrench.
Remove the fuse panel door from under the instrument panel by pushing the snap tap by hand. Look for fuse number 3 on the inside of the door panel diagram and remove the fuse with a pair of nose pliers.
Remove the underside panel from under the steering column using a Phillips screwdriver.
Locate the 2 two-way yellow connectors at the base of the steering column and near the base column. Pull out the plastic lock pin from the two-way connectors and unplug the two-way yellow connectors. This will disable the air bag system.
Detach the steering column from under the instrument panel frame using a ratchet, ratchet extension and socket. Carefully lower the column.
Unfasten the screw and stud retaining nut from the dimmer-switch mounting bracket slots. Use a ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.
Lift the ground wire from the mounting stud.
Work the dimmer switch off the connecting rod and off the steering column.
Unfasten the dimmer and ignition switch mounting stud using a ratchet, ratchet extension and deep socket.
Work the ignition switch off the actuator rod.
Unplug the ignition switch electrical connectors and remove the switch.
Installing the New Ignition Switch
Plug the new ignition switch electrical connector.
Install the ignition switch on the actuator rod and set it on its mounting position the steering column.
Install the dimmer and ignition switch mounting stud using the ratchet, ratchet extension and deep socket. Then remove the plastic pin securing the new ignition switch in the "Off" position.
Work the connector rod into the dimmer switch and position the switch on the ignition switch and dimmer switch mounting stud.
Install the ground wire on the mounting stud. Then install the screw and stud retaining nut on the dimmer switch finger-tight.
Adjust the dimmer switch by inserting a 3/32-inch diameter drill bit through the hole in the lower side of the dimmer switch. Push the dimmer switch flat against the steering column and slide the switch down to remove any play. Pull the drill bit off the dimmer switch and tighten the mounting nut and screw with the ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.
Raise the steering column and attach it to the instrument panel frame using the ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.
Connect the two 2-way connectors and install the plastic lock pins on the connectors.
Install the underside panel using the Phillips screwdriver.
Replace fuse number 3 in the fuse panel and panel door.
Connect the battery using the wrench.
Stand outside the car next to the steering wheel and out of the way of the air bag on the steering column. Turn the ignition key to the "Run" position and see that the "Inflatable Restraint" indicator light on the instrument panel flashes between 7 and 9 times and then stays off. If the indicator light keeps flashing, take your vehicle to a service station to erase any trouble codes from the computer memory that might have been set when disarming the air bag system.
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