GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

If the vehicle is equipped with a floor mounted console gearshift, an ignition lock cylinder control actuator system is used in the steering column. The purpose of the system is to prevent the ignition lock cylinder from being turned to the lock position while the transmission is in gear. This would also prevent the steering wheel from being locked. The system consists of an ignition lock cylinder actuator and a park position switch. The actuator contains a pin that is spring loaded out, to prevent the ignition lock cylinder from being turned to the lock position when the gearshift is not in PARK. The park position switch is located in the floor mounted gearshift assembly, as part of the automatic transmission shift lock control switch. The switch is closed with the gearshift in PARK, and open in all other positions

System Operation

When the gearshift is in the PARK position, the park position switch is closed. This applies voltage to the ignition lock cylinder actuator and the pin retracts, allowing the ignition lock cylinder to be turned to the LOCK position. When the gearshift is not in PARK, the park position switch is open. No voltage is applied to the ignition lock cylinder actuator and the spring loaded pin remains in the out position, preventing the ignition lock cylinder from being turned to LOCK. If vehicle power is lost while the ignition lock cylinder is not in the LOCK position, the system will prevent the operator from turning the ignition key to the lock position or removing the key. If the vehicle has lost power, pushing the ignition lock cylinder release button on the underside of the ignition lock cylinder will override the system and allow the key to be removed.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Column/Ignition Lock Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Steering Wheel and Column Connector End Views

1

Verify the fault is present.

Does the system operate normally?

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

Go to Step 2

2

Does the automatic transaxle shift lever operate normally?

Go to Step 3

Go to Diagnostic Starting Point - Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control

3

  1. Push the ignition lock cylinder control actuator release button which is on the underside of the ignition lock cylinder.
  2. Turn the key to the LOCK position and remove the key.

Were you able to turn the key to the LOCK position and remove the key?

Go to Step 4

Go to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the ignition lock cylinder control actuator.
  3. Connect a test lamp between the battery positive voltage and ground circuits of the ignition lock cylinder control actuator.
  4. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  5. Cycle the gear shift from Park to Drive.

Does the test lamp turn ON and OFF with each cycle?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 5

5

Does the test lamp remain illuminated with each cycle?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 6

6

Probe the ground circuit of the ignition lock cylinder control actuator with a test lamp connected to battery voltage.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 9

7

Test the control circuit of the ignition lock cylinder control actuator for an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and to Wiring Repairs.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 10

8

Test the control circuit of the ignition lock cylinder control actuator for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and to Wiring Repairs.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 10

9

Repair the open in the ground circuit of the ignition lock cylinder control actuator. Refer to Wiring Repairs.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 14

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10

Inspect for poor connections at the automatic transmission shift lock actuator. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 12

11

Inspect for poor connections at the ignition lock cylinder control actuator. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and to Connector Repairs.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 13

12

Replace the automatic transmission shift lock actuator. Refer to Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Actuator Replacement.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 14

--

13

Replace the ignition lock cylinder control actuator. Refer to Transmission Control Replacement.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 14

--

14

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 2