Difficulty Level

Tools/Supplies Needed:

• phillips screwdriver
• multimeter
• jumper wire

Procedure:

• start by removing the top and bottom plastic phillips screws holding in the clips which hold the steering column caps in place
• once removed, slowly work at removing the steering column caps
• tilt steering wheel when necessary
• after the steering column caps have been separated, unclip the leather covers from the rear both on the top and bottom
• tilt steering wheel when necessary
• using a jumper wire, attach it to a good sourced ground and then connect that to the ground test probe
• select the two place voltage setting on your multimeter
• test the battery voltage so we have a benchmark value
• with the switch in the off position, using the positive probe, touch the terminals on the backside of the ignition switch
• the three middle terminals on the plug are constant power and should have 12v present (or close to what was read on your battery voltage)
• test the outer six terminals and there should be no voltage present
• if there is a small amount of voltage present, there is a short on the terminal and this would indicate a battery drain
• next with the ignition switch in the on position, test the outer six terminals, all will be on except the starter terminal which is indicated by a yellow and black wire, but may vary on different models
• five terminals should have 12v present (or close to your battery voltage)
• if there is no voltage present or much less, there is an issue with the contacts inside the switch assembly
• next turn the key in the start position and test the starter terminal
• there should be 12v (or close to your battery voltage), if not then there is an issue with the terminal inside the ignition switch assembly
• with the switch removed, you can also test continuity across the terminals
• each of the three circuits are in line, therefore always keep on test probe on the center, and test the outside of the switch
• you will need to rotate the internal switched component to activate different positions in the ignition switch
• although a continuity test does work, it isn't as effective as a voltage test