Need to find out how to put the lock plate back on my steering column it is a telescoping column n the shaft jus comes out when i use the lock plate remover thanks for ur help its a 1989 cadillac coupe deville

Steering wheel pressure plate? Are you talking about the metal plate with notch's cut out all the way around the edge? If so, that would be the steering column lock plate. If the parts below it are not installed properly, it will not allow itself to seat properly. It also will only go in one way due to the splines on the steering shaft and on the inside of the hole in the center of the plate. You will also need a special tool that applies even pressure to push the plate down to compress the spring so that you can put the retaining clip on. You should also have the ignition lock turned to the run position so that the rod or pin isn't trying to push the plate back up. Hope we're talking about the same thing here.

The actual switch is under the steering wheel. You have to use a steering wheel puller to get the steering wheel off. You also need a special tool to compress the shifter locking plate spring. Then you can check the switch to see if it's working. I have pasted the instructions below if you want to go at it. Let me know if you have questions.

The following procedure requires the use of the GM Lock Plate Compressor tool No. J-23653 or equivalent.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Refer to the Steering Wheel, Removal and Installation procedures in this section and remove the steering wheel.
3. If necessary, remove the steering column-to-lower instrument panel cover. Disengage the electrical harness connector from the steering column jacket (under the dash).
4. Using a small prytool, insert into the slots between the steering shaft lock plate cover and the steering column housing, then pry upward to remove the cover from the lock plate.
5. Using the GM Lock Plate Compressor tool No. J-23653-A or equivalent, screw the center shaft onto the steering shaft (as far as it will go), then screw the center post nut clockwise until the lock plate is compressed.
6. Using a small prybar, carefully pry the snapring from the steering shaft slot.

If the steering column is being disassembled on a bench, the steering shaft will slide out of the mast jacket when the snapring is removed.

1. Remove the GM Lock Plate Compressor tool No. J-23653 or equivalent, and the lock plate.
2. Remove the multi-function lever-to-switch screw and the lever.
3. To remove the hazard warning switch, press the knob inward and unscrew it.
4. Remove the turn signal switch assembly-to-steering column screws.
5. Lift the turn signal switch assembly from the steering column, then slide the electrical connector through the column housing and the protector.

If the steering column is the tilting type, position the steering housing into the Low position.

1. To remove the harness cover, pull it toward the lower end of the column; be careful not to damage the wires.
2. To remove the wire protector, grab the protector's tab with a pair of pliers, then pull the protector downward, out of the steering column.

you need a steering column lock plate compressor it threads onto the shaft and pushes the lock plate in compressing the spring and allows you room to remove the lock ring around the steering column shaft then you remove the tool , ring , lock plate , then you can see the turn signal switch sometimes you can push the plate in with your left hand and pry the lock ring out with the right hand

The steering wheel doesn't need to be removed in this vehicle the ignition cylinder is removed in this video.

There are special tools that are needed. If you don't have them, I wouldn't advise that you attempt the repair. However, some auto parts stores, such as Auto Zone, will lend you the tools at no charge, but you must leave a deposit to cover the cost of replacement, in the event that you do not bring them back.

First, DISCONNECT the battery. Your vehicle is equipped with an airbag, so it's important to remove the power source before removing the air bag.

Next, located the screws on the back side of the steering wheel. You will most likely need a 7mm socket to remove them. After removing the screws, you should then be able to remove the combination air bag with attached horn pad. Don't yank on it, but once you carefully pull the cover away from the steering column, remove the wires attaching the air bag to the connector plug, and also remove the horn wire by twisting counter-clockwise. You will then see a lock nut holding the steering wheel securely onto the steering shaft. Remove this with the correct size socket, by firmly grasping the steering column with one hand, and turning the ratchet counter clockwise with the other. It might be easier to leave the steering wheel locked, or else have someone hole the wheel in place while you turn the ratchet. Once you have removed the nut, you will next attach the locking plate compressing tool by turning it clockwise on the steering shaft until seated. Using a wrench at the top, usually a 9/16", hold that portion in place while turning the bigger nut that makes the arms compress the locking plate. Once you move the locking plate down about an 1/8th of an inch, you will see the locking ring, which you carefully remove using a flat tip screwdriver. Slide that ring upwards over the shaft of the compression tool, the remove the tool. The locking plate will now be free. You now need to remove the 4 way flasher knob on the outside of the upper steering column, using a #1 posi-drive phillips screwdriver, or at least a good quality #1 screwdriver that isn't damaged at the tip. Remove the turn signal cancel cam, which also protrudes through the locking plate you just removed. It is also used for the horn and air bag. Be careful how you remove it. Next, you will see a pan head phillips screw, that secures a small actuator arm that runs to the turn signal/headlight dimmer lever, to the left of the steering shaft. Carefully note the position of the arm before removing, so you know how it goes back into place when reattaching. You will then remove three attaching screws holding the turn signal switch into place. Once you remove those screws, pull the switch out just far enough so that you can see the bolt to the right of the steering shaft, that holds the ignition lock cyliner in place. Once you remove that bolt, which will be black in color, make sure the ignition switch is in the run position, the pull it straight out. Repeat this process in reverse order to reinstall.

Now, if you really did mean ignition switch and not ignition lock cylinder, you will need to remove the trim cover below the dash, and most likely the hard plastic trim directly below the steering column itself. That will be another metal bracket behind that, which is usually found on vehicles equipped with airbags. Remove that bracket. After that, look up at the bottom of the steering column. You will see a black bracket attached to the steering column itself. Remove the four 13mm bolts, two on each side, that are used to secure the bracket to the column. Next, remove the two 15mm nuts holding the bracket itself to the underside of the dash. You will then be able to lower the column, at which time you will see the inition switch. Remove the 8mm head screws that attach the ignition switch to the steering column. When installing the new switch, be sure to have the rod with the bend on the end of it, fit securely up into the switch, before installing and tightening the mounting screws. Only put the screws in finger tight, or if using a socket and ratchet, to night tighten down all the way. Make sure the ignition lock cyliner is in the lock position, and the key is out if it wasn't done so already. Now yo can tighten down the screws and reinstall the parts you removed in the reverse order of removal.
Hope this helps.

The ignition switch removal and installation procedure is given in , under steering, because the steering wheel must be removed for access to the ignition switch.

To remove the ignition lock:
CAUTION
You must remove the steering wheel when replacing the ignition lock. On vehicles with a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system, you must temporarily disable the SIR system and remove the inflator module when removing the steering wheel. Leaving the SIR system on could result in deployment of the air bag and possible personal injury.

• Disconnect the negative battery cable, and remove the steering wheel.
• Remove the bumper and the carrier snapring retainer from the steering shaft.
• Use a lock plate compressor screw tool to install the lock plate compressor screw in the upper steering shaft. To keep the shaft from telescoping, tighten it to 40 inch lbs.
• Using the lock plate compressor tool, install on the upper steering shaft, tighten it to depress the shaft lock. Remove the shaft lock retainer, the compressor tool and the steering shaft lock.
• Remove the turn signal canceling cam assembly. Put the turn signal switch in the "N" position and remove the upper bearing spring.
• Position the turn signal switch so the mounting screws can be removed through the holes in the switch and remove the turn signal lever.
• Remove the turn signal switch-to-steering column screws and lift the turn signal switch. Remove the wire protector and disconnect the turn signal switch connector.
• Use a terminal remover tool to disconnect the buzzer switch wires from the turn signal switch connector. Remove the buzzer switch assembly with needle-nose pliers.
• Place the lock cylinder in the ACC position, then remove the lock retaining screw and the lock cylinder set.
• To install the new cylinder lock, reverse the removal procedures.
• Tighten the lock retaining screw to 22 inch lbs., the turn signal switch screws to 59 inch lbs. and turn the turn signal lever screw to 53 inch lbs.
• As part of the final replacement procedures, check the operation of the switches and the steering column.

The steering wheel is splined to the steering column and held in place by a nut. Courtesy of General Motors Corporation - Service Operations.

Hope this helps (remember rated and comment this).

You can use the tool you will need to some how lock the telescopic steering just enough to be able to use the tool. It will be a little hard but that is about the only way to do it. Take you time and breathe.

To remove the ignition lock:
CAUTION
You must remove the steering wheel when replacing the ignition lock. On vehicles with a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system, you must temporarily disable the SIR system and remove the inflator module when removing the steering wheel. Leaving the SIR system on could result in deployment of the air bag and possible personal injury.

• Disconnect the negative battery cable, and remove the steering wheel.
• Remove the bumper and the carrier snapring retainer from the steering shaft.
• Use a lock plate compressor screw tool to install the lock plate compressor screw in the upper steering shaft. To keep the shaft from telescoping, tighten it to 40 inch lbs.
• Using the lock plate compressor tool, install on the upper steering shaft, tighten it to depress the shaft lock. Remove the shaft lock retainer, the compressor tool and the steering shaft lock.
• Remove the turn signal canceling cam assembly. Put the turn signal switch in the "N" position and remove the upper bearing spring.
• Position the turn signal switch so the mounting screws can be removed through the holes in the switch and remove the turn signal lever.
• Remove the turn signal switch-to-steering column screws and lift the turn signal switch. Remove the wire protector and disconnect the turn signal switch connector.
• Use a terminal remover tool to disconnect the buzzer switch wires from the turn signal switch connector. Remove the buzzer switch assembly with needle-nose pliers.
• Place the lock cylinder in the ACC position, then remove the lock retaining screw and the lock cylinder set.
• To install the new cylinder lock, reverse the removal procedures.
• Tighten the lock retaining screw to 22 inch lbs., the turn signal switch screws to 59 inch lbs. and turn the turn signal lever screw to 53 inch lbs.
• As part of the final replacement procedures, check the operation of the switches and the steering column.

The steering wheel is splined to the steering column and held in place by a nut. Courtesy of General Motors Corporation - Service Operations. gl
G

The following procedure is "generic" for replacing the lock cylinder. There are a couple of specialized tools you will need and saftey precautions concerning the air bag system.
Take a look and let me know if you wish to tackle the job.
Regards,
To remove the ignition lock:
CAUTION You must remove the steering wheel when replacing the ignition lock. On vehicles with a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system, you must temporarily disable the SIR system and remove the inflator module when removing the steering wheel. Leaving the SIR system on could result in deployment of the air bag and possible personal injury.

• Disconnect the negative battery cable, and remove the steering wheel.
• Remove the bumper and the carrier snapring retainer from the steering shaft.
• Use a lock plate compressor screw tool to install the lock plate compressor screw in the upper steering shaft. To keep the shaft from telescoping, tighten it to 40 inch lbs.
• Using the lock plate compressor tool, install on the upper steering shaft, tighten it to depress the shaft lock. Remove the shaft lock retainer, the compressor tool and the steering shaft lock.
• Remove the turn signal canceling cam assembly. Put the turn signal switch in the "N" position and remove the upper bearing spring.
• Position the turn signal switch so the mounting screws can be removed through the holes in the switch and remove the turn signal lever.
• Remove the turn signal switch-to-steering column screws and lift the turn signal switch. Remove the wire protector and disconnect the turn signal switch connector.
• Use a terminal remover tool to disconnect the buzzer switch wires from the turn signal switch connector. Remove the buzzer switch assembly with needle-nose pliers.
• Place the lock cylinder in the ACC position, then remove the lock retaining screw and the lock cylinder set.
• To install the new cylinder lock, reverse the removal procedures.
• Tighten the lock retaining screw to 22 inch lbs., the turn signal switch screws to 59 inch lbs. and turn the turn signal lever screw to 53 inch lbs.
• As part of the final replacement procedures, check the operation of the switches and the steering column.

Hi,

This is the most common problem with this type of steering column and it becomes loose by using the steering wheel to get in and out of the car. The answer here is general and there will be some slight differences as it pertains to your car.
I have been asked where to get a good blow up drawing of the column and the problem is that even the service manuals don't tell you all you need to know.
You will need to purchase or rent at a parts store a steering wheel puller. A lock plate compression tool and a pivot pin removal tool.

Good luck!

I don't know of a good blow up. Commonly factory service manuals will have you take apart things that are not supposed to come apart. The bearings are most likely not the problem but the 4 yoke bolts are. They commonly come loose by grabbing the steering wheel to get in.
Remove the horn pad (7 mm or 9/32 either will work on the back of the steering wheel. Push downward on cancel cam tower and turn counter clockwise. The horn wire is now disconnected. Remove 13/16 steering wheel nut. Index marks may be hard to see. Take a screwdriver and put on upper shaft and tap. Put adjoining mark on wheel if these factory marks can't be seen. It is for reassembly and so that the steering wheel is put on the way it was taken off. Never use a hammer on the upper shaft to remove steering wheel!Install puller using 2(2) 5/16x 16 x 3 bolts. Draw the wheel off. Install rented lock plate removal tool. Note the position for reassembly. Compress lock plate down and remove snap ring by holding one side with a flat blade screwdriver. Insert an ice pick awl at the ring opening and bring upward. Remove lock plate. Take note for reassembly that lock plate only fits one way om the splines. There is a matching broach (Tooth missing on lock plate and spline missing on shaft. Pull off cancel cam and upper shaft spring. Take a small Phillips and push in on the 4 way flasher and unscrew. Hold together while unscrewing so it does not fall apart on you. Take a Phillips and remove the turn signal screws and the turn signal pivot. Pay attention to how this pivot slides in the groove of the wiper switch.

Here comes the fun part____


Remove the screws from the panel under the steering column.--- The shift bowl is located where you shift the transmission. Below the bowl leading under the dash is the lower shift bowl shroud. On the passenger side of the shift bowl under the dash will be a clip and string. Remove the clip by pulling it off the lower bowl shroud. You are doing this so you don't wreck the PRNDL.
Under the dash remove the (2) 9/16 nuts that hold the steering column bracket on. Remove the (4)1/2" bolts that hold the bracket to the column. Underneath the dash on the passenger side of the steering column will be a plastic sleeve holding the wiring. Pull away from column and the downward. Don't worry about the gray thin shroud. That's just for the cruise wire which when putting back together can be installed in the main black plastic shroud.
Push upward on turn signal wiring from its column bracket. You may no have to disconnect any wiring. Go back to top of steering column. Remove (3) #2 Phillips screws. Make sure keys are not in ignition lock. Take hook tool and grab edge of key buzzer and pull upward. Steel retainer spring will fall out for key buzzer when you remove upper cover. Watch for it. Its about an inch long, doubled up piece of black spring steel. Set to side when you get that far. Next remove the ignition lock cylinder by inserting a screwdriver into the clip at the rear of the lock inside the steering column. Pull lock out. Pull upper cover upward and let hang by wiring. You will find at the tilt lever there is another part to the upper cover. Look for a piece of white plastic with a circular end that slides on the inside of the cover (left side). This is called the high beam actuator. Leave the tilt lever and end cap attached. Tilt the bearing housing to full upward tilt. Insert a Phillips into the square hole in the tilt spring retainer cap. Push down and turn counter clockwise. Grab spring and retainer and remove.
Insert pivot pin tool on passenger side of column. Now, once you have screwed the tool into the pivot pin, do not over tighten. Hold the screw head with 3/8 wrench. Use ½ open end to draw nut down. If it seems like the pin is seized tilt the column up and down a couple of times. Usually there is not a problem, but trust me, you don't want to break the puller off in the pivot pin. Repeat on left side. Hold your foot on the brake. Pull on tilt lever while with tilting in upward position, go a little left and remove housing. The ignition actuator rod will become disconnected with the rack. The rack has a loop on one end and teeth on the other. Set it to the side. Do not let the upper shaft fall downward. It could fall off or the little shaft inside could fall out. You will see (4) inverted torx bolts. Some people will remove one at a time and install locktite. I have never done this and have never had one come back. Its up to you. If you intend to use the steering wheel for getting in and out of the car you may want to use locktite.
Now, you do not need a special socket here. Use a ¼ nut driver with both hands and tighten. Then use a vice grips, wrench, whatever you can to tighten these bolts. They are tight enough when the socket starts to slip. Do not tighten any tighter than this. To install the rack insert a screwdriver into the slot of the geared sector on the left side of the bearing housing. Rotate sector far enough where you can slide the rack in. You need to line up the big tooth in the sector to the big tooth opening in the rack. Once this is done pull the spring towards you either with your fingers or needle nose and insert spring into slot on sector. Take the ignition actuator rod on the left side of the column and pull until dash lights come on. Make sure it is set into the groove. Grab the bearing housing with both hands. As you are getting close to the steering column you need to take the loop from the rack and put it over the end of the ignition actuator rod. The high beam actuator rod that is bent outward goes through the big hole on the left and let it just hang. Once looped around pull on tilt lever and install bearing housing slightly tilting up and down once attached. Insert pivot pin. Insert other pivot pin. Insert bearing race, retainer and spring on upper shaft. Hold the spring downward with one hand and tilt the column up and down with other hand. This helps center the race and it also checks the tilt. Next, take a needle nose and turn lock shaft on right side of bearing housing. Engine should start. Put shaft in lock position. Hold the spring on the upper shaft while tapping on pivot pins till flush. Put in full upper tilt and install tilt spring. Push downward and push cap with screwdriver downward and turn clock wise till seated.
Under dash on driver's side of column you will see high beam switch. The rod fits in the center of this switch. Back at the column to make sure the high beams work, push on the rod. You will hear a clicking. Take the high beam actuator and insert it into the groove in the cover. Make sure circular end is facing towards the lever. You need to slide this actuator all the way forward. When looking down the rounded end should be facing downward towards the floor. You will see where this cover rests on the bearing housing. Hold cover up against housing by the tilt lever. With the other hand insert the upper cover back on the column. As you are doing all this pull on the wiring from under column. Line up lock pin in cover. Take an awl to line up high beam actuator with cover. Cover will lie down on column once lined up. Hold cover downward and pull back towards you the turn signal lever to make sure high beam switch works. Pull wires at bottom of column gently accept for turn signal. Inert three # 50 torx. Insert ignition lock cylinder and retaining screw. Take awl and push button up from lock cylinder from key buzzer hole. Insert key buzzer spring to key buzzer. Squeeze and insert into hole and push down. Install turn signal switch and pull wires at bottom of column gently where turn signal switch lines up. Insert three screws. Line up ball from turn signal pivot into wiper switch groove, line up with t/s hole and insert screw. This screw has a wide head.
Install 4 way flasher. Install cancel cam as you marked it for disassembly. Install lock plate. Wheel has to be lined up with the index marks. Install. Insert horn wire into cancel cam tower and press down on cap and turn clockwise. Install horn pad. Under dash install plastic wiring shroud. Reinstall t/s connector on column. Install bracket. Attach steering column to dash. Hold the brake. Put trans in neutral. Pull on string and install clip so PRNDL says neutral. Put trans in PARK. Start engine. Check PRNDL when putting in drive. You may have to adjust clip's position to get this lined up. Install lower dash.