How do I remove the steering column cover from a 1994 Pontiac Grand Am? I have all the screws out and the top cover off, but the bottom cover is held on by the steering adjustment lever on the left and the ignition on the right. I've tried forcing it off, but fear I may break the cover in two.

you un screw it with vise grips, then remove the t25 screws from column cover

Remove the steering column upper trim cover to accesse the lower screws to the instrument panel cluster trim plate.
Remove the upper screws from the instrument panel cluster trim plate. Remove the instrument panel cluster trim plate from the instrument panel.

It is the multi-function switch. It is a very common issue I found one on Amazon for $45 plus $5.95 s&h. Search you tube for "06 grand prix multifunction switch replacement".

Step 1: Open drivers door, remove dash side panel(gets covered by door when door is closed) by placing plastic putty knife between it and the dash and pulling it away from dash,

Step 2: remove kick panel (panel that covers under dash and steering wheel) by removing the screw covered by the dash side panel and two more along bottom edge on each corner,

Step 3: remove the instrument cluster shroud/bezel by pulling out on bottom tabs on both sides of steering wheel column (tabs were exposed by removing kick panel).

Step 4: now for where the cussing ensues...if children are present send them away...

Step 5: now push in on the seam between the top and bottom of the steering column and at the same time pull them apart. Now use extreme cussing and fiddle with the column adjustments and flex and jiggle the covers until you can force them off using care not to break any of the switches or the steering column adjustment lever.

Step 6: disconnect all connectors,

Step 7: remove 2 size 25 torq screws...the bottom one requires a special tool/ bit and a 1/4inch ratcheting wrench or minimal swearing and a open ended wrench,

Step 8: replace switch.

installation is reverse of disassembly with the exception of step being moved to between step 6 and step 5.

1. If equipped, disable the SIR system. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
   
2. Remove the upper steering column cover.
   
3. Remove the lower steering column cover screws and lower the steering column cover.
   
4. Remove the 2 switch mounting screws and remove the switch.
   
5. Detach all wire connectors from the combination switch. Push locking tabs to remove the wires.
   

To install:

1. Attach all wire connectors to the combination switch.
   
2. Install the combination switch to the column with the 2 attaching screws.
   
3. Install the lower steering column cover screws and lower steering column cover.
   
4. Install the upper steering column cover and attaching screws.
   
5. Connect the negative battery cable.
   
6. Enable the SIR system, if equipped.
   

Procedure for the control panel pasted below. I don't see a separate blower switch, so you might have to replace the entire control panel. Before doing that, I recommend you browse this post:
http://www.fixya.com/cars/r6234839-doesn_t_heater_or_air_conditioner_blow and let me know if you have questions.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the instrument cluster trim plate, using the following as a guide:
   1. Remove the instrument panel access hole covers from the instrument panel using a small flat-bladed tool. Remove the screws from each end of the instrument panel cluster trim plate.
   2. Remove the screws from the lower edge of the right lower instrument panel trim plate.
   3. Open the instrument panel compartment door.
   4. Pull the right lower instrument panel trim plate from the instrument panel.
   5. Pull steering column tilt level and tilt the steering column to the lowest position.
   6. Grasp the instrument panel cluster trim plate at the right edge, slowly pull an working from left to right, release the retainer clips. Lift the trim panel from the vehicle.
   
   
3. Remove the screws holding the heater & A/C control panel to the instrument panel and gently pull the assembly from the instrument panel. Detach the electrical connector(s) from the back of the panel. Some models may have a vacuum line connection that must also be removed.
4. Installation is the reverse of the removal process. Use care to make sure the retaining clips are properly seated and all screws are in place. This helps avoid rattles and squeaks later.

CAUTION Vehicles covered by this manual are equipped with a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) system, which uses an air bag. Whenever working near any of the SIR components, such as air bag module, steering column and instrument panel, disable the SIR.

Fig. Instrument panel accessory trim plate removal-Pontiac shown, others similar


Fig. Heater & A/C control panel removal. Top: Standard system; Bottom: Automatic System-Pontiac shown, others similar

You probably don't need to replace the switch. This is a fairly common problem with GP's, and it is actually a problem with the solenoid inside the steering column.

What it looks like:




How to fix it:

If you take the bottom cover off of the steering column you can get to it rather easy and remove the solenoid.

1) tilt wheel all the way up and remove tilt wheel lever.... just pull, it comes out rather easy

2) take out screws in bottom steering column cover.... torx bit

3) pull off cover. you will have to tilt it a little to clear the rear clips.

4) remove screw(s) holding in solenoid.... very small nut driver or pliers will do the trick.

5) unplug wires to solenoid and discard solenoid into nearest trash can

6) reverse order to reassemble


Hope this helps, thanks for using FixYa!

Disconnect and Isolate Negative Barrety cable. Remove screw in bottom of steering column shroud cover. ( bottom side of steering column between wiper switch and turn signal switch) Unsnap shroud halves and remove from column. Disconnect wireing harness connector from multi function switch. Remove 2 screws securing switch to mounting housing. Install in reverse order.

Take the top and bottom cover off the steering wheel column. Under the front of the steering wheel is a littlebracket that has 2 screws in it. Remove it with little vise grips [this pevents you from having to remove the steering wheel]. Take out the little nylon peice that the bracket held in. Then turn the key to the run position and push in the pin behind the key switch and pull the switch out. Feel behind the switch on the dash side to feel the spring loaded pin. It is rectangular.

no just the top and bottom of the steering wheel cover

1. Remove Air Bag Disconnect battery ground cable and remove left instrument panel sound insulator, lower trim panel or duct assembly, and steering column collar, as equipped.
2. If column is to be disassembled, remove horn contact pad and steering wheel
3. Push back seal to expose flexible coupling, then remove coupling pinch bolt.
4. Remove lower column support bracket bolt, then the upper bracket to instrument panel support bolts and lower column.
5. Disconnect column electrical connectors and shift indicator cable, if equipped.
6. Disconnect shift cable at actuator and housing holder, then remove steering column.