Diagnosing steering column faults (Chevrolet Captiva 1)

The lock system does not unlock

Checks	Operation, action
Check that the lock cylinder is not damaged.	Replace the lock cylinder.
Check if the ignition switch is sticking.	Lubricate the ignition switch.
Check the steering column housing for binding or damage.	Remove the steering shaft and restore the steering column housing clearance. Replace the steering column housing if necessary.

The lock system does not lock

Checks	Operation, action
Check that the lock cylinder is not damaged.	Replace the lock cylinder.
Check if the ignition switch is sticking.	Lubricate the ignition switch.
Check the steering column housing for binding or damage.	Remove the steering shaft and restore the steering column housing clearance. Replace the steering column housing if necessary.

Requires a lot of force to lock

Checks	Operation, action
Check that the lock cylinder is not damaged.	Replace the lock cylinder.
Check if the ignition switch is sticking.	Lubricate the ignition switch.
Make sure that there is no excessive displacement of the cover relative to the body.	Align the cover on the body. Replace the cover if necessary.
Check if the ignition switch mounting bracket is bent.	Replace the ignition switch mounting bracket.

The key cannot be removed in the locked position (LOCK)

Checks	Operation, action
Make sure the ignition switch is installed correctly.	Reinstall the ignition switch.
Check that the lock cylinder is not damaged.	Replace the lock cylinder.

Noise in the speaker

Checks	Operation, action
Check that the steering gear connections to the column are installed correctly.	Tighten the steering shaft universal joint pinch bolts. Replace the steering shaft universal joints if necessary.
Check the steering shaft bearing for wear and damage.	Replace the steering shaft bearing.
Check if there is enough grease in the ball joint.	Lubricate the ball joint.
Check if there is enough grease on the steering shaft.	Lubricate the steering shaft bearing.
Check that the shaft lock retaining ring is installed correctly.	Adjust the shaft lock retaining ring. Replace the shaft lock retaining ring if necessary.

It takes a lot of effort to turn the steering shaft

Checks	Operation, action
Check the steering shaft bearing for wear and damage.	Replace the steering shaft bearing.
Check the correct installation and integrity of the dust seal.	Replace the dust seal.
Check if the upper or lower bearings are damaged.	Replace the upper or lower bearing.
Check to see if the steering shaft universal joints are sticking.	Lubricate the steering shaft universal joints. Replace the steering shaft universal joints if necessary.

Steering column vibration

Checks	Operation, action
Check that the steering column bracket mounting bolts are installed correctly.	Tighten the steering column bracket mounting bolts.
Check for broken weld nuts on the steering column trim.	Replace the steering column trim.
Check for loose steering column housing to steering column trim support screws.	Tighten the support screws.

Loose steering wheel

Checks	Operation, action
Check for excessive clearance between the steering wheel support holes or the housing and pivot pin diameters.	Replace the hinge pins with the correct size pins.
Check that the upper bearing is installed correctly in the housing.	Install the upper bearing correctly. Replace the upper bearing if necessary.
Check for loose steering column housing support screws.	Tighten the steering column housing support screws.

Noise when tilting the speaker

Checks	Operation, action
Check the upper tilt shock absorbers for wear.	Replace the upper tilt shock absorbers.
Check the tilt spring for binding.	Adjust the tilt spring. Replace the tilt spring if necessary.

The turn signal switch does not lock into the turn position

Checks	Operation, action
Check that the turn signal switch is installed correctly.	Remove and inspect the turn signal switch. Reinstall the switch.
Check the turn signal release mechanism for broken or missing parts.	Replace the turn signal switch mechanism.
Check the turn signal switch housing for foreign objects.	Remove foreign objects.

The turn signal does not turn off

Checks	Operation, action
Check the turn signal release mechanism for broken or missing parts.	Replace the turn signal switch mechanism.

Difficulty operating turn signal/headlight switch

Checks	Operation, action
Check that the turn signal/headlight switch and switch lever are installed correctly.	Remove and inspect the turn signal/dimmer switch and switch lever. Reinstall the turn signal/dimmer switch and switch lever.
Check the turn signal/headlight switch housing for foreign objects.	Remove foreign objects.

The turn signal does not indicate a lane change

Checks	Operation, action
Check if the lane change pressure pad or spring holder is broken.	Replace the lane change pressure pad or spring retainer.
Check that the lane change spring is functioning properly.	Replace the lane change spring.
Check that the turn signal switch is installed correctly.	Replace the turn signal switch.

The direction indicators are not working

Checks	Operation, action
Check the functionality of the turn signal flasher.	Replace the turn signal flasher.
Check the functionality of the turn signal switch.	Replace the turn signal switch.
Check the reliability of the connector connection between the chassis and the speaker.	Reconnect the connector between the chassis and the speaker.

The direction indicators are on but not flashing

Checks	Operation, action
Check the functionality of the turn signal flasher.	Replace the turn signal flasher.
Check the functionality of the turn signal switch.	Replace the turn signal switch.
Check the reliability of the connector connection between the chassis and the speaker.	Reconnect the connector between the chassis and the speaker.

Front or rear turn signals do not flash

Checks	Operation, action
Check the functionality of the turn signal switch.	Replace the turn signal switch.
Check the reliability of the connector connection between the chassis and the speaker.	Reconnect the connector between the chassis and the speaker.

The direction indicators are flashing very slowly

Checks	Operation, action
Check the reliability of the connector connection between the chassis and the speaker.	Reconnect the connector between the chassis and the speaker.

The electrical system is not functioning

Checks	Operation, action
Check that the ignition switch is not damaged.	Replace the ignition switch.
Check that the ignition switch is installed correctly.	Remove and inspect the ignition switch. Reinstall the ignition switch.
Check that the ignition switch electrical connector is connected correctly.	Reconnect the ignition switch electrical connector. Replace the ignition switch electrical connector.

The ignition switch does not turn

Checks	Operation, action
Check that the ignition switch is not damaged.	Replace the ignition switch.
Check that the ignition switch is installed correctly.	Remove and inspect the ignition switch. Reinstall the ignition switch.

Windscreen wiper/cruise control switch not working: low speed, high speed, intermittent on and wash

Checks	Operation, action
Check that the windshield wiper switch is not damaged.	Replace the wiper/cruise control switch.
Check that the windshield wiper switch is installed correctly.	Remove and inspect the wiper/cruise control switch. Reinstall the wiper/cruise control switch.
Check that the cruise control switch is not damaged.	Replace the wiper/cruise control switch.

[The original source of the article is the website: «chevyman.ru»]