New member, Just bought a 97 Z71, Questions!

[coadster]

I was just thinking it may be easier to get a whole steering column from a scrapyard, honestly that would probably be easier than this and much less of a headache. How difficult i it to replace a steering column? Mind you, I'm pretty mechanically inclined.

[coadster]

Just a thought... Theoritically speaking, if I were to bridge that connection (thus activating the fuel pump) and bridged the starter... Would the truck start? All I need is for it to run for a few seconds.

[mudseeker]

doubt it.......your pcm and every other computer would still be dead.

[hotrodpc]

You may very have the right idea there. Espeically if you find one that comes with a key. Just be sure to find out what years are compatible and which ones are not. Hopefully its not like one of those tricky things, where only 1 years will work. Color should not be an issue, I think those were all the same with exception of the covers, and you obviously have those. I'd sure give it a try. BTW, Welcome to the forum.

[hotrodpc]

Are you saying this is a Passlock system then Mud? If changing the steering column will kill all that, that is part of the theft deternet system, is it not?

[coadster]

So does anyone know for sure the years the BS passlock stuff came into play? I have an algebra test tomorrow and have spent my entire day with this truck, and am packing it in for tonight. Oh well, sod it.

[mudseeker]

Originally Posted by coadster

Just a thought... Theoritically speaking, if I were to bridge that connection (thus activating the fuel pump) and bridged the starter... Would the truck start? All I need is for it to run for a few seconds.

was talking about this post. ignition switch is used to route power to the "brains" and just jumping the fuel pump and starter will not allow the truck to start.

[mudseeker]

Originally Posted by hotrodpc

Are you saying this is a Passlock system then Mud? If changing the steering column will kill all that, that is part of the theft deternet system, is it not?

passlock was not until 98 or 99 i think. my truck is a 97 and does not have it.

[BernieB]

Originally Posted by coadster

So does anyone know for sure the years the BS passlock stuff came into play? I have an algebra test tomorrow and have spent my entire day with this truck, and am packing it in for tonight. Oh well, sod it.

PASSLOCK II started with the '98 model year, so you should be good to go.

Also, not every model actually had PASSLOCK. According to my owners manual, and every reference I can find, my '99 GMC 3500 has it. It even has the little "Security" light on the cluster, but it definitely does not have it. Just a regular old key. Then again, according to all the references my truck has airbags too. If it does, they either hid 'em really well or made 'em awful tiny.

[hotrodpc]

In you year of 3500 BB, I am thinking air bags were equipped on vehicles below 8600 GVWR, yours is probably 10,000. So you are saying he can change the whole column and be OK to run? Awesome if so. I was thinking at worst, get the new column, install it, then have it towed to the dealer for a reprogram to the PCM if needed and it should work, but without Passlock, I am thinking it should work just fine. I dunno for certain though. I have not worked on that year model.