Removing steering column - what's this cable (pic)?

[matthewfog]

I am replacing my ignition switch, following the DIY here where you remove the steering column.

I am almost done taking out the steering column, but there is one cable holding it back. It comes from where you insert the key. There is no connector to undo, so I'm stuck. I have no idea how to pull it out. Its a 2001 Cabrio, Manual transmission (basically similar to a mk3)



Any ideas?

[zero.]

If it's an auto, I think it's the shift lock cable. You should be able to remove it. My auto had one but it didn't look like that. You could see the end of the cable instead of that black connector and just disconnect it. It was like a little ball socket that popped out.

[matthewfog]

Its a manual transmission (just edited the post above)

[reynolds9000]

It must connect to something. Can you detach it from the colum itself?

[zero.]

If it's manual, I'm not sure...but this is what mine looked like and it just pops off:

[matthewfog]

It must connect to something. Can you detach it from the colum itself?

It doesn't look like I can. The cable goes into the body of the car. This is a better picture:

[matthewfog]

Its the immobilizer housing. Its a pain in the ass to take off - would involve drilling a hole in the key barrel, or following cable through body to the immobilzer gizmo. This is only on the cabrio.

So I put it back together again and am going to attempt to remove the steering wheel using the puller method tomorrow. Fingers crossed

Mat