Differences between steering columns; alarm vs. no alarm

[jepherz]

I just put a steering column in my car form an 89 base model galant. Everything was fine until I noticed that when I try and lock the doors from the inside before getting out of the car, the log just pops back up. Keep in mind that this is all with the key removed from the ignition.

Is there something missing on a column from a car without a factory alarm perhaps? I know I have heard of this same thing happening to others, but only when the key is left in the ignition...

 

[iceman69510]

Did you keep the original ignition lock mechanism and key cylinder? There is a small switch on the side of the ignition switch assembly called the "key reminder switch". It affects the lock and the chime for when the key is left in. Mine was broken and my locks did the same thing. Is yours in place? Working? Plugged in?

 

[jepherz]

So you're saying all cars have this switch and it has only a single wire hooked up to it? Yes, I did keep the same lock cylinder. I'll check that wire tonight. Thanks Dave!

 

[iceman69510]

I don't think it was a single wire. I think it was a 4-pin plug, IIRC. I have a spare at home.

 

[jepherz]

Well, I'm not sure if it was the fact that the new column I put in was from an '89 galant, or because it was a base model, but I checked that switch on it. Turned out the new rack only had 2 pins in it rather than 4. I was able to just unscrew the switch and swap them out. Not sure what the other two wires are responsible for then, maybe a lighted key-ring on a DSM?

 

[jepherz]

Here was the diff between the two switches: