What's inside GM's recalled ignition switch

April 2, 2014

We recently took a quick trip to a junk yard to get a steering column from a 2007 Chevy Cobalt. The steering column, of course, also comes with the ignition switch that is the source of GM's recent 1.5 million vehicle recall. We dissassembled the switch so you can see the source of the controversy. You can also read a pretty good analysis of the problem at the NBC site, which also has an image of the old part and the revise which we point out in the video. 

Note that in the video, I call it a 2006 Cobalt. I misspoke. It is a 2007 Cobalt switch.

About the Author

Lee Teschler | Editor

Leland was Editor-in-Chief of Machine Design. He has 34 years of Service and holds a B.S. Engineering from the University of Michigan, a B.S. Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan;, and a MBA from Cleveland State University. Prior to joining Penton, Lee worked as a Communications design engineer for the U.S. Government.

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