steering column removal question

[redwood]

Need to remove my steering column. Can someone tell me how to disconnect the thick black cable down near the u-joint end? This is a '98 V6 with automatic and tilt steering. I see the two Torx bolts holding the black plastic part to the column, but what about the cable inside, how does that disconnect? Is it spring loaded or any trick thing like that?
The reason I'm trying to pull the column is that the two piece plastic rod that actuates the ignition switch has come apart inside. !

 

[radlo420]

its just a swivling gourmet take out the 2 torx but u should just unbolt it at the connector about 4 inchs from the firewall towards the strearing wheal pics always help out

 

[redwood]

added info

Hi there. I found out the problem cable is called the shift interlock cable. It curves around and goes to the console shifter. I'm not sure I understand what youmeant about where to unbolt it. I'll try to add some pics tommorrow.

 

[redwood]

I learned alot about steering column's today...

Here's my story...if your ignition switch is getting old and hard to slide, it may cause the two little plastic actuator rods inside the steering column to come apart. They are held by a friction fit steel pin. My pin had fallen out, and got stuck in the surrounding grease. I got the column out of the car. Had to start disabling the column to get enough room to re-pin the rods...but I had no idea what a pain it would be. After I removed the u-joint assembly at the bottom of the column (possibly a mistake), I took out the two screws at the tilt pivot joint. Now I had room to re pin the joint, but unlucky me, that big spring that returns the tilt wheel upwards decided to push the column apart further! The hidden bearing then fell out at the bottom of the shaft. If you ever do this job, clamp the bottom of the shaft with a vise grip, allowing just a little slack, before you column comes apart like mine did!!
I wrestled it back together, but it was an ordeal. I used plenty of new grease to lube everything up, and hold that pin in there. All is well now. Fun meter pegged out to be back on the road.