It's a production item. Might have come from Big Lots or Wal-Mart. Mel bought it, and she doesn't shop at auto parts stores. The jumper wire on the release button is the easiest if you don't have the same device I have. If you can't find one, let me know. It has an inline transformer about 3 inches thick by 4 inches square and a plug like your mobile cell phone cord, on each end.
There's a thread on Pennocks titled Inside the GM Tilt Column. I think it's by BuddyCraigg. Full teardown and reassembly.