Key Warning Buzzer/Igntion Switch
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
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From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Key Warning Buzzer/Igntion Switch
I was tinkering around in the garage with my vette this afternoon and stuck the key in the ignition and now the buzzer will not turn off. I had to undo the battery to shut the darn thing up. Makes me crazy. I may take the buzzer off and kill it permanently if there is not an easy fix for this. Got any ideas on this one guys on how to stop the buzzer. Maybe wire came loose at the switch?????
Thanks for any help.
Thanks for any help.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,487
Likes: 1
From: Sydney
I have a similar problem with my key warning buzzer.......whenever the door is open the damn thing goes off 
regardless of whether the key is in the ignition.
There are a couple of help articles on corvettefaq.com ...don't know if they will help.
regardless of whether the key is in the ignition.There are a couple of help articles on corvettefaq.com ...don't know if they will help.
Race Director
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From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Originally Posted by Eddie 70
I was tinkering around in the garage with my vette this afternoon and stuck the key in the ignition and now the buzzer will not turn off. I had to undo the battery to shut the darn thing up. Makes me crazy. I may take the buzzer off and kill it permanently if there is not an easy fix for this. Got any ideas on this one guys on how to stop the buzzer. Maybe wire came loose at the switch?????
Thanks for any help.
Thanks for any help.
Could have broken the switch. MIGHT be the lock pawl. Try spraying some WD40 into the lock cylinder. Work the key in and out. Chuck
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,111
Likes: 32
From: Damascus MD
Most likely the little switch in the column. Replaced mine but it pretty much requires the complete disassembly of the top half of the column. If you have a T/T column the parts are no longer available. You will have to see if someone has an NOS piece. There is a small clip that can alo break that works with the switch in the column. If you decide to tackle the project be careful no the let the clip fall inside the column. You can get it out but don't ask me how I know!
The second possibility is that one or more of the wires in the plunger switch on the driver's side is not making good connection. These wires have been known to pop out. Easy fix there. There the horn relay just needs to be rebuilt.
If you need someone there is a guy in Georgia. I think his name is John Pirkle. Great work to Bloomington Gold standards.
Bill
The second possibility is that one or more of the wires in the plunger switch on the driver's side is not making good connection. These wires have been known to pop out. Easy fix there. There the horn relay just needs to be rebuilt.
If you need someone there is a guy in Georgia. I think his name is John Pirkle. Great work to Bloomington Gold standards.
Bill
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
This link takes you to a pretty good paper on diagnosing your key buzzer problem.
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/KeyBuzzerDiagnosis.doc
Jim
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/KeyBuzzerDiagnosis.doc
Jim
Thread Starter
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From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Originally Posted by Chuck Gongloff
If your 70 is like my 69, the buzzer is part of the horn relay. It's not a separate item. There's a copper/plastic "gizmo" in the steering column. This is the buzzer switch. When you insert the key, you push one of the tangs of this switch.
Could have broken the switch. MIGHT be the lock pawl. Try spraying some WD40 into the lock cylinder. Work the key in and out. Chuck
Could have broken the switch. MIGHT be the lock pawl. Try spraying some WD40 into the lock cylinder. Work the key in and out. Chuck
Mine is in the horn relay also. I have looked at the FAQ paper that Jim posted and will dive into it soon. Hopefully it will be an easy fix.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 4,930
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From: AnyTown NJ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I had the opposite problem. Buzzer would only sound if you pushed the key in.....switch was broken in the column....very hard to find one....finally got one on ebay as part of a collection of other parts.
Thread Starter
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From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
If I remove the key the buzzer will stay on. No key in the ignition and the buzzer keeps on doing its thing. Key in ignition and key turned on, no buzzer.
From this description it sounds like there may be some junk in the key cylinder. My column is not tilt/tele. What is the easy way to get the cylinder out of the column? I guess I need a puller to do this job, which I don't have.
From this description it sounds like there may be some junk in the key cylinder. My column is not tilt/tele. What is the easy way to get the cylinder out of the column? I guess I need a puller to do this job, which I don't have.
Last edited by Eddie 70; Dec 20, 2005 at 07:11 PM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
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From: Saginaw Michigan
You could try and shoot some silicone spray into the lock cylinder to see if you can loosen up the small plastic tab that actuates the key warning buzzer. If it works you can lubricate the lock cylinder with a drop or two of synthetic motor oil on the tip of your key. Work the key in and out of the lock cylinder to work the oil in.
If you decide that you are going to need to remove your lock cylinder from your steering column you will definately need a steering hub puller. You can sometimes borrow one from your local automotive store. Use a puller do not try and shock or hammer the hub off.
The following two links will take you step by step on removing and replacing the lock cylinder. It is not that bad.
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/StdC3ColumnD&R121AU05.doc
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/StdC3C...InstrPage1.doc
Jim
If you decide that you are going to need to remove your lock cylinder from your steering column you will definately need a steering hub puller. You can sometimes borrow one from your local automotive store. Use a puller do not try and shock or hammer the hub off.
The following two links will take you step by step on removing and replacing the lock cylinder. It is not that bad.
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/StdC3ColumnD&R121AU05.doc
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/StdC3C...InstrPage1.doc
Jim
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From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Thanks for the help Jim. I hope I have not made a major mistake. I was pulling the key buzzer switch out and the retaining clip came off. It is out of sight with no hopes of getting it out of the column with out tearing into it further. Would it be okay to leave the retainer in the column like that? I know I will be without the key warning buzzer but I am okay with that.
Thanks for your help.
Thanks for your help.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Eddie 70,
The only safe thing to do is disassemble your steering column, find and remove the spring clip. It could be in an area where all it will do is sit there for the next 50 years. It might just sit there and scrape, jingle, and annoy you. Or it could work its way down to the steering shaft and bearings and lock up your steering while you are driving down the road.
I have no idea what could happen with your missing spring clip. BE SAFE and FIND IT!
Here is a link that describes how to remove the steering column from your car. Maybe just tipping the column on its end may dislodge the clip.
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/StdC3ColumnD&R226NO04.doc
Merry Christmas,
Jim
The only safe thing to do is disassemble your steering column, find and remove the spring clip. It could be in an area where all it will do is sit there for the next 50 years. It might just sit there and scrape, jingle, and annoy you. Or it could work its way down to the steering shaft and bearings and lock up your steering while you are driving down the road.
I have no idea what could happen with your missing spring clip. BE SAFE and FIND IT!
Here is a link that describes how to remove the steering column from your car. Maybe just tipping the column on its end may dislodge the clip.
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/StdC3ColumnD&R226NO04.doc
Merry Christmas,
Jim
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 1999
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From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I sent you a PM Jim. Can I just remove the 4 screws under the internals and fish the retainer out.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Eddie,
Please download this blowup of your standard steering column (if you don't already have it.)
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/StdC3C...9-76Blowup.doc
I assume that you already have the turn signal switch out of the column. I think you are refering to the four Bolts #10 that if you remove them, Bearing Housing #23 can be pulled up and removed.
This may gain you access to the missing Switch Clip #13. If you still can't reach the clip you will NOT be able to remove Gearshift Lever Housing #24. It is a press fit onto Shift Tube #30. There is a special GM tool that must be used to remove and install the Gearshift Lever Housing. You will most likely destroy the shift tube if you don't have access to the tool.
If you get this far and still can't reach the clip, I would suggest removing the column from the car and then shaking it upside down to get it to fall out.
BTW, the standard steering column key buzzer switch is still available from GM dealers #7804414 for about $16.
It is also available through the Zip Products Store on line. SC-430 for $15.
Merry Christmas
Jim
Please download this blowup of your standard steering column (if you don't already have it.)
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/StdC3C...9-76Blowup.doc
I assume that you already have the turn signal switch out of the column. I think you are refering to the four Bolts #10 that if you remove them, Bearing Housing #23 can be pulled up and removed.
This may gain you access to the missing Switch Clip #13. If you still can't reach the clip you will NOT be able to remove Gearshift Lever Housing #24. It is a press fit onto Shift Tube #30. There is a special GM tool that must be used to remove and install the Gearshift Lever Housing. You will most likely destroy the shift tube if you don't have access to the tool.
If you get this far and still can't reach the clip, I would suggest removing the column from the car and then shaking it upside down to get it to fall out.
BTW, the standard steering column key buzzer switch is still available from GM dealers #7804414 for about $16.
It is also available through the Zip Products Store on line. SC-430 for $15.
Merry Christmas
Jim
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 1999
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From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Found the clip and removed it with a magnet. Woo Hoo!!! I got the column all assembled and am now ready to put the key switch back in I hope. I would like to clean the mechanism for the switch to make it work smoothly. Any recommendations as to what to use. I have Methylethylkeytone, acetone, PB Blaster, WD-40, etc...
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 1999
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From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Got it all working correctly now. Thanks to Jims papers and lots of rework. It is like new. As it turns out, someone has already been through some of the same thing I am doing now. I don't think the tumbler that was in the car was the original anyway.
Thread Starter
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From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Looks like I need to do a little more rework. 
My key will not return to the off position completly. I have had the tumbler out several times and the upper section of the column off a dozen times and cannot get this worked out. I keep making it worse instead of better. Now my key will only turn toward the start position and about halfway to the off position and that is it.
I am sure I am over looking something easy. Any ideas where to look.
My key will not return to the off position completly. I have had the tumbler out several times and the upper section of the column off a dozen times and cannot get this worked out. I keep making it worse instead of better. Now my key will only turn toward the start position and about halfway to the off position and that is it. I am sure I am over looking something easy. Any ideas where to look.
Thread Starter
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From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I sent an email to Jim Shea and he pointed me in the right direction and I had this little problem worked out within seconds of getting to the car. This is where experience is invaluable. Turns out, the reverse lockout lever was the culprit and had me stuck. It never dawned on me to check this. I cannot tell you how many times I have had the upper section of my column apart fiddling with sector gear. 
Thanks for your help again Jim.
Thanks for your help again Jim.