Steering Column
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Sierra Vista AZ
Steering Column
I just replaced the steering lock cylinder in my 76 and found by accident that there was a locking mechanism at the base of the steering column where it meets the lower portion of the dash.
Has anyone ever seen or heard of this?
The reason is, I could not release the key from the accessory position and it forced me to break the ignition activation switch gear.
While driving with my son, we were checking out the telescopic steering column and I turned - what just seemed to be a plastic cover where the base of the steering column meets the dash - the plastic cover. I found after breaking the ignition activation switch gear, that this cover was also attached to a machined nut type thing. I had problems trying to put the new key into the locked position and after a long period and a lot of frustration, I just happened to turn this area and the switch just fell into position.
Is this an anti-theft device or what?
Has anyone ever seen or heard of this?
The reason is, I could not release the key from the accessory position and it forced me to break the ignition activation switch gear.
While driving with my son, we were checking out the telescopic steering column and I turned - what just seemed to be a plastic cover where the base of the steering column meets the dash - the plastic cover. I found after breaking the ignition activation switch gear, that this cover was also attached to a machined nut type thing. I had problems trying to put the new key into the locked position and after a long period and a lot of frustration, I just happened to turn this area and the switch just fell into position.
Is this an anti-theft device or what?
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,546
Likes: 5
From: Sacramento California
Actually, if it's what I think you're talking about, it's a safety device.
On the other side of the firewall there should be a lever on the column that is connected to the trans linkage. This prevents the key from being removed unless the car is in reverse (4 speed) or Park (auto)
A lot of times the cable will freeze in the sheath and it just gets disconnected, if you don't tie up the lever it will drop and cause the problem you were describing. And yes the lower column housing moves with it.
On the other side of the firewall there should be a lever on the column that is connected to the trans linkage. This prevents the key from being removed unless the car is in reverse (4 speed) or Park (auto)
A lot of times the cable will freeze in the sheath and it just gets disconnected, if you don't tie up the lever it will drop and cause the problem you were describing. And yes the lower column housing moves with it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Everything you ever needed to know about Steering Column/Transmission Shift Interlock Systems are in this paper.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...tems27JL04.doc
Jim
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...tems27JL04.doc
Jim
