Key Stuck in the Ignition HELP!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 377
Likes: 3
From: Northville MI
Key Stuck in the Ignition HELP!
HELP my key is stuck in the Ignition 
. The Car still turns over and shuts off but the key will not come out! I have a 75 Convertible. Any suggestions of what to try? Thanks
. The Car still turns over and shuts off but the key will not come out! I have a 75 Convertible. Any suggestions of what to try? Thanks
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,637
Likes: 27
From: Norwalk Ct
do you have the trans lock detached?? is the auto in reverse?? is the manual trans in reverse??
There is a lever on the top of the steering coloumn inside the engine bay, that is normally connected to the trans via an armoured cable, check the lever is all the way towards the top (towards the brake booster).
Nick
There is a lever on the top of the steering coloumn inside the engine bay, that is normally connected to the trans via an armoured cable, check the lever is all the way towards the top (towards the brake booster).
Nick
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Go to a hardware store like an ACE or something similar. Get a small tube of graphite powder. Cut the end of the tiny tip off, and squeeze a quick squirt of powder in the lock on top of the key and beside it or wherever you can get it in. Then just work the key a few times. Push it further in and out as far as it'll go. Start the car and shut it off a few times. Just work it.
It may not work, but it's worth a shot.
It may not work, but it's worth a shot.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 377
Likes: 3
From: Northville MI
Man you guys rock; It's an Auto so I'll check the top of the steering colume, thanks lvrpool.
After that if that does not work I'll try the graphite powder, thanks Durango!
I'll post back tomorrow. Tom!
After that if that does not work I'll try the graphite powder, thanks Durango!
I'll post back tomorrow. Tom!
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
There is a backdrive cable on the automatic trans as well. The lever on the steering column (out under the brake booster) must be in the full UP position in order to be able to get your ignition key to rotate all the way to OFF-LOCK and be able to remove your key.
Replace or fix the cable. Or remove the cotter pin, remove the cable and fix the lever in the full UP position permanently. Just be aware, with the lever always full UP, you can now turn off your engine, lock up your steering wheel, even while driving down the road. Not a very smart thing to do, but the backdrive cable on auto and manual trans Vettes prevents that from happening.
Here is a link to all you ever wanted to know about GM steering column/transmission shift interlock systems.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...tems27JL04.doc
BTW, a good lubricant for the ignition lock cylinder is a drop of synthetic engine oil on the tip of your ignition key. Just work it into the lock mechanism.
Merry Christmas,
Jim
Replace or fix the cable. Or remove the cotter pin, remove the cable and fix the lever in the full UP position permanently. Just be aware, with the lever always full UP, you can now turn off your engine, lock up your steering wheel, even while driving down the road. Not a very smart thing to do, but the backdrive cable on auto and manual trans Vettes prevents that from happening.
Here is a link to all you ever wanted to know about GM steering column/transmission shift interlock systems.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...tems27JL04.doc
BTW, a good lubricant for the ignition lock cylinder is a drop of synthetic engine oil on the tip of your ignition key. Just work it into the lock mechanism.
Merry Christmas,
Jim
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
That works okay? I'd heard it can cause a buildup of dust and grime creating a goop in the lock cylinder. The graphite is dry, so it may not adhere as long, but it doesn't build up.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
That's what the engineer at Saginaw told me. They don't make the lock cylinder, but they install and ship lock cylinders in a lot of their steering columns. So they have a lot of contact with the lock cylinder manufacturerers.
Jim
Jim
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Hmm...I guess it can be chalked up to what an individual wants to use. Either is fine I guess.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 539
Likes: 3
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
You said the car turns off but is the key turning all the way back? Can you turn the key past off to the accessory? If you can not turn it all the way back it is in the linkage, If you can turn it all the way back it is in the cylinder itself. If it is in the lock cylinder it could be the buzzer switch. They have been known to break and bind up things. You may have to pull the cylinder and get a new one.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,403
Likes: 791
From: Redondo Beach, California
In trying to check out some teething problems with a new L88 clone engine I took it out on the freeway and did a brief full throttle acceleration in fourth gear. Unfortunately the throttle stuck in the full open position. Not a good thing to experience. The engine was just going crazy with power and my speed was really going up into dangerous regions. I quickly realized my options were to push in the clutch and destroy the engine, or just turn off the ignition. I was afraid that turning off the engine would lock the steering. I I told myself that turning off the ignition was not supposed to lock the steering so I did it. A great relief, the engine turned off and the steering did not lock. The throttle soon unstuck and I drove home, although no more full throttle accelerations until I replaced the throttle spring.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
The positions in the ignition switch are: START, RUN, OFF, OFF-LOCK, AND ACCESSORY. With the lower lever in any position but full UP, you should only be able to turn the key as far as OFF. You should not be able to get to OFF-LOCK.
Now with the lever full UP, you can easily pass from OFF to OFF-LOCK and now the lock bolt moves rearward in the column head and engages a notch on the locking plate. Steering wheel is locked!
Now with the lever full UP, you can easily pass from OFF to OFF-LOCK and now the lock bolt moves rearward in the column head and engages a notch on the locking plate. Steering wheel is locked!
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
From: Windsor PA
Don't know if this is what is wrong with yours but mine had the same problem. My Dad took the steering column out of the car checked everything and still couldn't get the key out. While he had the steering column on the workbench he turned the sleeve right below the ignition
( i think it was for the telescopic option) and the key came right out. Don't know if that is what really fixed it but it worked.
( i think it was for the telescopic option) and the key came right out. Don't know if that is what really fixed it but it worked.
