ignition switch position
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 23
Likes: 1
ignition switch position
the ignition switch on my '78 seems to have rotated backwards. It's akward to start the car, I have to turn the key as normal then take hold of the key again and turn it to start. In the lock postion the key is where it should be in the run postion. It all works but jsut rough on the wrist. Any easy fix or does the switch need to be removed.
thanks
thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Is it a tilt/tele? Sounds like the gear on the end of the lock cylinder and the rack has jumped a cog or two. But it could be just he adjustment of the switch too.
Will it go to the ACC position?
Will it go to the ACC position?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
You didn't mention it, but I assume that you have a tilt & telescoping steering column rather than the standard (non-adjustable) kind. (Most C3s were T&T by 1978.)
From your description it does sound as if the plastic sector needs to be reindexed or most likely replaced. You might also have to replace the small die cast rack that the sector engages as well. They are inside the steering column head. The sector just doesn't "skip" on the rack unless something is broken or seriously worn out. (You didn't give any history on the problem - it is possible that Bubba reassembled the parts incorrectly in the hidden past history.)
The bad news is that you will have to dig into the steering column further than just removing the lock cylinder. (The lock cylinder engages the plastic sector but the sector isn't accessable by just removing the lock cylinder.) I would suggest removing the entire steering column from the car in order to work on it. Although is probably isn't absolutely necessary.
The good news is that the replacement sector and rack (if needed) are still available. Also, complete instructions on disassembly and repair of the steering column (which ever kind that you have).
The instructions can be found at this websight:
www.corvettefaq.com
click on Jim Shea's Steering Papers
click on Jim Shea's Corvette Papers
scroll down to either the Standard Steering Column or the Tilt & Telescoping sections.
You will need to download Disassembly & Repair Papers #1, #2, & #3
You should also download Disassembly & Repair Pics #1, #2, & #3
Good luck and remember that additional help is only a computer click away!
Jim
From your description it does sound as if the plastic sector needs to be reindexed or most likely replaced. You might also have to replace the small die cast rack that the sector engages as well. They are inside the steering column head. The sector just doesn't "skip" on the rack unless something is broken or seriously worn out. (You didn't give any history on the problem - it is possible that Bubba reassembled the parts incorrectly in the hidden past history.)
The bad news is that you will have to dig into the steering column further than just removing the lock cylinder. (The lock cylinder engages the plastic sector but the sector isn't accessable by just removing the lock cylinder.) I would suggest removing the entire steering column from the car in order to work on it. Although is probably isn't absolutely necessary.
The good news is that the replacement sector and rack (if needed) are still available. Also, complete instructions on disassembly and repair of the steering column (which ever kind that you have).
The instructions can be found at this websight:
www.corvettefaq.com
click on Jim Shea's Steering Papers
click on Jim Shea's Corvette Papers
scroll down to either the Standard Steering Column or the Tilt & Telescoping sections.
You will need to download Disassembly & Repair Papers #1, #2, & #3
You should also download Disassembly & Repair Pics #1, #2, & #3
Good luck and remember that additional help is only a computer click away!
Jim
Last edited by Jim Shea; Oct 6, 2008 at 08:27 AM.
