Ignition key won't turn to start
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
Ignition key won't turn to start
Looking for some help trying to start my 69. The key turns to on and run positions but no further. It will not continue forward to actually start the motor. It's very firm like hitting a wall. I have a standard column, no tilt and it has worked fine for the past nine years. I've checked the reverse lockout and that's ok, I was going to take out the key cylinder but can't figure out how to get it out. There's no pinhole to release the spring, the build book explains how to put it in but no removal advice. I was told there's a ignition module on the lower part of the column but couldn't locate it and again the book was no help.
Any help is appreciated. Overdue on getting it into storage...
Any help is appreciated. Overdue on getting it into storage...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 3
From: Aurora Ontario
If its a typical C3 the igntion module is lower but on top of the column. follow the wires. There is a rod that goes from the key cylinder to the module. The rod shifts the position of the contacts in the module. Sounds like your rod has come loose or something in the module has jammed.
You need to be lying on your back and looking up to see any of this. Still very tough to get to without dropping the column. See if you can locate the rod. Is it still in tact.
You need to be lying on your back and looking up to see any of this. Still very tough to get to without dropping the column. See if you can locate the rod. Is it still in tact.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
There is a small plastic gear behind the lock cylinder (inside the column head) that engages a small die cast rack. The first thing that comes to mind is that the gear or rack has somehow skipped a tooth. Parts are still available and generic standard (non-adjustable) columns from virtually any GM passenger car in the 1969-1976 era would be fairly available for parts salvage.
I doubt that the rod has become disengaged because your switch wouldn't move with rotation of the ignition key at all if it was.
Possibly just the lock cylinder is broken or worn out. If that is the case, you can fairly easily remove and replace it by following Papers and Pics #1 (listed below.) If it is the rack and plastic gear, you will need to download the rest of the papers and pics listed.
I have a series of papers on disassembly and repair of the Saginaw steering columns. Go to:
www.corvettefaq.com
click on Jim Shea's Steering Papers
click on Corvette Steering Papers
scroll all the way down to the Standard Steering Column Section
You will find the following:
Std Column 69-75 Strg Wheel and Horn Parts Pictures #1 and #2
Std Column 69-75 Disassembly & Repair Papers #1, #2, #3
Std Column 69-75 Disassembly & Repair Pics #1 and #2.
Good luck, just remember that additional help is only a computer click away!
Jim
I doubt that the rod has become disengaged because your switch wouldn't move with rotation of the ignition key at all if it was.
Possibly just the lock cylinder is broken or worn out. If that is the case, you can fairly easily remove and replace it by following Papers and Pics #1 (listed below.) If it is the rack and plastic gear, you will need to download the rest of the papers and pics listed.
I have a series of papers on disassembly and repair of the Saginaw steering columns. Go to:
www.corvettefaq.com
click on Jim Shea's Steering Papers
click on Corvette Steering Papers
scroll all the way down to the Standard Steering Column Section
You will find the following:
Std Column 69-75 Strg Wheel and Horn Parts Pictures #1 and #2
Std Column 69-75 Disassembly & Repair Papers #1, #2, #3
Std Column 69-75 Disassembly & Repair Pics #1 and #2.
Good luck, just remember that additional help is only a computer click away!
Jim
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: methuen ma
Not to intend to steal the thread but I have a similar problem that just happened to my 76 w tilt/tele , when I rotate the key it does not engage the rod or unlock the trans shift cable , Jim your papers are great , , I can see the gear rotating as I turn the key so I figure it must be the rack section that is broken, my concern is getting a new or even used rack for my year , you mention non-adjustable parts a re available , do you have any suggestions for parts supplier? I have yet to tear down the steering coloum any further just yet but will be when I put the car away for the winter .
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Packy,
When you rotate your ignition key, you should always see the rod move that reaches down to your ignition switch. I assume that you have a T&T column? The T&T rack has been known to break. You can purchase replacement racks from the Zip Store or from any number of suppliers.
Here is the address for a rack and bearing kit at the Zip Store: http://www.zip-products.com/Corvette...259BB7B2E27070
You may find just a rack at your local automotive store.
The only thing that moves the lower lever on the steering column is when you shift. (Either into PARK with an automatic or into REVERSE with a manual shift.)
Jim
When you rotate your ignition key, you should always see the rod move that reaches down to your ignition switch. I assume that you have a T&T column? The T&T rack has been known to break. You can purchase replacement racks from the Zip Store or from any number of suppliers.
Here is the address for a rack and bearing kit at the Zip Store: http://www.zip-products.com/Corvette...259BB7B2E27070
You may find just a rack at your local automotive store.
The only thing that moves the lower lever on the steering column is when you shift. (Either into PARK with an automatic or into REVERSE with a manual shift.)
Jim
Last edited by Jim Shea; Nov 24, 2008 at 04:11 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: methuen ma
Packy,
When you rotate your ignition key, you should always see the rod move that reaches down to your ignition switch. I assume that you have a T&T column? The T&T rack has been known to break. You can purchase replacement racks from the Zip Store or from any number of suppliers.
Here is the address for a rack and bearing kit at the Zip Store: http://www.zip-products.com/Corvette...259BB7B2E27070
You may find just a rack at your local automotive store.
The only thing that moves the lower lever on the steering column is when you shift. (Either into PARK with an automatic or into REVERSE with a manual shift.)
Jim
When you rotate your ignition key, you should always see the rod move that reaches down to your ignition switch. I assume that you have a T&T column? The T&T rack has been known to break. You can purchase replacement racks from the Zip Store or from any number of suppliers.
Here is the address for a rack and bearing kit at the Zip Store: http://www.zip-products.com/Corvette...259BB7B2E27070
You may find just a rack at your local automotive store.
The only thing that moves the lower lever on the steering column is when you shift. (Either into PARK with an automatic or into REVERSE with a manual shift.)
Jim
Last edited by Packy76; Nov 25, 2008 at 08:26 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
The key (when you turn it to OFF-LOCK) locks the lower shift lever in the full UP position and prevents the lever from rotating out of that position. The interlock cable is directly connected to that column lever and also to your transmission shifter lever. Since the cable can't move you also can't move the shifter lever. When you rotate your key from the OFF-LOCK position to OFF (or to RUN) the lower shift lever is now unblocked and is allowed to move. Therefore, you can now move your shifter lever because the lower column lever now is allowed to move with the cable.
Jim
Jim
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,202
Likes: 4,187
From: Kannapolis NC
Sorry, just noticed, that was a hi-jacker post.