key stuck in ignition
1969/1971/2021 Coupes
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,212
Likes: 80
From: Port Huron MI
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Under the dash and on the steering column, you'll see the long 16 (approx) pin electrical connector. Remove the electrical connector by taking out the 3/8ths small bolt. You'll see a linkage rod that moves back and forth that coincides with the key switch. When you move the rod back and forth the switch should move as well. This should help you determine if the rod may have slipped or jumped the slot it rides on in that long electrical connector. It's been a while since I've been in that area but that was a problem I ran into when I reassembled mine a few years ago (because I did not align that rod with the intended slot in the connector). Good luck.
Terry
Terry
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 249
Likes: 4
From: Eastern Ky
When I saw Jim Shea respond to your problem, there is no use me getting involved. He is truly the expert on steering columns. He rebuilt my completely worn out column on my 78 about 5 years and did an absolutely professional job at a reasonable cost. You are in good hands .............
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
You do know that on 1977 thru 1982 there is a small lever next to the ignition key that you have to trip in order to rotate the ignition key from OFF (which shuts off the engine but does not allow you to remove your key) to the OFF-LOCK position (which allows you to rotate the ignition key further; locks the steering wheel; and allows you to pull the key out of the lock cylinder.)
Jim
Jim
Last edited by Jim Shea; Oct 15, 2011 at 08:58 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
Now that I know that you have a '73 with the problem. Go to this recent posting:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...n-problem.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...n-problem.html
