'72 Ingition Switch won't Lock
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
There is a lever on the lower end of your steering column (out under the brake master cylinder.) That lever connects to a cable that attaches to your automatic trans. They are part of the General Motors Steering Column/Transmission Interlock System. I suspect that you might have moved the steering column as part of replacing your wiring harness. This might have caused the cable to be out of adjustment.
When you shift into PARK the cable should push that steering column lever to its full UP position. (If you could see the lever from the driver seat, the lever would be at the 1 o'clock position.) You could remove the cotter pin and washer and remove the end of the cable from the pin on the lever. Now move the lever as far UP as possible. Can you reach the LOCK position now?
One other tip: You ignition key can be rotated to five positions. They are from full CW and rotating CCW: START, RUN, OFF, OFF-LOCK, & ACCESSORY. You should always be able to turn your ignition key to OFF. You should not be able to remove your ignition key until you reach OFF-LOCK.
Jim
When you shift into PARK the cable should push that steering column lever to its full UP position. (If you could see the lever from the driver seat, the lever would be at the 1 o'clock position.) You could remove the cotter pin and washer and remove the end of the cable from the pin on the lever. Now move the lever as far UP as possible. Can you reach the LOCK position now?
One other tip: You ignition key can be rotated to five positions. They are from full CW and rotating CCW: START, RUN, OFF, OFF-LOCK, & ACCESSORY. You should always be able to turn your ignition key to OFF. You should not be able to remove your ignition key until you reach OFF-LOCK.
Jim
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
Thanks Jim, thats some good info.I think I remember that cable being complety off and I put it back on and put a cotter pin in it. Maybe I need to take it back off ? I will try all this and see what happends. Thanks again
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
With the introduction of the locking steering column General Motors was very afraid that people might sue if the steering wheel could be locked while the vehicle was in motion.
GM and Saginaw Steering Gear Division came up with the Steering Column/Transmission Shift Interlock system in order to prevent the steering wheel from being locked while the vehicle was traveling forward. That is why vehicles with auto transmissions have to be in PARK and cars with manual transmissions must be in REVERSE. The cable system signals the steering column concerning the transmission position.
Many header pipes interfere with the interlock parts. Many of the cables have failed and owners just disconnect the system. The system does provide a measure of safety. So you will have to decide yourself if it has value in your particular vehicle.
This paper provides more complete information on the system.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=928
Jim
GM and Saginaw Steering Gear Division came up with the Steering Column/Transmission Shift Interlock system in order to prevent the steering wheel from being locked while the vehicle was traveling forward. That is why vehicles with auto transmissions have to be in PARK and cars with manual transmissions must be in REVERSE. The cable system signals the steering column concerning the transmission position.
Many header pipes interfere with the interlock parts. Many of the cables have failed and owners just disconnect the system. The system does provide a measure of safety. So you will have to decide yourself if it has value in your particular vehicle.
This paper provides more complete information on the system.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=928
Jim
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