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I am enjoying my new "previously enjoyed" '71 Corvette. The ignition mechanism in the steering wheel is having a problem: When I turn the key to start the car, the spring that should pop/twist the key from "starter" back to ordinary driving does not function. I have to manually turn the key back to the driving position.
Is this something I can fix myself or do I need to take this to a locksmith?
lock /key mech. is fine , the switch CFLVette shows gums up over the years.
replace or clean. it is located on top of the steering column above brake pedal.
Thanks for the info. I bought a switch as you suggested, but it looks upside down from yours. The metal bracket is on the bottom when the electrical clips are in the same order (two on top and three on bottom). Also, mine does not have the blue ****. I suppose that is because you have Tilt/Tele and I do not.
How do I "drop the the column". The link was quite informative, but was for replacing the key cylinder and did not mention dropping the column. I tried looking under the dash and doing this without dropping the steering column, but there is a lot of stuff in the way and I could not even see the switch. Also, I have AC, so I have to remove the ducting.
I tried finding this in the Assembly manual, but could not find where it was in there.
Last edited by gr8corvette; Jul 31, 2016 at 11:40 AM.
Thanks for the info. I bought a switch as you suggested, but it looks upside down from yours. The metal bracket is on the bottom when the electrical clips are in the same order (two on top and three on bottom). Also, mine does not have the blue ****. I suppose that is because you have Tilt/Tele and I do not.
How do I "drop the the column". The link was quite informative, but was for replacing the key cylinder and did not mention dropping the column. I tried looking under the dash and doing this without dropping the steering column, but there is a lot of stuff in the way and I could not even see the switch. Also, I have AC, so I have to remove the ducting.
I tried finding this in the Assembly manual, but could not find where it was in there.
The blue **** is just a pick to hold the switch in the correct position for installing and for a tele wheel. Tilt tele cars used a different switch.
To take the column down, remove the lower cover from under the column, then remove the two large (i think) 5/8" bolts that hold the column to the upper support bracket. This should buy you enough room to get in there and change the switch. If it doesn't then remove the star bolt at the rag joint and then remove the two bolts at the fire wall... Unplug the switches and the column will come out of the car.
If you go here it'll walk you through how to get the column loose.
The reference is excellent. However, as an "armchair mechanic" pulling the steering wheel out of the car seems very scary to me. I was hoping if the lower steering wheel dash bolts could be removed, the steering wheel would lower enough so that I could easily get to the switch. I am not sure I want to pull the steering wheel. If I just do figures A and B, would the steering wheel lower enough to get to the switch or would something brake if I try to lower the steering wheel without going past Figures A and B.
The reference is excellent. However, as an "armchair mechanic" pulling the steering wheel out of the car seems very scary to me. I was hoping if the lower steering wheel dash bolts could be removed, the steering wheel would lower enough so that I could easily get to the switch. I am not sure I want to pull the steering wheel. If I just do figures A and B, would the steering wheel lower enough to get to the switch or would something brake if I try to lower the steering wheel without going past Figures A and B.
Types of C3 Steering Columns Addressed in this Paper
This paper addresses the 1969 through 1979, second generation, energy absorbing,
function locking, C3 standard (non-adjustable) steering columns. It does not address the
1968, first generation, energy absorbing, standard steering column.
A word of caution: DISCONNECT THE BATTERY when you work on the steering
column. With the steering column partially disassembled it is possible to inadvertently
move the ignition switch to the start position.
General Information
There are two different designs of steering column mounted ignition switches. The
standard (non adjustable) steering column ignition switch works in the opposite direction
from the T&T steering column switch. Although either switch will connect to your
vehicle wiring harness, the switches are not interchangeable. So if you are replacing your
ignition switch, make sure that you obtain the correct replacement part.
Instructions for Dropping and/or Removing the Steering Column
First of all, NEVER just remove the two vertical screws that hold the steering column up
into the dash and let the column “hang” by the attachments at the flexible coupling and
the two fasteners coming through the dash panel. Letting the column “hang” in that
manner puts very high loads on the steering column lower bearing and can cause it to fail.
Replace/Adjust Dimmer and/or Ignition Switches
In order to gain access to the ignition switch and/or the dimmer switch, the steering
column must be dropped down from the dash or removed from the car entirely. It is best
to first remove the steering wheel since the column will not drop very far because the
steering wheel rim hits the car seat.
Thanks, this document (different that the first one) is very detailed and does answer my questions. I am not sure I can do that work by myself. I just don't have the confidence I can put it back together safely. I may just take it into the shop and let them do it. Since it "works" by manually turning the key back to the drive position, there is no hurry to get this fixed.
Doing it yourself is more satisfying, but I also know that having to have the car towed into the garage is more frustrating.
Thanks, this document (different that the first one) is very detailed and does answer my questions. I am not sure I can do that work by myself. I just don't have the confidence I can put it back together safely. I may just take it into the shop and let them do it. Since it "works" by manually turning the key back to the drive position, there is no hurry to get this fixed.
Doing it yourself is more satisfying, but I also know that having to have the car towed into the garage is more frustrating.
Amen! Sometimes we just have to pick our battles.
Plus, knowing what's involved—I believe—allows you to understand what's involved in the repair process.
Ignition key mechanism question
