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From: Out Where the Buses Don't Run, Eglin AFB/ Niceville FL
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 Corvette of the Year Finalist -- Modified
2021 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
2020 C7 of the Year Finalist -- Modified
2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Key release lever
On the right hand side of the steering column there is a lever that must be pushed down to be able to turn the ignition switch completely off and remove the key. Was this on the 82 Vette since it only came in auto? I've owned two 82's but can't remember if they had this lever. I can't find a good clear picture anywhere but I have seen this lever on 80/81 manual or auto. I have a friend with an 82 that has this lever but it is non-functional. I think his car has had the column replaced at some point. Any help is appreciated and a pic of an 82 column taken from the ignition switch side would also be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Hi TH,
I just took a look at the 82 AIM and don't see anything in the steering column sheets that indicates the column still had the lever to control the reverse lock/key release.
Regards,
Alan
From: Out Where the Buses Don't Run, Eglin AFB/ Niceville FL
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 Corvette of the Year Finalist -- Modified
2021 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
2020 C7 of the Year Finalist -- Modified
2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I found a pic of my black 82 and just below and forward of the ignition switch is the lever in question. It's right at the collar for the tilt. I don't recall doing anything with it to get the key out in this car or my 82 CE. It's been 7 years since I've been in an 82.
Hi TH,
I'm REALLY out of my league here...
I was looking for the 'lever' that sticks out of the column in the engine compartment and is used to engage the reverse lockout which must be done in order to remove the key!!!!
SORRY!
Regards,
Alan
From: Out Where the Buses Don't Run, Eglin AFB/ Niceville FL
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 Corvette of the Year Finalist -- Modified
2021 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
2020 C7 of the Year Finalist -- Modified
2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
No worries, Alan. Thanks for chiming in. Trying to find out if the steering column lever does anything. My friend says his does nothing. I don't have access to his car or an 82 right now. I'm getting old and forgetful and don't remember if I had to use it or not. I had my CE for 7 years as a DD and the black one for a year as a project car.
No worries, Alan. Thanks for chiming in. Trying to find out if the steering column lever does anything. My friend says his does nothing. I don't have access to his car or an 82 right now. I'm getting old and forgetful and don't remember if I had to use it or not. I had my CE for 7 years as a DD and the black one for a year as a project car.
My "81 has the lever. It is called the key release lever.
It releases jaws inside of the column.
This allows you to remove the key after the key has been in run or start positions.
Good morning, I am in the process of rebuilding my steering column and despite all the research I have done, nothing seems to show the key release lever on the steering columns or how they are to be installed. It’s my fault for not taking step by step pictures during the break down but if anyone could point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance! Release lever Unknown parts
Good morning, I am in the process of rebuilding my steering column and despite all the research I have done, nothing seems to show the key release lever on the steering columns or how they are to be installed. It’s my fault for not taking step by step pictures during the break down but if anyone could point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance! Release lever Unknown parts
Hey Buddy. This key remove lever, on steering column under the hood. I had the cable replaced on my 71 but it takes quite a bit of force for this push up. How easy should this lever move? I have it disconnected right now til I could find out about this. Thanks.
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Key release lever
