Key stuck in ignition switch
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Key stuck in ignition switch
Has anyone had this problem? I know that there is a bolt underneath the car that gets pushed in when the car is put into park. It doesn't look like mine is going in all the way. Any suggestions on what to do?⁹
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7,672
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From: Indiana
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9,211
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From: US-PNW
Make sure, if auto trans, the shifter is fully forward in park. Also check to see if the steering wheel locks. If both are good, then I'm at a loss as to key removal.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Key stuck in ignition switch.
My Vette is a 1976
I do know the cable is ok. The bolt that goes in and out is threaded, so I think it is not connected.
I am fully forward in the park position. I don't think the steering wheel will turn so I will check that out in the morning.
I do know the cable is ok. The bolt that goes in and out is threaded, so I think it is not connected.
I am fully forward in the park position. I don't think the steering wheel will turn so I will check that out in the morning.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Key stuck in ignition switch.
The steering wheel does turn
I did find out that there is bolts on each side of the steering wheel located near the top of the firewall. Both of them were missing a nut. I was able to get a nut on one of them but not the o not ther one. The bolt turns as I try to turn the nut. There is not any way to hold the bolt while turning the nut.
I did find out that there is bolts on each side of the steering wheel located near the top of the firewall. Both of them were missing a nut. I was able to get a nut on one of them but not the o not ther one. The bolt turns as I try to turn the nut. There is not any way to hold the bolt while turning the nut.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,103
Likes: 802
From: Massapequa Park NY
It’s most likely the cable that’s connected to the trans. That cable moves a lever on the steering shaft in the engine compartment to unlock the ignition when the cars goes into park. Even if the cable is connected it still might not be pushing the lever all the way up. This is a pretty common problem. Move the lever on the steering shaft in the engine compartment by hand to the upper most position. Many owners have disconnected this cable to bypass the interlock. Sometimes when it’s disconnected it moves on its own and locks up the key.
Last edited by ed427vette; Jul 2, 2021 at 08:52 PM.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Key stuck in ignition switch.
I did check the cable and it looks like it is pushing the lever all the way up. I did find that there is a plate behind the lever. There is a bolt on each side of the steering column. I found that the nut was missing on both of them. I was able to put a nut on the one that was on the left. The one I could only get the nut started. I am not able to tighten it because I can not stop the bolt from turning when I tighten the nut.