Ignition Key

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Dec 22, 2005 | 07:21 PM

rcsron

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Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 61

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From: Kingman Arizona

Ignition Key

My 71 Corvette Stingray with 4 speed Muncie has a problem where the ignition key will not go to the lock position to remove the key and lock the sterring wheel.. The lever on the steering column was not moving when put in reverse.I have straightened the cable at the trans and now the lever on the steering column moves up and down although it still will not let the key move to lock .. Is my problem in the steering column..

Dec 22, 2005 | 07:50 PM

goinbroke

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jun 2002

Posts: 837

Likes: 3

From: Texas

I don't have an answer for you, but when Jim Shea checks in I bet he can fix you up pronto. He is the "steering column" guy here.

Dec 22, 2005 | 08:08 PM

rcsron

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From: Kingman Arizona

I'm Waitin'

Thanks for the reply... Hard to take the car anywhere if ya cant secure it.. THis vette has numerous little problems.. So will post them .. Will take a pic of it soon.. It is a copper color and have had the engine overhauled and the trans done . Mechanically not bad..

Dec 22, 2005 | 08:38 PM

goinbroke

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jun 2002

Posts: 837

Likes: 3

From: Texas

They ALL have numerous little problems....believe me. I try to take one or two projects a year as time and money permit. Sounds like a really nice vette you have.

Dec 22, 2005 | 08:52 PM

turtlevette

Melting Slicks

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 3,053

Likes: 4

St. Jude Donor '03,'11

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcsron

: .. Is my problem in the steering column..

its probably still not going all the way up. The lever has to be fully up to get the ignition to lock. Disconnect the cable and wire it in the up position.

Just be aware if you shut the ignition off at speed your steering wheel will lock. I did it once and it freaked me out.

Dec 22, 2005 | 11:10 PM

Jim Shea

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jul 2000

Posts: 6,001

Likes: 111

From: Saginaw Michigan

This link will take you to a paper that describes how your steering column transmission shift interlock operates. You will still have to trouble shoot as to exactly what is wrong with your cable etc.

http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/StrgCo...tems27JL04.doc

Merry Christmas,
Jim

Dec 23, 2005 | 02:08 PM

rcsron

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Joined: Dec 2005

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From: Kingman Arizona

Yep you hit that one right on the nailhead!!! Many thanks!! I tried to save the cable but it had nasty
bend at the trans and it has broken steel strands so it is history. The car has sat a lot in the last 10 years and everything gets a little sticky. But like ya said I tied the lever to a hole that is on the bottom master cylinder with a wire. But mission accomplished the key goes in and out now just fine.. Yeah I bet turning it off while driving would be exciting with a locked steering wheel..
Next project Quadrajet carb choke. Hard Starting when cold. It is All disconnected and a mess. So took some pics and will be posting this problem..
Agin my thanks to you and all the guys on the forum .. Man this is fun!!

Dec 23, 2005 | 05:10 PM

marley

Intermediate

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 34

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From: Winnipeg MB

Just a suggestion about tying the lever up with the cable disconnected. Don't do that for too long. Your lever on the steering column may corrode a bit and when you buy a new cable, the lever will be hard to move and the cable will bend outside the sheath, and not function. I tied mine up for about 4 years. Then when I replaced the cable, I ruined that one for the above reason. New cables are available, got mine at Paragon. Fun to install, but do able with patience.

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Dec 23, 2005 | 07:01 PM

sjr1971

Racer

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 275

Likes: 6

From: NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Shea

Jim .. I have printed your papers from here & the FAQ. My '71 must have been built on a Wednesday, I haven't seen any of these problems but I read/save the fixes just in case. Thanks for all your input "You da Man" Merry Christmas to you & yours Jim and THANK YOU !! Steve R

Dec 23, 2005 | 07:18 PM

#10

goinbroke

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jun 2002

Posts: 837

Likes: 3

From: Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by sjr1971

I couldn't agree more. I have a stack of floppy disks with most of Jim's papers, all of Lar's papers, all of Gary's papers, etc. I also have a ton of bookmarks with stuff like the 101 site saved to disk. Really nice of these guys to share info like they do.

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