Ignition Key
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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.. 
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 61
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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..
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,053
Likes: 4
St. Jude Donor '03,'11
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.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
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
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/StrgCo...tems27JL04.doc
Merry Christmas,
Jim
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 61
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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!!
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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Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 275
Likes: 6
From: NY
Originally Posted by Jim Shea
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
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/StrgCo...tems27JL04.doc
Merry Christmas,
Jim
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 837
Likes: 3
From: Texas
Originally Posted by sjr1971
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
