On my 73, the ignition key is not 'springing back" to "on" after being in the "start" position. I have to manually return the key to "on" after the engine fires.

What and where is the spring that's apparently broken? I don't think the key/lock cylinder has an any spring action,..is it in the ignition switch further down he steering column? BTW,..if it matters, this is a tilt/tele column.

Advice needed,..thanks!
Wes

 

there is a rod that runs from the key part inside the column down to the ign switch, which is bolted to the column under the dash. check to see if the rod fell out of it's pocket. or the ign sw on the column is adjustable maybe it slid and is out of adjustment, or the swicth is bad

hope this helps

vc

 

I vote The rod is binding or the ign. switch is bad. The spring back comes from the ignition switch.

 

Thanks for the quick replies. Where is the actual spring that pulls or pushes the rod? Is it in the ignition switch?

 

yep. it is part of it

 

The spring is inside the switch.
Jim

 

I purchased a new switch and there is no 'spring' or 'spring action' in the new switch or the old,..it simply 'clicks' from one position to the other.

The rod seems to be free of binding.

Any other ideas?

 

The switch does have a spring return from the START position.

Take as small allen wrench and place it in the Actuator Rod Hole in the Slider. Move the slider to the START position as shown in the picture. You will feel the spring return.
Install the switch on your steering column and adjust it as described.
Jim

 

Jim,..I stand corrected,..thanks! But after further investigation, both new and old switches are functioning as they should.

But my rod is binding,..any advice? The column is out of the car now (for other reasons).

Thanks!

 

So your T&T column is out of the car. The ignition switch is not mounted on the column at this time.

Have you removed your lock cylinder from the column? It is possible that the cylinder itself could be gummed up and sticking.
Remove the cylinder, insert the key, and check the function in your hand. If it is sticky you could try cleaning it with a silicone spray. BTW, if you need them, instructions for removing the lock cylinder are located in Paper #1 and Pic #1 listed below.

If the lock cylinder operation is smooth you can try the following.
Reinstall the cylinder in the column.
Place your ignition key in the lock cylinder and rotate the key from START all the way to the ACCESSORY positions place your other hand on the ignition switch rod. Is this how you are feeling a binding condition? Tilt the column all the way up, check for binding. Tilt the column all the way down. Again check for binding.

The ignition lock cylinder connects to a small plastic gear. The gear engages a small die cast rack inside the column head. The rack moves the ignition switch rod. Sometimes the die cast rack can break and may cause the binding condition.

A replacement rack (and sector if needed) are available through GM dealers and various supporting vendors.

I have written a series of papers and pics as that can assist you in the disassembly and repair of your steering column. They can be downloaded from this websight:
www.corvettefaq.com
Click on Jim Shea Steering Articles
Click on Corvette Steering Papers
Scroll down and download Tilt and Telescoping Column 69-82 Disassembly & Repair Papers #1, #2, & #3.
Download Tilt & Telescoping Column Disassembly & Repair Pics #1, #2, & #3.
Download Tilt & Telescoping Column 69-76 Blowup Pic

Good luck,
Additional assistance is only a click away,
Jim

 

Jim,..big-time thanks! I'll proceed as you suggest. Yes, I've removed the lock-cylinders before,..seems I had to crack through some casting flash to push in the spring clip that holds the LC.

Standby as I tear into the column. Thanks again!