Ignition steering lock wont lock?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
From: Lincolnshire,ENGLAND
Ignition steering lock wont lock?
Recently fitted a new ignition lock cylinder to my '77
Found that when the key is turned to 'lock' position and then removed it will lock the steering, but the chrome levers on the lock cylinder can be rotateded a very small amount with the key removed, just enough to unlock the steering?
Then if i re-insert the key after doing the above it will not let the cylinder turn clockwise to run etc, unless i re-lock it then remove the key-then re insert the key- then it will turn as it should.
The previous lock cylinder didnt have the chrome levers so i dont know if it did this before?
Shouldnt be able to release steering lock when key is removed, any ideas what is causing this?
Thanks
Found that when the key is turned to 'lock' position and then removed it will lock the steering, but the chrome levers on the lock cylinder can be rotateded a very small amount with the key removed, just enough to unlock the steering?
Then if i re-insert the key after doing the above it will not let the cylinder turn clockwise to run etc, unless i re-lock it then remove the key-then re insert the key- then it will turn as it should.
The previous lock cylinder didnt have the chrome levers so i dont know if it did this before?
Shouldnt be able to release steering lock when key is removed, any ideas what is causing this?
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
You are correct, you should not be able to force the lock cylinder CW to the point where you can unlock your steering wheel without the key in the lock cylinder.
If I read your analysis correctly, you can force the lock cylinder CW sufficient to unlock the steering wheel but still not far enough to turn on the car's ignition. There is a bolt that extends rearward into the toothed locking plate inside the column head. That bolt moves forward and rearward by means of a plastic gear and a small die cast rack as you rotate the ignition key CW & CCW. From your description, you can force the bolt back into the bearing housing just enough to disengage from the locking plate.
It seems to me that you are experiencing a stackup problem with all of the components in the lock cylinder and the steering column head. It could be that just another lock cylinder might cure your problem.
Otherwise, even though someone could disengage the locking bolt from the steering wheel, the thief still could not turn on the ignition to drive the car. It is still very difficult to "hot wire" these cars because the ignition switch is buried up under the dash on top of the steering column.
This problem might be minor enough that you can ignore it.
Jim
I
If I read your analysis correctly, you can force the lock cylinder CW sufficient to unlock the steering wheel but still not far enough to turn on the car's ignition. There is a bolt that extends rearward into the toothed locking plate inside the column head. That bolt moves forward and rearward by means of a plastic gear and a small die cast rack as you rotate the ignition key CW & CCW. From your description, you can force the bolt back into the bearing housing just enough to disengage from the locking plate.
It seems to me that you are experiencing a stackup problem with all of the components in the lock cylinder and the steering column head. It could be that just another lock cylinder might cure your problem.
Otherwise, even though someone could disengage the locking bolt from the steering wheel, the thief still could not turn on the ignition to drive the car. It is still very difficult to "hot wire" these cars because the ignition switch is buried up under the dash on top of the steering column.
This problem might be minor enough that you can ignore it.
Jim
I
