cannot get key out
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Joined: Apr 2006
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cannot get key out
Well two parts. First I was working last week on car and left the key in the on position. Today when I went to work on the car I now cannot get the key to the off position even when shift is in reverse. Also the starter will not even click when I turn key on. Help!! Is there something that could have fried with the reverse situation and the key being left in?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
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From: New Hill NC
Well two parts. First I was working last week on car and left the key in the on position. Today when I went to work on the car I now cannot get the key to the off position even when shift is in reverse. Also the starter will not even click when I turn key on. Help!! Is there something that could have fried with the reverse situation and the key being left in?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 19,344
Likes: 654
From: Tampa, Florida
Sounds like you ran the battery dead by leaving the key 'on'.
If rocking the steering wheel like wombvette mentioned doesnt work shift it into 1 gear then back into the reverse..maybe the linkage is binding up..
If rocking the steering wheel like wombvette mentioned doesnt work shift it into 1 gear then back into the reverse..maybe the linkage is binding up..
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,353
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From: Virginia USA
I'm guessing you have a '69?
In the early years there is a linkage from the transmission to the column that wouldn't allow the key to be removed unless you put the trans in reverse. Look on the firewall where the steering comes out and you should see it if it is still there. If the cable is missing the lever can move and lock the key in place. If your cable is missing just grab the lever and move it up.
edit - my bad, i just reread your post and you said that you can't even get it out even in reverse so I guess you already know about the lock. I don't think there is any electrical components that would cause this. Maybe for some reason the interlock cable came loose or is out of adjustment.
In the early years there is a linkage from the transmission to the column that wouldn't allow the key to be removed unless you put the trans in reverse. Look on the firewall where the steering comes out and you should see it if it is still there. If the cable is missing the lever can move and lock the key in place. If your cable is missing just grab the lever and move it up.
edit - my bad, i just reread your post and you said that you can't even get it out even in reverse so I guess you already know about the lock. I don't think there is any electrical components that would cause this. Maybe for some reason the interlock cable came loose or is out of adjustment.
Last edited by theandies; Mar 29, 2008 at 05:33 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 19,344
Likes: 654
From: Tampa, Florida
I'm guessing you have a '69?
In the early years there is a linkage from the transmission to the column that wouldn't allow the key to be removed unless you put the trans in reverse. Look on the firewall where the steering comes out and you should see it if it is still there. If the cable is missing the lever can move and lock the key in place. If your cable is missing just grab the lever and move it up.
edit - my bad, i just reread your post and you said that you can't even get it out even in reverse so I guess you already know about the lock. I don't think there is any electrical components that would cause this. Maybe for some reason the interlock cable came loose or is out of adjustment.
In the early years there is a linkage from the transmission to the column that wouldn't allow the key to be removed unless you put the trans in reverse. Look on the firewall where the steering comes out and you should see it if it is still there. If the cable is missing the lever can move and lock the key in place. If your cable is missing just grab the lever and move it up.
edit - my bad, i just reread your post and you said that you can't even get it out even in reverse so I guess you already know about the lock. I don't think there is any electrical components that would cause this. Maybe for some reason the interlock cable came loose or is out of adjustment.
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Joined: Apr 2006
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found it
The lesson is that when you are putting in headers pay attention to what you are knocking around. One, on the driver side I knocked the cable off the steering column that locks the steering wheel and key. Second on the passenger side when putting a blanket on my starter I knocked off the wire and did not see that when wrapping the starter. Thanks for the input I just came in from the garage and saw the thread that mentioned the cable. You were dead on. I should have had the computer in the garage and save myself some stress!!!!!!
