Ignition switch trouble
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 445
Likes: 2
From: Thomastown Mississippi
Ignition switch trouble
I need to install a new ignition switch. Also, the other part inside the steering column. My switch has a lot of slop in it. Also, the car will start without a key. The last couple of days I've noticed I have to jiggle the switch to get it to shut completely off. Sometimes with the key in the off position, both of the wires in the two wire clip on the altenator are live. It's my understanding that only one should be live with the key "off". I also noticed this morning that my altenator was warm after the car had been parked overnight, as if maybe the key had been left on overnight. The key mechanism has been kinda loose and sloppy since I bought the car over a year ago, and as I said the car will start without a key, although I use one anyway. I ordered a new Delco key mechanism and the inside slide part also. Not sure what it's called. Can someone tell me how to get in the steering column to install these parts??? Or at least point me toward a picture or diagram?? It's a '77 Vette, L48, Auto, with tilt/telescoping wheel.
Thanks,
Kenny
Thanks,
Kenny
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 445
Likes: 2
From: Thomastown Mississippi
Update. It seems I've got more trouble. Just went a rechecked everything and here's where I'm at. Hooked the battery up, put a test light on the red wire in the two wire clip that plugs into the altenator. With the key off, the test light lights up. It's hot. Put the tester on the white wire in the clip and nothing. This is with the key "off". If I turn the key "on", the test light lights up on both wires. I think this is the way it should be. I started the car and tested volts at the altenator and get 14.5 at idle. That sould be good. Here's the problem. My altenator is still getting hot to the touch when the car is off. I unhooked my battery early this morning, reconnected it after about 4 hours, and within 15 minutes the alternator was warm to the touch. Does anyone know what would be causing this?? I'm stumped.
Kenny
Kenny
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
It sounds as if you want to replace both the ignition switch (down under the dash on top of the steering column jacket) as well as the ignition lock cylinder (in the steering column head.) It will be best if you pull the steering column so you will have best access to the switch.
Complete instructions (including tips on pulling the steering column) can be found at:
www.corvettefaq.com
click on Jim Shea's Steering Papers
click on Corvette Steering Papers
scroll down to the Tilt & Telescoping Steering Column Section
download Disassembly & Repair Papers #1, #2, & #3
download Disasembly & Repair Pics #1, and #3
Sorry I can't help with the wiring on the hot alternator.
Jim
Complete instructions (including tips on pulling the steering column) can be found at:
www.corvettefaq.com
click on Jim Shea's Steering Papers
click on Corvette Steering Papers
scroll down to the Tilt & Telescoping Steering Column Section
download Disassembly & Repair Papers #1, #2, & #3
download Disasembly & Repair Pics #1, and #3
Sorry I can't help with the wiring on the hot alternator.
Jim
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 445
Likes: 2
From: Thomastown Mississippi
Thanks Jim, that takes care of that problem. This alternator getting hot has got me scratching my head. I think I've got the old original alternator for the car lying around. I'll hook it back up and see if it gets warm.
KC
KC
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 445
Likes: 2
From: Thomastown Mississippi
I think I isolated the problem down to the alternator itself. I reinstalled my old alternator, let it sit for an hour and it did not get hot. Hooked the other one back up and within 20-30 minutes it was hot to the touch. Something must be going bad on the inside. I've had lots of alternators go bad, but never like this. My volt meter shows it still charging, but I don't think it will be for very long. Anyone have an alternator just start getting hot out of nowhere, just hooked up, without the motor even running????
