Key won't turn to Lock position
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 75
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From: Huntsville, AL
Key won't turn to Lock position
Just fixed the Fasten Seat Belt light/buzzer about a week ago.
Now I can't turn the key to the lock position. It might be my imagination but the shifter(auto) feels different too. Any one have any tips and where to start? Thanks for any help.
Now I can't turn the key to the lock position. It might be my imagination but the shifter(auto) feels different too. Any one have any tips and where to start? Thanks for any help.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: Key won't turn to Lock position (1BadRat)
There is a rod that locks the steering column when you put the shifter in Park. This also allows you to remove the key. Open the hood. Look under the brake booster at the firewall where the steering column comes out, you will see the linkage. :cool:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,188
Likes: 1
From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan Canada
Re: Key won't turn to Lock position (1BadRat)
there is a cable that goes from your transmission shift lever (at the trans ) to the base of your steering shaft (under power brake booster) that moves as you put it into park. The cable is seized, bunched up, or disconnected not allowing the column lock to work properly.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,188
Likes: 1
From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan Canada
Re: Key won't turn to Lock position (silvervetteman)
silvervetteman I was typing at the same time as you. I did not see your post until after I posted. :) I would never correct such a small detail as that .:) Actually some of the 70's Chevelles etc.. had rods not cables.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Re: Key won't turn to Lock position (silvervetteman)
The lever sticking out of the end of your steering column (under the brake booster) needs to be all the way UP in order for you to be able to turn your ignition key to OFF-LOCK. You can either disconnect the cable from the lever and tie the lever in the UP position; or go down under the car and figure why the shifter isn't moving the cable.
With the lever always in the UP position, you will be able to turn off your ignition and lock the steering column even though the car may be still in motion. This was a feature that GM introduced to make the steering lock "idiot proof". Automatic transmissions had to be in PARK and manual transmissions had to be in REVERSE so that the cable pushed on the column lever and placed it in the UP position.
With the lever always in the UP position, you will be able to turn off your ignition and lock the steering column even though the car may be still in motion. This was a feature that GM introduced to make the steering lock "idiot proof". Automatic transmissions had to be in PARK and manual transmissions had to be in REVERSE so that the cable pushed on the column lever and placed it in the UP position.
