Hey Guys, Statred assembling my 75 Coupe, Have the tilt column in car but not fully installed,installed start switch on column to chech out wiring and starter. My problem is that the ignition key will not go off to the full lock position and I can't get the key out. The problem still exists even with the starter switch rod diconnected from the start switch. While trying to move the key and truning the wheel,the wheel still moves freely but can't get it to lock, I suspect there is sometime up with the locking feature on the key cly. Any direction would help.

Thanks, Ed

 

The lever that attaches to the rod from the shift linkage is probably not all the way up. This is what keeps you from removing the key unless the car is in park.

 

Paul, Thanks for that bit of info,I would have never thought of it. The trans lock cable was not in the car when I got it, so what you are saying that the lever that the cable attaches to in the engine compartment has to be in a certain position in order to remove the key. I will check it out when I go home and let you know how I make out.

Thanks, Ed

Thanks

 

The lever on the lower end of 1969+ GM steering columns enables the General Motors Steering Column/Transmission Shift Interlock System to operate. When GM introduced their locking steering column on all GM cars in 1969 they were very afraid of lawsuits from people who by mistake turned off their ignition and locked their steering wheel even while the car was still moving forward.

So GM and Saginaw Division designed a system where there was a gate designed inside the steering column. When activated, this gate always allowed the driver to just turn the engine OFF. But it prevented the ignition key from being rotated all the way to the OFF-LOCK position which would shut off the engine but would also cause the steering wheel to be locked.

This is how it worked:
With a floor shifter, (like in the C3) there is a cable coming from your transmission that is connected to that lever. When you shift into PARK (automatic trans) or into REVERSE (manual trans) you will note that the lever is pushed to the full UP position (about the 2 o’clock position as viewed looking down the steering column from the driver seat.) With the lever UP that gate is opened inside the column and it now allows your ignition key to rotate further from the OFF to the OFF-LOCK position. This is how the Steering Column/Transmission Shift Interlock System works.

FYI - Most people think that there are only four positions for your ignition key and switch. There are actually five, from ignition key full CW and rotated to the full CCW position:
START (key springs back to the RUN position); RUN; OFF; OFF-LOCK; & ACCESSORY.

As stated previously, you can always shut the engine OFF but you cannot lock the steering wheel unless the ignition key is rotated to OFF-LOCK. Now a lot of people with floor shifters disconnect the cable or linkage system from the lever on the column. (Headers can sometimes interfere or maybe they changed to a different transmission.) Then they tie or somehow fasten the steering column lever permanently in the full UP position. This will not cause any problems when shifting or driving with a floor shifter and the cable or linkage system disconnected. However, the ignition key will now be able to shut off the engine AND CONTINUE BEING ROTATED WHICH WILL LOCK THE STEERING WHEEL FROM TURNING at any time, (even when driving down the road.)
Jim

 

Jim, Thank you for your response, I'm sure that this is my problem, You guys are great.

Thanks, Ed

 

When home last night, moved lever to up position, key went to lock position, I wish everything was that easy. Thanks Paul and Jim

 

I had this problem too. Checked the linkage cable last night and the cable and bracket were a little rusty. Oiled them both and worked them back and forth for a bit and pulled it up and the key worked! Very exciting. Thanks guys!