Ignition Key
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 327
Likes: 1
From: Higgins Lake Michigan
Ignition Key
This question would be on a 1974 vert. Automatic trans. The ignition key will not go back into the lock position. The key will will not come out of the ignition. Any ideas on what to do ??? Thnx Dave
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,977
Likes: 19
From: Canboro Ontario
Is your steering lock still attached, that might be sticking and not moving to full lock position. Steering column, might need a little jiggling to allow it to be in proper position as well. Shifter still another item. All this has to be set proper, to allow the ignition to get into lock position.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,977
Likes: 19
From: Canboro Ontario
The only other thing I can think of, is that there is a connecting rod that is connected to the ignition switch, down lower on the column, sometimes they get stuck or out of position, and may cause the ignition key not to reach its full position back.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,638
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
Not sure about 74', but the 75' AIM I have shows an interlock cable that goes from the trannie left side to the arm on the column that locks the trannie in park when the ignition is locked. Check the cable adjustment.
Gary
Cable 'B' in this pic.
Gary
Cable 'B' in this pic.
Last edited by Duke94; Feb 21, 2010 at 01:53 PM.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 596
Likes: 6
From: Irving Texas
I agree....I suggest crawling underneath, disconnecting the cable and pulling the steering arm all the way up...then try removing the key.
The cable is usually rusted or stuck and doesnt fully push the lever up all the way.
The cable is usually rusted or stuck and doesnt fully push the lever up all the way.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 111
From: Saginaw Michigan
Your problem is the steering column / transmissions shift interlock system.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...tems27JL04.doc
There is a cable connecting your REVERSE gear (manual trans) or your PARK position (automatic) to a lever on the lower end of the steering column (out under the hood underneath the brake booster). That cable is frozen, broken, disconnected, etc. The lever must be full UP (about the 1 o'clock position) if you were looking down the column and could see it from the driver position in order to be able to rotate your ignition key from ENGINE OFF to the OFF-LOCK position.
A little known fact: There are five postions for your ignition key. Starting full clockwise and rotating CCW. START, RUN, OFF, OFF-LOCK, and ACCESSORY. The lever must be pushed full UP by the cable in order to go from OFF to OFF-LOCK (where you can lock your steering column and remove your ignition key.)
Jim
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...tems27JL04.doc
There is a cable connecting your REVERSE gear (manual trans) or your PARK position (automatic) to a lever on the lower end of the steering column (out under the hood underneath the brake booster). That cable is frozen, broken, disconnected, etc. The lever must be full UP (about the 1 o'clock position) if you were looking down the column and could see it from the driver position in order to be able to rotate your ignition key from ENGINE OFF to the OFF-LOCK position.
A little known fact: There are five postions for your ignition key. Starting full clockwise and rotating CCW. START, RUN, OFF, OFF-LOCK, and ACCESSORY. The lever must be pushed full UP by the cable in order to go from OFF to OFF-LOCK (where you can lock your steering column and remove your ignition key.)
Jim
Last edited by Jim Shea; Feb 26, 2010 at 06:58 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 327
Likes: 1
From: Higgins Lake Michigan
Jim and the rest of the guys who helped me out on this problem. Went out this morning and pulled up on the level on the steering coloum , right under the brake booster. And walla the lever came up and was able to lock ignition and the key came right out. Thnx Again Dave 
Cruising
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: henderson nv
if it isn't the interlock, then the spring cover probably came loose on the lock cylinder itself and will not allow the plug to return to the off position. again, if it is not the interlock I would replace the cylinder itself.
