'71 ignition switch?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
'71 ignition switch?
Maybe someone can help me out here before I start dismantling the T/T steering column. The first failure I experienced was that during starting the ignition key (lock cylinder ) did not return from start position to "run". Then I rotated the lock on and off several times and felt it to act strange. Suddenly it did not turn on any lights and just felt wrong. It was still possible to move it in all positions clockwise but not the one anticlockwise position. Spring return still absent. Now it is dead with no ignition lights.
Any good ideas of what has happened and what I need to do?
Henry
Any good ideas of what has happened and what I need to do?
Henry
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
Remove the lower plastic panel from beneath your steering column. Disconnect your battery. Now you should be able to see a rod coming out of the column head and extending down to the ignition switch mounted on top of the steering column down under the dash. As you rotate your ignition key you should be able to see and/or feel the rod moving. As you turn the key toward START you should determine that the rod is being pulled up toward the steering wheel.
If the rod is not moving even though you are turning your ignition key, most likely there is a problem between a plastic sector gear and a small die cast rack inside the steering column head. (Those two parts convert rotary [ignition key] motion to linear [ignition switch] motion.)
It is a fairly common problem for the rack to break. Your description does sound like a broken rack.
Try to determine where the problem is. There are lots of instructions available to fix your column.
Jim
If the rod is not moving even though you are turning your ignition key, most likely there is a problem between a plastic sector gear and a small die cast rack inside the steering column head. (Those two parts convert rotary [ignition key] motion to linear [ignition switch] motion.)
It is a fairly common problem for the rack to break. Your description does sound like a broken rack.
Try to determine where the problem is. There are lots of instructions available to fix your column.
Jim
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Removed the steering column and checked the rod. It did not move at all when turning the key. Looking through the opening where the tilt arm sits I was able to see the sector and rack. The sector was not able to enter the rack, just spinning on the first tooth. By pushing the rack a little then it started moving the rod. The spring action is still absent and when going back to lock position the sector loose contact with the rack again. Something must have gone wrong here. Do you think opening up and changing the parts will help.
Henry
Henry
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
I think that it is time to disassemble the column and find the exact causes of the problem. (I still think that it will be in the rack and/or the sector.)
Go to www.corvettefaq.com
Click on Steering Papers
Click on Jim Shea's Steering Papers
Click on Corvette Steering Papers
Scroll down to the Tilt & Telescoping Steering Column section
Download: Tilt & Telescoping Column 69-82 Disassembly & Repair Paper #1, #2, & #3. (You may need only portions of D&R Papers #1 and #2 since you already have the column out of the car.)
Download: Tilt & Telescoping Column 69-82 Disassembly Instruction Pics #1, #2, & #3.
You will only need two special tools. A steering hub puller and a lock plate compresser tool. Both are readily available at most major automotive stores. You may even be able to borrow them at minimal or no cost.
You most likely will require a new plastic c-clip retainer. If it has never been replaced in the past, you will most likely find that it breaks apart when you try to get it off the upper steering shaft. It is available through GM dealers #7808385, or though most Corvette part suppliers.
There are kits available that supply the rack and sector.
Jim
Go to www.corvettefaq.com
Click on Steering Papers
Click on Jim Shea's Steering Papers
Click on Corvette Steering Papers
Scroll down to the Tilt & Telescoping Steering Column section
Download: Tilt & Telescoping Column 69-82 Disassembly & Repair Paper #1, #2, & #3. (You may need only portions of D&R Papers #1 and #2 since you already have the column out of the car.)
Download: Tilt & Telescoping Column 69-82 Disassembly Instruction Pics #1, #2, & #3.
You will only need two special tools. A steering hub puller and a lock plate compresser tool. Both are readily available at most major automotive stores. You may even be able to borrow them at minimal or no cost.
You most likely will require a new plastic c-clip retainer. If it has never been replaced in the past, you will most likely find that it breaks apart when you try to get it off the upper steering shaft. It is available through GM dealers #7808385, or though most Corvette part suppliers.
There are kits available that supply the rack and sector.
Jim
