ignition switch or key lock failure
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: TX
ignition switch or key lock failure
1978 T&T steering column. I am too much of a newbie to attempt tearing into a steering column. Ignition key lock works in "on" position, but I get no voltage on "start" to the wiring harness block mounted on steering column under dash. (New battery, new starter - yea, don't ask) I want to know how to 'jump' the wiring harness so I an bypass the ignition switch and 'start' on the ignition key lock. Thank you for your time.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 174
From: Fort Wayne IN
If you have a manual, check at the clutch safety switch. If it is an automatic, check at the neutral safety switch. - http://www.nrjvette.com/johdotukset/...tte%201978.pdf
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
It's not terribly difficult to tear into the steering column. Look up Jim Shea's papers at corvettefaq.com and decide if the job is too difficult. You can rent the special tools that you will need from the chain parts stores that we are no longer allowed to mention by name in posts.
Rick B.
Rick B.
Last edited by 72LS1Vette; Aug 16, 2010 at 09:08 PM.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 596
Likes: 6
From: Irving Texas
My bet is one of two switches are broken:
The ignition switch below the column or the neutral safety switch.
They both are cheap to buy at Autozone and easier to replace than bother bypassing.
Lastly, check the metal L shaped rod to verify it's properly inside the groove in the ignition switch and not bent or fallen off.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par.../N-inr99Z9n859
The ignition switch below the column or the neutral safety switch.
They both are cheap to buy at Autozone and easier to replace than bother bypassing.
Lastly, check the metal L shaped rod to verify it's properly inside the groove in the ignition switch and not bent or fallen off.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par.../N-inr99Z9n859
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: TX
ignition switch
Thank you. I am betting on the ignition switch since I get no voltage to the neutral switch on 'start'. Switch appears to be mounted on top of the lower portion of the steering column. I can't figure out how to reach in order to remove - seems to me steering column as to be lowred but... unsure of what bolts holding the steering column in place need to be removed in order to reach, but at the same time not causing damage to anything or create another mess. Sorry to be a bother.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,419
Likes: 1,555
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Thank you. I am betting on the ignition switch since I get no voltage to the neutral switch on 'start'. Switch appears to be mounted on top of the lower portion of the steering column. I can't figure out how to reach in order to remove - seems to me steering column as to be lowred but... unsure of what bolts holding the steering column in place need to be removed in order to reach, but at the same time not causing damage to anything or create another mess. Sorry to be a bother.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com
Look under Corvette Steering Papers.
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Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
Thank you. I am betting on the ignition switch since I get no voltage to the neutral switch on 'start'. Switch appears to be mounted on top of the lower portion of the steering column. I can't figure out how to reach in order to remove - seems to me steering column as to be lowred but... unsure of what bolts holding the steering column in place need to be removed in order to reach, but at the same time not causing damage to anything or create another mess. Sorry to be a bother.
Try picking up on your steering wheel while turning the key to start and see if that will engage the starter ,sometimes the column gets loose and motion is lost.
If that doesn't work,there are to small screws (5/16 wrench size)on the left side of the column that hold the ign switch on, try loosening them and sliding the switch to see if the switch will engage.
Also check the purple at the switch to be SURE that you are not getting power from the switch. (Do you have an alarm with starter interrupt ?)
Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 348
Likes: 2
From: Lowell MA
On occasion, a small plastic gear, most are green in color, behind the mechanical ignition switch that drives the rack and rod assembly to the actual electrical ignition switch mounted on the column may break a tooth or split. This will not allow full engagement of the column mounted electrical switch. This may not be your problem but if you run out of resources, check it out.
Lemans
Lemans
