Ignition Key Troubles
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 396
Likes: 3
From: Buffalo New York
Ignition Key Troubles
The ignition key on my '76 can be pulled out at any time, even with the car running. Every other function of the ignition switch works. I can also start the car without the key, so long as the switch is not in the lock position. I still need the key to start the car from the lock position. What is broke? Is it just the lock cylinder, or something else??
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
GM keys have 6 positions and 4 or 5 registers in each position. If your key is cut so the deeper registers are toward the head end of the key, as they wear, it makes them easy to pull out.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
There are five ignition key positions. From full clockwise rotated CCW.
START, RUN, OFF, OFF-LOCK, and ACCESSORY. The only place that the key should come out of the lock cylinder is OFF-LOCK.
Jim
START, RUN, OFF, OFF-LOCK, and ACCESSORY. The only place that the key should come out of the lock cylinder is OFF-LOCK.
Jim
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 396
Likes: 3
From: Buffalo New York
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
That's a good question, because if the condition is caused by the key being worn down it would be a waste of time and money to change the lock cylinder. Most of us wouldn't worry about your issue, but I am curious to know what causes it.
I would be concerned if I could NOT pull the key out!
I would be concerned if I could NOT pull the key out!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
I seem to remember that early GM cars (1950s - 60s) you could pull the ignition key out of the lock cylinder/ignition switch in the dash while the engine was running. Whether or not this was changed in the 60s, I haven't been able to find any information on this.
I am quite positive, however, that with the introduction of the locking steering columns, (in all GM passenger cars starting the 1969 model year), the lock cylinder was designed to only allow the key to be removed when the lock cylinder was rotated to OFF-LOCK.
Jim
I am quite positive, however, that with the introduction of the locking steering columns, (in all GM passenger cars starting the 1969 model year), the lock cylinder was designed to only allow the key to be removed when the lock cylinder was rotated to OFF-LOCK.
Jim
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
NCRS judging manuals have a check for 1965 and later Vettes. The key may be removed from the ignition switch/lock cylinder only in the OFF position. Corvettes earlier than 1965 allowed the key to be removed in the RUN as well as the OFF positions.
Jim
Jim
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 396
Likes: 3
From: Buffalo New York
Thanks for the info Jim. The key comes out easy in the lock and off position. It comes out a little hard in the run position, and it doesn't come out in the acc position. So it must be the key, which is pretty well worn. I guess I'll leave it for now.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
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From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
The key is not really supposed to come out, as Jim states. But when they wear, things happen that are not supposed to. After spending several years wrenching in a variety of GM dealers, there are a great many things that happen that were not planned for.
Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
From: Cherry Hill N.J.
I stand corrected.
The older chevys I had ,56,60,62 all had ignition keys which could be removed at any time..This was by design..
My 77 corvette does the same but not by design...
I presume the lock-key has worn down but when I bought the car(2001)
the lock did what I thought was normal....
The older chevys I had ,56,60,62 all had ignition keys which could be removed at any time..This was by design..
My 77 corvette does the same but not by design...
I presume the lock-key has worn down but when I bought the car(2001)
the lock did what I thought was normal....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
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From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
Suggest go visit your local pro locksmith. Not same, but I had similar situation. I stopped by a local old-time locksmith shop and asked. The fellow (Dave) said he thought he could help; to bring the car to him. Weeks later I did.
As I sat beside Dave at his bench, he took my key and compared it to an array of tools/devices that looked like holed discs attached to pliers. In just a few minutes he made his choice and punched out a key with the pliers-disc tool. He checked out new key w/ car AOK & proclaimed it's "just like the factory key was when new". No bull, Works great! Dave punched out another. Total cost Ten bucks. Until this key issue came up, I'd never met Dave. I couldn't be more pleased.
Suggest go visit your local pro locksmith.
As I sat beside Dave at his bench, he took my key and compared it to an array of tools/devices that looked like holed discs attached to pliers. In just a few minutes he made his choice and punched out a key with the pliers-disc tool. He checked out new key w/ car AOK & proclaimed it's "just like the factory key was when new". No bull, Works great! Dave punched out another. Total cost Ten bucks. Until this key issue came up, I'd never met Dave. I couldn't be more pleased.
Suggest go visit your local pro locksmith.
