79 ignition lock/switch
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
79 ignition lock/switch
All of a sudden the ignition switch doesn't work (won't start the engine) I figure I either need a new switch or lock or both. Any recomendations or how to in removing the switch and or lock mechanism. Thanks and hello to all. I have an 03 50th and a 79 and love them both.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
These two papers and pics should give you all the information on replacing the lock cylinder and the ignition switch on your 1979 Tilt & Telescoping steering column.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ev13my2010.pdf
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ev09ja2010.pdf
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ev02oc2010.pdf
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ev21mr2009.pdf
Jim
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ev13my2010.pdf
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ev09ja2010.pdf
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ev02oc2010.pdf
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ev21mr2009.pdf
Jim
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,349
Likes: 34
From: Porterville Ca
On these cars usually the lock cylinder pushes a rod that operates the ignition switch. Grab a light and watch the rod and make sure it is pushing against the switch and doesn't have too much slop. Some times the switch retaining bolts will come loose and the pushrod won't actuate the switch. Move your adjustable colum and try to start your Vette if it works in a different position, it may just be out of adjustment.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: Carol Stream IL
I wouldn't worry about the lock cylinder unless it is jammed and you can't turn it, it is simply connected to a metal rod that opperates the ignition switch. You can take the switch out with out removing the steering wheel so that will save some trouble. You can put a screw driver in the slider on the ignition switch to operate it and see if your car starts. Hah just read what centralcalvette said which is excellent advice. If other things work such as the radio and headlights the switch proably isn't bad but don't quote me on that.
Something else to thing about, the neutral safety switch can go bad and not allow the car to start. On an automatic it is at the bottom on the shifter, not 100% sure where it is located on a manuel car. Also the starter harness coming off the starter post and connecting by the heater relay on the passenger side of the firewall can get corroded easily and not allow power to travel to the ignition switch. Yet another component that can fail is the battery cable. Unplugging the posative terminal and the connection on the starter then putting a jumper cable from the starter to battery would be a good way to test if that cable went bad. Hope this helps.
Something else to thing about, the neutral safety switch can go bad and not allow the car to start. On an automatic it is at the bottom on the shifter, not 100% sure where it is located on a manuel car. Also the starter harness coming off the starter post and connecting by the heater relay on the passenger side of the firewall can get corroded easily and not allow power to travel to the ignition switch. Yet another component that can fail is the battery cable. Unplugging the posative terminal and the connection on the starter then putting a jumper cable from the starter to battery would be a good way to test if that cable went bad. Hope this helps.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Glendale AZ
Don't take it all apart just yet. I ran into this on my 78. The switch was just out of adjustment.
When you turn the key it actuates a long rod that goes down the column and presses/pulls a switch near the base of the column. The bolts can be loosened and you can move it back and forth to adjust it. I just had to move mine slightly and it worked fine again.
When you turn the key it actuates a long rod that goes down the column and presses/pulls a switch near the base of the column. The bolts can be loosened and you can move it back and forth to adjust it. I just had to move mine slightly and it worked fine again.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
I replaced the ignition lock and now I need to reinstall the steering wheel. What is the best/easiest way to put the hub back in. I used a puller to take it off but I didn't know how much pressure to exert getting the hub back on. Thx, MarktheVette
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Thanks for the pictures they went a long way to help me get the column installed. But, now I'm afraid I need another bit of help. Prior to installing the horn button, I applied power and right away the horn started blowing. @#$%. I hope I never have to change the ignition lock again. Thanks for whatever help you can provide. You all are great
