1974 locking steering colum
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Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 28
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1974 locking steering colum
I noticed that when I pull the key out of the ignition the colum doesn't lock. I do have to put it in reverse to get the key out. So does it suppose to lock or is there a issue that happens that does not effect the other operations of the colum?
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 456
Likes: 0
From: Forty Fort PA
The way it works on my 75 is that you can't get the key out unless it is in reverse and once you take the key out it is LOCKED IN REVERSE until I insert the key and turn it. The steering column doesn't lock except for the shifter.
Hope this helps.
Langg
Hope this helps.
Langg
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Does your shifter lock?
It is possible that your locking bolt is corroded and frozen in the turn signal housing. If that is the case, everything else will operate normally except that the bolt will not engage the locking plate and therefore you will still be able to turn the steering wheel.
Here is an important thing to remember. There are five ignition switch positions: START, RUN, OFF, OFF-LOCK, & ACCESSORY
The bolt is just spring loaded into the locking plate when you rotate your ignition key from OFF to OFF-LOCK. But the bolt is mechanically forced away from the locking plate when you insert your key and turn from OFF-LOCK to OFF.
That is why the shifter will lock, the ignition will function properly, you can remove your key, and you can insert your key and reach all five switch positions even though the locking bolt is frozen.
Jim
It is possible that your locking bolt is corroded and frozen in the turn signal housing. If that is the case, everything else will operate normally except that the bolt will not engage the locking plate and therefore you will still be able to turn the steering wheel.
Here is an important thing to remember. There are five ignition switch positions: START, RUN, OFF, OFF-LOCK, & ACCESSORY
The bolt is just spring loaded into the locking plate when you rotate your ignition key from OFF to OFF-LOCK. But the bolt is mechanically forced away from the locking plate when you insert your key and turn from OFF-LOCK to OFF.
That is why the shifter will lock, the ignition will function properly, you can remove your key, and you can insert your key and reach all five switch positions even though the locking bolt is frozen.
Jim
Last edited by Jim Shea; May 22, 2012 at 09:13 PM.
