won't turn off
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
https://www.paragoncorvette.com/p-35...elescopic.aspx
The switch is attached with screws to the mast and if it comes loose it can move out of sync. It is connected to the key via a rod that runs down the top of the column. With the key in the off position, I would reach on top of the column and push the rod gently toward the steering column. If this cuts the power to the coil, you've found your problem. You'll need to loosen the screws on the switch and slide it down the column just a very small amount then re-tighten them.
Good luck... GUSTO
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,852
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I'd take a hard look at the ignition switch. Jim Shea has some nice instructions on his site that'll tell you how to adjust the rod if indeed that is the issue. But in most cases it's probably the switch has failed.Willcox
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
If you look at the picture above, you can see where the metal portion of the switch is "clamped" to the plastic body. Internally there are a springs and contacts that do their best to separate the switch over time. I have seen them where the switch has partially separated and the switch will partially function. If that does happen, and you know what you're doing, you can often re-clamp the switch and it will be as good as new.
Ford used a similar switch for many years and actually did a recall as the switches were coming apart and they would arc and over heat, sometimes causing a fire. I had an '89 Bronco that was recalled and when they handed me the old switch you could see where it had already begun to over heat. Other than a switch starting to separate, I never saw evidence of overheating in the Corvette switch.
Good luck... GUSTO
Ford used a similar switch for many years and actually did a recall as the switches were coming apart and they would arc and over heat, sometimes causing a fire. I had an '89 Bronco that was recalled and when they handed me the old switch you could see where it had already begun to over heat. Other than a switch starting to separate, I never saw evidence of overheating in the Corvette switch.
Good luck... GUSTO
Racer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 414
Likes: 55
From: Humboldt county Ca
I had that problem once. Turned out it was the alternator failing and backfeeding the coil. Found that out after I had pulled the column and replaced the ignition switch.
Last edited by stumpshot; Sep 28, 2016 at 10:13 AM.
