1969 lock cylinder linkage problem?
Thread Starter
1969 Corvette Roadster
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Golden CO
1969 lock cylinder linkage problem?
I have a '69 4-spd BB with a T&T steering column. The problem is my key turns freely through all 5 settings. Car won't start and can't free the transmission interlock. The interlock cable is attached to the lever on the steering column and appears to be in the 1 o'clock position. At first, I thought I had a bad lock cylinder, so I replaced it. Was proud that I did it. Unfortunately, that wasn't the problem. I've read all the Jim Shea white papers I could find, no help. Even studied the highly-detailed exploded view of my steering column (attached) to see if I could figure out if there is a gear connected to a rod that apparently actuates the lever. I think that there is linkage in my column has somehow separated. I've asked a good mechanic friend to come over and diagnose, because I think column disassembly may be required. But before I have my expert over, can anyone tell me if they've had this problem before, or if they can help me diagnose just what the heck is going on?
Thanks for listening. This is a great Forum and I'm glad I went for the Lifetime membership.
John
Thanks for listening. This is a great Forum and I'm glad I went for the Lifetime membership.
John
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,237
Likes: 4,328
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi John,
I don't have an answer to your steering column link question but it seems you may be describing 2 situations.
Getting the transmission out of reverse does have to do with the interlock lever on the column and the cable running to the reverse lever on the transmission. Remember although the reverse lockout affects the ignition switch it's the shifter that controls the lever and cable.
The 'no start' situation has to do with the clutch interlock switch which is mounted on the clutch pedal arm under the dash. Is the switch hooked up and are you depressing the clutch to start the engine?
Regards,
Alan
The cable end at the reverse lever on the transmission.
I don't have an answer to your steering column link question but it seems you may be describing 2 situations.
Getting the transmission out of reverse does have to do with the interlock lever on the column and the cable running to the reverse lever on the transmission. Remember although the reverse lockout affects the ignition switch it's the shifter that controls the lever and cable.
The 'no start' situation has to do with the clutch interlock switch which is mounted on the clutch pedal arm under the dash. Is the switch hooked up and are you depressing the clutch to start the engine?
Regards,
Alan
The cable end at the reverse lever on the transmission.
Last edited by Alan 71; Nov 26, 2016 at 01:27 PM.
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
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There is a rack in the steering column that operates a rod that operates the ignition switch.
The gear in the picture below is turned by the lock cylinder which rolls the gears and makes the rod move. So.. if you reach under the column by the ignition switch you'll find the end of this rod... see if it moves when you turn the lock cylinder.
If the interlock cable is stuck, you can disconnect it from the steering column and wire the column lever in place for a temporary "bubba" fix. This would allow your column to work in any gear or position as long as you move the lever to the correct position.
The gear in the picture below is turned by the lock cylinder which rolls the gears and makes the rod move. So.. if you reach under the column by the ignition switch you'll find the end of this rod... see if it moves when you turn the lock cylinder.
If the interlock cable is stuck, you can disconnect it from the steering column and wire the column lever in place for a temporary "bubba" fix. This would allow your column to work in any gear or position as long as you move the lever to the correct position.
Last edited by Willcox Corvette; Nov 26, 2016 at 12:31 PM.
Thread Starter
1969 Corvette Roadster
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Golden CO
Hi John,
I don't have an answer to your steering column link question but it seems you may be describing 2 situations.
Getting the transmission out of reverse does have to do with the interlock lever on the column and the cable running to the reverse lever on the transmission. Remember although the reverse lockout affects the ignition switch it's the shifter that controls the lever and cable.
The 'no start' situation has to do with the clutch interlock switch which is mounted on the clutch pedal arm under the dash. Is the switch hooked up and are you depressing the clutch to start the engine?
Regards,
Alan
The cable end at the reverse lever on the transmission.
I don't have an answer to your steering column link question but it seems you may be describing 2 situations.
Getting the transmission out of reverse does have to do with the interlock lever on the column and the cable running to the reverse lever on the transmission. Remember although the reverse lockout affects the ignition switch it's the shifter that controls the lever and cable.
The 'no start' situation has to do with the clutch interlock switch which is mounted on the clutch pedal arm under the dash. Is the switch hooked up and are you depressing the clutch to start the engine?
Regards,
Alan
The cable end at the reverse lever on the transmission.
Thread Starter
1969 Corvette Roadster
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Golden CO
There is a rack in the steering column that operates a rod that operates the ignition switch.
The gear in the picture below is turned by the lock cylinder which rolls the gears and makes the rod move. So.. if you reach under the column by the ignition switch you'll find the end of this rod... see if it moves when you turn the lock cylinder.
If the interlock cable is stuck, you can disconnect it from the steering column and wire the column lever in place for a temporary "bubba" fix. This would allow your column to work in any gear or position as long as you move the lever to the correct position.
The gear in the picture below is turned by the lock cylinder which rolls the gears and makes the rod move. So.. if you reach under the column by the ignition switch you'll find the end of this rod... see if it moves when you turn the lock cylinder.
If the interlock cable is stuck, you can disconnect it from the steering column and wire the column lever in place for a temporary "bubba" fix. This would allow your column to work in any gear or position as long as you move the lever to the correct position.
