Ignition issues

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May 5, 2017 | 11:20 AM

rew1984

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Ignition issues

I've read through multiple threads without finding my problem exactly. I have a 75 with tilt and telecoping steering. Car has always started with no issue since I bought it. One day it cranked up and then sounded like it was still in "start" position. Turned it off and tried again, same thing. Stopped and got a second set of eyes for third try and now nothing, no power. The ignition now free spins with steering in full upright position and gets hung up in start in any other position. I put new lock cylinder in and same problem.

Last edited by rew1984; May 5, 2017 at 12:28 PM.

May 5, 2017 | 11:42 AM

stumpshot

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From: Humboldt county Ca

Don't know much about the column but maybe your ignition switch is either loose or shot. You have to either drop or pull the column to reach it. It is operated by a rod from the key switch and is mounted on top of the steering column, under the dash. Not fun to work on but not that hard.
Stump

May 5, 2017 | 01:48 PM

gguillot

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From: The South

I changed mine recently. Not that hard, and can be done without dropping the steering column or removing it, although dropping it would certainly help. You'll definitely have to remove the lower steering column cover and probably the AC duct though. The switch itself is not very expensive, and can be purchased from just about anyone (get the best quality the vendor offers.) Like Stump said, there is a rod coming down from the key cylinder that moves the switch back and forth. Two small screws hold it down and two large connectors plug into it.

Here's the standard column and tilt column ignition switches side by side.

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May 5, 2017 | 02:08 PM

Big2Bird

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GM still has them.

May 8, 2017 | 04:34 PM

rew1984

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Thanks for the information. I guess my main question is...Is there anyway that ignition switch alone is the cause of my issues? It seems like the ignition switch wouldn't cause the issue with the key/lock cylinder not catching or going into the right locations. Can I change the rack/sector without removing the steering column as well?

May 9, 2017 | 07:42 AM

Big2Bird

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Quote:

Originally Posted by rew1984

You can, but its easier out of the car. If your going to do that chore, take it all the way down, change the lower and upper bearings, and lock-tite the screws that are all the way down there. Download the Jim Shea papers and read them.

May 9, 2017 | 09:16 AM

AzMotorhead

Limping across the line

Joined: Oct 2002

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From: Peoria Az

If your key just spins all the way around you have a couple possible issues.
Stripped sector gear and or rack and or the Ignition lock cylinder has failed.
I'd follow Big Birds advice and tear down column and rebuild after reading Jim Shea's papers

May 9, 2017 | 11:33 PM

rew1984

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Quote:

Originally Posted by AzMotorhead

I have all his papers printed out and I have read through them. Honestly, a full teardown and rebuild will be the biggest job I have taken on with this car so i was trying to avoid it. I did some more messing around tonight and I was able to see that the sector is not engaging the rack properly while turning key so I believe that is my issue. I may go ahead and order the kit and start the process to see if I can figure it out.