Key switch
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 428
From: Cape Girardeau Missouri
Sadly that's a fairly common problem and there is NO "quick fix".
You have to remove the steering wheel and dig down into the column a fair way. If you DIY, look up and study instructions. Lay out the parts in the exact order of removal. Be aware that the "U" shaped piece that comes with nearly every steering wheel puller set (parts places have them as "loan a tool") have legs too short and too flimsy to do the job of reinstalling the snap ring. As long as you have a patient helper or two you can do it without the tool. Also do yourself a favor and order this part BEFORE you do anything as it is almost certain to self-destruct when you remove it and unless in proper condition the horn will sound constantly. You don't have to remove the turn switch but you do have to move it out of the way. Hopefully parts won't start falling out as it too self-destructs. If so, get the DELCO part that's still available from GM dealers. Be VERY careful with the key in reminder switch that you must remove to replace the cylinder as it's highly sensitive and requires very finicky adjustment. Best if you check its function BEFORE you begin to reassemble!
You have to remove the steering wheel and dig down into the column a fair way. If you DIY, look up and study instructions. Lay out the parts in the exact order of removal. Be aware that the "U" shaped piece that comes with nearly every steering wheel puller set (parts places have them as "loan a tool") have legs too short and too flimsy to do the job of reinstalling the snap ring. As long as you have a patient helper or two you can do it without the tool. Also do yourself a favor and order this part BEFORE you do anything as it is almost certain to self-destruct when you remove it and unless in proper condition the horn will sound constantly. You don't have to remove the turn switch but you do have to move it out of the way. Hopefully parts won't start falling out as it too self-destructs. If so, get the DELCO part that's still available from GM dealers. Be VERY careful with the key in reminder switch that you must remove to replace the cylinder as it's highly sensitive and requires very finicky adjustment. Best if you check its function BEFORE you begin to reassemble!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 546
From: Central Texas
It sounds as if the rack broke.The rack is the part that connects the key cylinder mechanism to the ignition switch by way of a rod. As SwampeastMike posted, you will need to go into the column to replace the rack. Also a good time to replace the upper steering column bearings. I have a fantastic PDF on the T&T column rebuild if you decide to do it yourself.
Craig
Last edited by Street Rat; Jul 24, 2018 at 06:52 PM.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
A quick check... you can hold your hand under the column and feel the rod to the ignition switch and see if it's moving.
If it is moving them you would need to remove the ignition switch from the bottom of the column and operate it manually with a fine tipped screw driver. If it works then your issue is in the column, if it doesn't work then I'd replace the switch. It's not hard to replace the rack you just need a few special tools such as the column pin puller and the tilt tele compressor (with bolt).
http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/1...69-1982-wtilt/
This page will get you almost to the bottom too. http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/w...n-pictures.pdf
There is a ton of info on this on my tech page http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/?...teering+column and there is even more detailed info on Jim Shea's pages... google him and you'll find out what I'm talking about.
Willcox
If it is moving them you would need to remove the ignition switch from the bottom of the column and operate it manually with a fine tipped screw driver. If it works then your issue is in the column, if it doesn't work then I'd replace the switch. It's not hard to replace the rack you just need a few special tools such as the column pin puller and the tilt tele compressor (with bolt).
http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/1...69-1982-wtilt/
This page will get you almost to the bottom too. http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/w...n-pictures.pdf
There is a ton of info on this on my tech page http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/?...teering+column and there is even more detailed info on Jim Shea's pages... google him and you'll find out what I'm talking about.
Willcox
