'77 ign switch won't turn...
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Maryland now... grew up in NJ
'77 ign switch won't turn...
Started and drove her this morning, now I cant turn the ignition to start it, Doesn't lock the steering wheel either.. Key does insert and remove, just can't turn. 1977 Auto (it does shift right now (not locked). Tilt/Telescopic. Ordered AIM (hardcopy and CD), not going to be here for a few days yet. Removed seat, and got on my back to look up under dash... nothing is really sticking out to point to the problem. Any direction or insight would be most welcomed. Had the car for about two months now, Has started and operated normally until today, Thank you for any guidance.
Norm
Norm
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
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Your car has a transmission interlock cable from the factory. It attaches to the transmission shift linkage under the car on one end and on the other end attaches to the steering column on the firewall in the engine compartment. If the cable kinks or becomes detached it can cause this kind of issue. Look to see if it is still connected at the steering column end.
Last edited by MelWff; Sep 13, 2020 at 06:10 PM.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 18
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From: Maryland now... grew up in NJ
Thank you for the speedy reply. I will get her on the lift, tomorrow and certainly look for that interlock cable. I didn’t see anything on the column itself when I looked with a flashlight a couple of hours ago. I am not sure where to look, but it should be much easier on the lift. Thank you again!
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 4,862
Likes: 118
From: Texas
What Melwff said ^^^
I had the same problem last year and the cable was kinked and seized. Straightened and lubed the cable and problem was solved.
The cable is under the car, next to the transmission.
I had the same problem last year and the cable was kinked and seized. Straightened and lubed the cable and problem was solved.
The cable is under the car, next to the transmission.
Last edited by RatRacer; Sep 13, 2020 at 07:20 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,709
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From: S.E. MI
St. Jude Donor '15
My 77 doesn't have an interlock cable. I had a problem a couple years ago the key would not fully insert about an 1/8" short and would not turn. I replaced lock cylinder all is well. Old one probably fell apart internally.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7,680
Likes: 2,482
From: Indiana
Here is a thread that may be helpful
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...lfunction.html
try moving tilt telescopic in all positions as well and see if it helps..it helped my key issue on a 79 manual
also as above move steering whell in case stopped pushing one way or another
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...lfunction.html
try moving tilt telescopic in all positions as well and see if it helps..it helped my key issue on a 79 manual
also as above move steering whell in case stopped pushing one way or another
Last edited by interpon; Sep 13, 2020 at 09:24 PM.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Maryland now... grew up in NJ
Thanks again gents, I'll be figuring out what's wrong with her, using you tips, in just a few. The first things I tried were of course moving the shifter back and forth. Also tried turning the wheel from lock to lock, along with cycling the tilt. I didn't think about trying the telescopic function. I'll see if it has the interlock cable and go from there. Going to check out the link provided above right now, over some coffee. Can't wait to report back with good news. Thanks again.
Norm
Norm
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Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 18
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From: Maryland now... grew up in NJ
Well... I got her up on the lift (that was "fun"). There is no lever or interlock cable. I'm seeing from reading other posts, that this because the '77 didn't have it. It has a lever behind the key/ign cyl that takes it's place. I can pull my key out and insert it (all the way), but I can't turn the ignition to start or accessory. It won't lock the steering wheel either. I can shift through all gear positions (auto). I drove it on Sunday. Parked in my driveway (fortunately), and that was it. Next time I went to move it (yesterday) I had this dilemma. I will continue to chase it, and report back. If anyone has more ideas... please throw them my way. It doesn't feel like the lock lever is "locking either". So... I guess it thinks it is in "run" (or something), yet I can't turn the ignition from anything but the "off" position. Thanks again for anymore feedback. I hope I am explaining my problem good enough. Typing while a little frustrated.
Norm
Norm
Last edited by BBRat; Sep 14, 2020 at 11:46 AM. Reason: Grammer
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 18
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From: Maryland now... grew up in NJ
Not much luck with kicking the tires or jumping up and down on the hood. Actually I shot some carb cleaner in the key hole, and continued with turning/jiggling steering wheel, shifter, tilt, ign key etc. to no avail. Looks like I'll be leaning quite a bit about a steering column here shortly. Wondering if it could be the "rack" inside the column. Would that produce something similar to what I'm experiencing if broken? I'm wondering if I can do this with the column in the car, or does it need to come out. Then, if it has to come out... I should probably go through the whole thing. Still waiting for my AIM. I'll probably be tearing into it before I get it. Hoping to hear something from here, before I make the decision to "go deep"... even if it's you guy's saying "bro... you're in deep... pull the darned column". Thanks for "listening".
Norm
Norm
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,709
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From: S.E. MI
St. Jude Donor '15
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 18
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From: Maryland now... grew up in NJ
Sweet... Thank you for those helpful instructions! I'll certainly be using those in the future! Well... I let the lift down, and was going to start visualizing a game plan. Decided to turn the wheel and jiggle things around again... you guessed it... Everything clicked into place and is now acting normally!! Ugh!
Norm
Norm
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If it were mine, I'd still be taking it apart. You don't need this to happen again, and next time may not be in the driveway.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
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From: Cool Northern Michigan
My 77 does not have the cable either. Thank God. Another failed GM engineers brainy idea.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 18
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From: Maryland now... grew up in NJ
I completely agree with you, and will start looking into the parts to completely rebuild/restore the column. Perhaps I will price a used one, and rebuild it while still keeping this one moving.
Norm
Norm
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Arvada CO
I am right in the middle of rebuilding my 77 column. Jim's papers are the only reason I could ever take this on. My problem was a broken ignition rack. Be careful, this $5 part lead to a new brake booster, replacing all the components of the column I could and a Borgeson steering conversion! The turn signal switch is a one year only and is very hard to find. Mine is suspect but I can't find one anywhere that I would trust. Good luck.
Race Director
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Have you looked at the ign. Switch won't turn sticky at the very top of this page?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,709
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From: S.E. MI
St. Jude Donor '15