Ignition lock stuck...
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Perkiomenville PA
Ignition lock stuck...
I went to move the vette yesterday to give it wash, and I couldn't get the key to turn forward at all. 
I was able to move it backwards into accesory mode a couple times, but even that was kind of hard. I tried moving the steering wheel left and right, and I tried moving the tilt up and down, all while moving the key. I even tried another key without success. The steering wheel is locked, so I just moved it back and forth the little it would move.
So, I guess I'm going to have to tear apart the steering column, unless someone can give me any other ideas.
How hard is it to tear apart the steering column in these cars? Can I get to the ignition switch by taking off the steering wheel, or do I have to remove the column from the car?
At least this happened in my own driveway and not at work or somewhere else. I had driven the car the night before and had no problem. I drive the car almost everyday, and I think I noticed a little difficulty with turning the key occasionally, but nothing all that bad. I guess something just broke.
Anybody else have this happen? By the way, my vette is an '89 with the 6-speed manual transmission.
I was able to move it backwards into accesory mode a couple times, but even that was kind of hard. I tried moving the steering wheel left and right, and I tried moving the tilt up and down, all while moving the key. I even tried another key without success. The steering wheel is locked, so I just moved it back and forth the little it would move.So, I guess I'm going to have to tear apart the steering column, unless someone can give me any other ideas.
How hard is it to tear apart the steering column in these cars? Can I get to the ignition switch by taking off the steering wheel, or do I have to remove the column from the car?
At least this happened in my own driveway and not at work or somewhere else. I had driven the car the night before and had no problem. I drive the car almost everyday, and I think I noticed a little difficulty with turning the key occasionally, but nothing all that bad. I guess something just broke.
Anybody else have this happen? By the way, my vette is an '89 with the 6-speed manual transmission.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,592
Likes: 3
From: St Louis MO
I guess you have tried moving the key in and out very slightly while you try to turn it on. Are your wheels turned a little bit. If so try putting some firm pressure on the steering wheel in the direction that the wheels are turned, while trying the key. Haven't messed with the steering column so I can't help you there. 
Good luck
Good luck
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,283
Likes: 0
From: Leeds Alabama
quick version:
Remove steering wheel
Remove telescoping lock mechanism
then you when you pull the steering wheel you will need a adapter that goes on the front of your wheel puller to lock the telescoping mechanism in place (you can saw off a nail and put it on front of your puller). After all that is off, there is a plastic bezel that cover the cruise and ignition plates, remove that THEN you can remove the old ignition..tie a wire around the old wire before you pull it out to make sure you can get the new wiring in. I HOPE you know what your Vats resistance is or have an extra key.
BTW be SURE to mark the position of the wheel and retainer before you take them off to prevent your steering wheel from being off center.
Remove steering wheel
Remove telescoping lock mechanism
then you when you pull the steering wheel you will need a adapter that goes on the front of your wheel puller to lock the telescoping mechanism in place (you can saw off a nail and put it on front of your puller). After all that is off, there is a plastic bezel that cover the cruise and ignition plates, remove that THEN you can remove the old ignition..tie a wire around the old wire before you pull it out to make sure you can get the new wiring in. I HOPE you know what your Vats resistance is or have an extra key.
BTW be SURE to mark the position of the wheel and retainer before you take them off to prevent your steering wheel from being off center.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,943
Likes: 14
From: Gurley (Keel Mtn, Sweet Home) Alabama
Originally Posted by PierEagle
I guess you have tried moving the key in and out very slightly while you try to turn it on. Are your wheels turned a little bit. If so try putting some firm pressure on the steering wheel in the direction that the wheels are turned, while trying the key. Haven't messed with the steering column so I can't help you there.
Good luck
Good luck
Once you get it working, keep it well lubed with graphite, although in the back of your mind know the ignition lock is breathing its last...
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,652
Likes: 2
From: 1990 383 Stroker Baltimore Maryland
I had the same exact problem! You will not have to take your steering wheel apart. Get some graphite and put it on the key and keep turning it. do this a couple times. when the key starts turning pour the graphite directly into the key hole and keep turning the key and the telescoping mechanism until loose. Mine is good as new! 
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 15,025
Likes: 2
If you have to change out ignition switches, it's not really that big of a deal. Not sure what the VATS ignition will cost, but I got a non-VATS for my '85 at O'Reilly Auto for $12.50.
You will need a steering wheel puller, naturally. You will also need to stop by your local GM dealer parts counter and pick up what they call a "turtle". It was about $10. Don't bother trying to save your old one, it will break into several peices when you pull it off.
Just pay attention to how everything comes apart. I laid everything out in order of disassembly on a rag on my dash(This was before I had my service manual).
A little preventative maintainence for everyone. I have read that having a bunch of keys or other crap on your keyring puts undue pressure on the ignition switch and will cause it to wear unevenly and over the years cause this problem. I have the two Vette keys only on that ring. Better safe than sorry.
You will need a steering wheel puller, naturally. You will also need to stop by your local GM dealer parts counter and pick up what they call a "turtle". It was about $10. Don't bother trying to save your old one, it will break into several peices when you pull it off.
Just pay attention to how everything comes apart. I laid everything out in order of disassembly on a rag on my dash(This was before I had my service manual).
A little preventative maintainence for everyone. I have read that having a bunch of keys or other crap on your keyring puts undue pressure on the ignition switch and will cause it to wear unevenly and over the years cause this problem. I have the two Vette keys only on that ring. Better safe than sorry.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,384
Likes: 124
From: Reno/Sparks Nevada
Keep in mind that there is a cable at the end of the column that slides in and out. It connects to your shifter whether you have and automatic or manual. Just make sure the problem is not elsewhere before you start tearing into the column. If there is a kink or it's not connected properly at the shifter (who knows?) you could be chasing the problem in the wrong area. I think you can disconnect the cable at the bottom of the column to isolate it from the key switch and the ignition switch mechanism. I have dismantled an '86 column all the way down to the last nut and bolt. It's possible you could have some interferernce at the top of the column. I'm just recommending that you make sure the problem isn't in the cable.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,524
Likes: 10
From: Lufkin Texas
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
I had this happen with a Chevy truck. The wheel was turned a bit and it was parked on a slight incline. At the suggestion of a mechanic friend I blocked the rear wheels and jacked the front up to take the pressure off the steering and then wiggled the wheel and key and VIOLA!, it was set free. Never had any trouble again after that.
This may work as a last resort if none of the other suggestions get it.
This may work as a last resort if none of the other suggestions get it.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Perkiomenville PA
I'm going to have to try jacking the car. The car is parked in my driveway on an incline, and the wheels are turned slightly, so I can't even let it roll backwards into the street or the front end might hit my fence because of the wheel being locked. I will try the graphite on the key as mentioned earlier as well.
Thanks for all the great suggestions, I will let everyone known how things turn out.
Thanks for all the great suggestions, I will let everyone known how things turn out.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Perkiomenville PA
Well, I got the key to turn. Jacking the car didn't seem to help. Lots of powdered graphite and working the key in and out, back and forth, and it finally started moving back to accessory position smoothly, then I was able to work into the ON and start positions. It might not be good as new, but it seems to be working OK. I'll know for sure after I drive it for a week or so. If it starts to give me anymore trouble I guess it will be time to replace the ignition switch mechanism. At least I can drive it again.
Thanks to all for your help!!!
Thanks to all for your help!!!
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,652
Likes: 2
From: 1990 383 Stroker Baltimore Maryland
Good News! 
It happened to me a year ago and mine is still working great. I hope you have the same Luck! Oh........and happy St. Patricks day! Go out and have a couple green beers on me!
It happened to me a year ago and mine is still working great. I hope you have the same Luck! Oh........and happy St. Patricks day! Go out and have a couple green beers on me!