Need help with C4 ignition lock!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Meridain Idaho
Need help with C4 ignition lock!
So the ignition lock on my 1984 was worn out and I could pull the key out of the ignition at any time..... driving down the freeway... pull the key out... keep on cruising! haha but Since I am on winter break from college I figured I'd try and fix my car up as much as possible while I had the time. This was one of my projects. So... ordered a new ignition lock with key's from ecklers, pulled the old one and put the new one in. What I noticed, is that I hafta turn the key REALLY hard to the off position to get it far enough back where I can pull the key out. Second, I was playing with the ignition lock before I put it in and I noticed that it had like a FAR BACK position..... So when you put your key in you could either turn it forwards to start the car or turn it back a notch also... I can't do this.... I can barely get it to the off position... On ur C4's does the ignition go to a FAR BACK position? or am I just looking at it wrong. Also do u guys know how I could adjust something to make it easier to get it to the off position?
Racer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 398
Likes: 6
From: woodstock ga
the position behind the off position was known as an Accessory position. this allowed power to certain components w/o energizing others.
the increased effort sounds that you may not have the switch installed plum, or might need a little lube on the rack gear.
the increased effort sounds that you may not have the switch installed plum, or might need a little lube on the rack gear.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 398
Likes: 6
From: woodstock ga
checked both the 89 and 93. they both go one behind off position. (ACC) it sounds like you have installed the new switch with the rack and drive gear out of time with the key position.
also my 78 el cam is the same
do what i do, take it apart and do it again.
also my 78 el cam is the same
do what i do, take it apart and do it again.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Meridain Idaho
I know this is kind of an old thread but i'm bringing it back to life because something crazy happened a few weeks ago. First off, the weather got really nice so I was able to bring my car out of the barn and start driving it again. Second, when I went to park, my ignition went back nice and easy and also even went to the "ACC" position. At first I thought the ignition came lose and was freely rotating, but then I realized that it was actually just working how it was supposed to. Also, I tested the radio in the "ACC" position and it worked! basically that just means that for some reason it was working correctly. red89c4 mentioned that "I might have the rack and drive gear out of time with the key position". What exactly does that mean and what do I need to do in order to fix this? I don't think this is a lubrication issue based on the resistance I get when trying to turn the key to the off position... but... I know it must be fixable since it works at random times. let me know what you guys think, I plan on fixing it myself so step by step instructions are awesome if possible!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Meridain Idaho
Ok, So I've been living with the ignition lock working on and off for a while and haven't had a chance to take it apart again, but I have come across something very interesting and am curious if any of you have experienced this. When I park the car in reverse, the ignition lock works just like its supposed to, but if I park it in 1st I have the same problems as usual where the key does not want to be easily moved to the ignition off position. My car is an 84' manual. Did I somehow miss the memo that I was supposed to park it in reverse at all times? If so, I'm a little embarrassed.... or is there something else going on?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Meridain Idaho
Anyone have any ideas? I'm stumped and am fine with always parking it in reverse but i've just never heard of a car that HAD to be parked in reverse to allow the ignition lock to work correctly.
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Racer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 325
Likes: 8
From: Princeton Jct. New Jersey
Did it need to be in reverse before you changed the lock? My '84 is an auto so I'm not familiar with the 4+3 linkage, but mine needs to be in park to turn the ignition key and it will not shift out of park until the key is turned. I believe this is a safety feature (in addition to the neutral/park switch) some variant of which may have been designed into the manual transmission linkage. Just a guess though.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
Chevy has had the "can't take the key out unless you're in reverse" feature since at least 1969, when my '69 Camaro had it. There is a cable that connects the steering column to the shifter to make this work.
The automatics have the corresponding feature except the trans must be in Park to take the key out.
The automatics have the corresponding feature except the trans must be in Park to take the key out.
