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Old Apr 19, 2015 | 11:38 AM
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Default 85 not starting

Well I had to leave my 85 at work yesterday because it wouldn't let me turn it on. The ignition was locked or something. It would let me turn it to the on position but it wouldn't let me turn it far enough to crank it over. It's done this before but a little key jiggling got it. Anyone know what's going on?
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Old Apr 19, 2015 | 03:33 PM
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Originally Posted by .50ae
Well I had to leave my 85 at work yesterday because it wouldn't let me turn it on. The ignition was locked or something. It would let me turn it to the on position but it wouldn't let me turn it far enough to crank it over. It's done this before but a little key jiggling got it. Anyone know what's going on?
you need a new key lock cylinder
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Old Apr 19, 2015 | 04:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Cruisinfanatic
you need a new key lock cylinder

Here's a video I took
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Old Apr 19, 2015 | 04:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Cruisinfanatic
you need a new key lock cylinder
but might try your other key first
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Old Apr 19, 2015 | 04:59 PM
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Originally Posted by antfarmer2
but might try your other key first
Tried both my other ones, same problem. Is the lock cylinder hard to do? I am mechanically inclined but never done this before
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Old Apr 19, 2015 | 05:30 PM
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From: Clifton Park, NY ............Clearwater, FL ... 85 Original Owner
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Originally Posted by .50ae
Tried both my other ones, same problem. Is the lock cylinder hard to do? I am mechanically inclined but never done this before
you need a puller. I managed to get it back on with help without a spring compressor.
Lots of writeups on how. Not that bad
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Old Apr 19, 2015 | 11:58 PM
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Originally Posted by .50ae
Well I had to leave my 85 at work yesterday because it wouldn't let me turn it on. The ignition was locked or something. It would let me turn it to the on position but it wouldn't let me turn it far enough to crank it over. It's done this before but a little key jiggling got it. Anyone know what's going on?
Try wiggling the shifter when this happens. There is a cable that connects the shifter to the column, which forces you to put the trans in Park (if an auto) or Reverse before you can take the key out.

Seems like you have the opposite problem, but try the shifter and see what happens.
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Old Apr 20, 2015 | 01:24 AM
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Originally Posted by Cliff Harris
Try wiggling the shifter when this happens. There is a cable that connects the shifter to the column, which forces you to put the trans in Park (if an auto) or Reverse before you can take the key out.

Seems like you have the opposite problem, but try the shifter and see what happens.
It's an auto but yea I tried wiggling just about everything man haha tried just running the shifter up and down quick and that didn't work. I'm gonna get it towed and just replace the ignition switch when I get my days off. I'll let you guys know if it works. Thanks for the help
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Old Apr 23, 2015 | 06:32 PM
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Hey guys in the process of putting the switch in and ran into something I have no idea about. What do I do from this point?
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Old Apr 23, 2015 | 06:50 PM
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Originally Posted by .50ae
Hey guys in the process of putting the switch in and ran into something I have no idea about. What do I do from this point?
You need a tool to relieve the pressure on the lock plate, then remove the clip and proceed "gently". There are plastic parts that break easily.

Tis thread is a good start and you can see the various links in there that are C3 related but the telescopic function is nearly identical. When it comes time for reassembly you'll need a "set screw" to put in the center shaft to lock the column so you can use the tools to reassemble it.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-corvette.html

There are several good threads. I'll try to find a couple that might help you.

At the C4 main page using the "SEARCH THIS FORUM" tab search "telescoping column" less the """" and you'll end up with hundreds of threads and you can sort through the titles for some good reads. The "search this forum" tab is the most effective search tool there is to use here.

You will need a 5/16-18 set screw to put it all back together. Just get one.

here's another thread that might point out what you could run into during the fix.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-disabled.html

Last edited by WVZR-1; Apr 23, 2015 at 07:01 PM.
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Old Apr 24, 2015 | 06:41 PM
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Ok I got everything out and the new cylinder in and problem solved! But new problem emerged when I was putting the wheel back on I noticed when I was using a steering wheel puller, it messed up the threads for the telescopic steering. So until I can get that re threaded, is there any way I can lock the telescopic steering manually? Kinda dangerous driving when your wheel moves in and out when you brake 😅
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Old Apr 24, 2015 | 06:47 PM
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Originally Posted by .50ae
Ok I got everything out and the new cylinder in and problem solved! But new problem emerged when I was putting the wheel back on I noticed when I was using a steering wheel puller, it messed up the threads for the telescopic steering. So until I can get that re threaded, is there any way I can lock the telescopic steering manually? Kinda dangerous driving when your wheel moves in and out when you brake ��
Are you sure you messed up the threads and didn't just get the wedge in wrong? Did you get the 5/16-18 set screw to use to latch the telescoping like I had mentioned? If you got the 5/16-18 set screw you can latch it with that to avoid telescoping.

You messed up the external threads that the nut retains the steering wheel with? It's difficult to sort what you actually are trying to mention.

Last edited by WVZR-1; Apr 24, 2015 at 06:49 PM.
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Old Apr 24, 2015 | 08:51 PM
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Originally Posted by WVZR-1
Are you sure you messed up the threads and didn't just get the wedge in wrong? Did you get the 5/16-18 set screw to use to latch the telescoping like I had mentioned? If you got the 5/16-18 set screw you can latch it with that to avoid telescoping.

You messed up the external threads that the nut retains the steering wheel with? It's difficult to sort what you actually are trying to mention.
I messed up the internal threads where I believe you want me to put the set screw. Right in the center hole of the shaft right? Those are the threads that are messed up. If you need I can get pictures when I get home.
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Old Apr 25, 2015 | 04:27 AM
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All tilt/telescopic columns are very similar C4/C3/Cadillac/Buick/Olds - ALL

There's sufficient information here to do any of them. There's minor differences but if you don't loose parts these instructionals can help. I mentioned the 5/16-18 from memory but it's been a very long time since I've done a telescoping column. I'm sure it was a Cadillac.

Browse all papers for a pretty good education.

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=1004
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