Ignition Switch Out
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Ignition Switch Out
Hello,
I have a 93 convertible with 129K on her. Yesterday I went to start her and the Ignition switch just turned forward, not engaging anything which leaves me locked in park.
Is there a way to unlock the shifter so I can push her out of the garage?
What am i looking at as far as replacing the switch? I'm guessing it's not that even if I can find the switch.
I am newbie to this site. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
David
I have a 93 convertible with 129K on her. Yesterday I went to start her and the Ignition switch just turned forward, not engaging anything which leaves me locked in park.
Is there a way to unlock the shifter so I can push her out of the garage?
What am i looking at as far as replacing the switch? I'm guessing it's not that even if I can find the switch.
I am newbie to this site. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
David
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 15
Likes: 2
Nothing at all when you turn the key (zero resistance) and nothing electrical happens? Kind of 2 different symptoms, but I'll give it a shot 
If there is zero resistance when turning the key, "free spinning", I'd suspect the rod running down the steering column has somehow become disengaged. Very unlikely, but still. You should still have the old style GM rod running down the column from the key switch to the actual ignition switch located further down the column (the under dash panel gets access to this). You can manually move the switch low down on the column once you gain access for a quick fix.
If you get the normal key physical resistance, its not that. Look to the neutral safety switch first. If it is a auto, try pressing the brake and forcefully moving the shifter from park to reverse. Mine sometimes hangs up between park/reverse & I have to get a little "aggressive" to get it to fully engage park.
You can pull off the shifter plate trim & manually "unlock" it, but its kind of a emergency quick fix thing. I forget the actual method, but once you get the trim plate off you can see how it activates.
If there is zero resistance when turning the key, "free spinning", I'd suspect the rod running down the steering column has somehow become disengaged. Very unlikely, but still. You should still have the old style GM rod running down the column from the key switch to the actual ignition switch located further down the column (the under dash panel gets access to this). You can manually move the switch low down on the column once you gain access for a quick fix.
If you get the normal key physical resistance, its not that. Look to the neutral safety switch first. If it is a auto, try pressing the brake and forcefully moving the shifter from park to reverse. Mine sometimes hangs up between park/reverse & I have to get a little "aggressive" to get it to fully engage park.
You can pull off the shifter plate trim & manually "unlock" it, but its kind of a emergency quick fix thing. I forget the actual method, but once you get the trim plate off you can see how it activates.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,078
Likes: 283
From: Dyersburg TN
having rebuilt/repair many steering columns from 90s cars it can be little tricky. Lots of little parts can be frustrating on assembly. If you are not comfortable trying, find a good mechanic. Hopefully one that has gray hair (if they have any). Trust me, they are the ones that have been there and done that.
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OP - you have no electrical function with the key cylinder? YES/NO If you rotate to ON/RUN you have no display on the Cluster/DIC or anything? YES/NO The cylinder rotates LOCK/OFF/RUN/CRANK with no restriction? YES/NO
The park/lock cable I believe can be defeated under the dash at the steering column shroud if you want to just be able to push out of the garage. I've never owned an A4 Corvette but I believe it can be done. A DIY I'd think so. Your issue could be several and in the column likely. A DIY since you've already mentioned a 'mobile mechanic' I doubt.
The park/lock cable I believe can be defeated under the dash at the steering column shroud if you want to just be able to push out of the garage. I've never owned an A4 Corvette but I believe it can be done. A DIY I'd think so. Your issue could be several and in the column likely. A DIY since you've already mentioned a 'mobile mechanic' I doubt.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Correct. No electrical function when turning the key. Free movement towards the dash. Thank You for the tip on the cable. I’m hoping for a mobile mechanic. My back won’t allow me to bend that far to get under the column. 😊