Cannot remove ignition key
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: 86 Convertible 4+3 Coronado, CA
Cannot remove ignition key
I can't remove my ignition key on my '86 convertible with 118,000 miles. Shifter is in reverse, but the lock cylinder won't rotate all the way to the "lock" position for key removal. I don't want to force it, and am looking for suggestions to remove the key before I have to replace the cylinder. (I've seen an earlier thread on keys that are getting hard to remove...I'm already past that point!)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,858
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria CA
If it's an auto, it must be in PARK to be able to remove the key from what I remember. I had a similar problem that would occur at random times after putting her in PARK and shutting her off. Turned out that I had to "wiggle" the shifter after it was in park till the shift **** sprung back up and clicked, or push the shifter foward all the way into PARK.
Then the key came out no problem.
I am assuming that you already tried this.
Then the key came out no problem.
I am assuming that you already tried this.
Last edited by 86PACER; Apr 19, 2005 at 03:44 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 15,025
Likes: 2
If it is an auto it must be in park as stated above. If it is the 4+3 it needs to be in reverse.
On the 4+3, there is a cable that runs from the shifter around and up through the steering clolumn that allows the key to be turned to the lock position. Not sure on the automatic, but I would assume it is the same.
From what I have read, if the key has been pulled out in any position other than lock, you do not want to put it in lock. You may not be able to get your car started! It screws the tumblers up and won't let the key work.
As 86Pacer stated, try wiggling the shifter, steering wheel, etc. first.
On the 4+3, there is a cable that runs from the shifter around and up through the steering clolumn that allows the key to be turned to the lock position. Not sure on the automatic, but I would assume it is the same.
From what I have read, if the key has been pulled out in any position other than lock, you do not want to put it in lock. You may not be able to get your car started! It screws the tumblers up and won't let the key work.
As 86Pacer stated, try wiggling the shifter, steering wheel, etc. first.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: 86 Convertible 4+3 Coronado, CA
Sorry I wasn't clear. Shifter is 4+3...I've got it in reverse. I've tried turning the wheel left and right, but no luck. I can start and stop the car, and haven't had problems with the key/lock cylinder before. Any more suggestions are appreciated.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,383
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
Have you tried putting the shifter say into 4th gear and then back into R? You can remove your speedo bezel, IP bezel and then center conzole bezel to take a look and see if your lock rod has come detached.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 15,025
Likes: 2
Originally Posted by red86nado
Sorry I wasn't clear.
Since this is the first problems you have had, I would do as Scorp said first. It is much easier than dealing with the switch.
But if you have to, it's not that big of a deal changing it out. About $20, an hour or so of work and you're back on the road. You will need a steering wheel puller. If you have an O'Reilly auto close, they will let you use tools for free(with deposit, of course). The ignition switch cost me $12.50 for my 85. Yours being an 86, it may have the VATS and that will cost more. It depends on the build date.
You will also need to pay a visit to your local GM parts counter and get a plastic "turtle". It costs around $5. Just tell them what you're working on and turtle, and they should know what to get. Don't bother trying to save the old one. No matter how careful you are, it is going to break when you pull it off.
Just lay everything in order of disassembly on your dash, and put it back together in reverse order. No big deal.
BTW, how many keys do you have on your ring? It doesn't take too much stuff to put undue stress on the lock to cause problems. I have my door key, ignition key and house key only.
Good luck
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: 86 Convertible 4+3 Coronado, CA
I ended up turning this over to local Corvette mechanic. The problem was a broken interlock pin, essentially the "anchor" at the end of the manual shifter-to-ignition lock linkage. Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction.
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