Ignition switch problem
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
From: Canton GA
Ignition switch problem
Ok guys, working on an 85 that has been neglected and I took over ownership. So far so good, BUT...
The key got stuck in the ignition, it was so old, I figured the key had worn down and wasnt activating the tumblers. So I got a new ignition and key set from Ecklers (good price too!).
Well tonight I went to put it in, and it STILL wont turn back to OFF all the way. I took the steering column off, and the grease that was in there was freakin hard and was caked on there.. jeeze. But, I cant get the ignition to turn back far enough for it to release the key.
SO, What are all those gears and things under there that move? There is 1 pin that pushes out when I turn the key to start the car, whats that? When I turn the key towards off, it retracts... this whole assembly, I believe, is what is giving me trouble.
Should I just get in there and clean it all out and grease it all up and hope it works? Anything else I should investigate?
The key got stuck in the ignition, it was so old, I figured the key had worn down and wasnt activating the tumblers. So I got a new ignition and key set from Ecklers (good price too!).
Well tonight I went to put it in, and it STILL wont turn back to OFF all the way. I took the steering column off, and the grease that was in there was freakin hard and was caked on there.. jeeze. But, I cant get the ignition to turn back far enough for it to release the key.
SO, What are all those gears and things under there that move? There is 1 pin that pushes out when I turn the key to start the car, whats that? When I turn the key towards off, it retracts... this whole assembly, I believe, is what is giving me trouble.
Should I just get in there and clean it all out and grease it all up and hope it works? Anything else I should investigate?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 15,000
Likes: 2
You don't say what transmission you have. If it is the 4+3 you have to have it in reverse before the key will come out. There is a cable that runs from the shifter up under the dash to the steering wheel.
If it's an automatic, it will need to be in park. I would assume there is also a cable on the automatic also.
I have read of the pin breaking that locks the wheel in place(from the cable above). I think that can keep the switch from going all the way into lock.
If it's an automatic, it will need to be in park. I would assume there is also a cable on the automatic also.
I have read of the pin breaking that locks the wheel in place(from the cable above). I think that can keep the switch from going all the way into lock.
