94 Steering column question

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Mar 14, 2007 | 04:48 PM

dchildress

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From: Walton KY

94 Steering column question

I drove my 94 LT1 6 speed for the first time in nearly 5 months and after searching for keys remembered that I had problems with the steering column. Early last year the column fell apart on the inside so I bought a used column. I could have bet a year's salary the guy told me it was for a manual but it was for an automatic. I had it installed anyway and it worked nice for a while and I even enjoyed not having to push the pesky key release button. Well now the key won't come out. I also have feelings the shop that did it bypassed my PASSKEY system.

The question....

Can I just install the old ignition switch in the auto column to make it work right again?

Last edited by dchildress; Mar 15, 2007 at 04:45 PM.

Mar 15, 2007 | 04:46 PM

dchildress

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From: Walton KY

Bumpin' TTT

Mar 16, 2007 | 12:03 AM

93*Corvette

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From: Centennial Colorado

Quote:

Originally Posted by dchildress

I could have bet a year's salary the guy told me it was for a manual but it was for an automatic.
The question....

Can I just install the old ignition switch in the auto column to make it work right again?

I truly didn't know there was a diffenence between an auto or manual column. I'm just curious how others will answer this.

Mar 16, 2007 | 12:34 AM

dan6712cc

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From: East TN

For the auto column there should be a cable that was fixed in a retracted position for it to work on a manual car so the kkey will come out, maybe it got loose?

Mar 16, 2007 | 03:35 PM

dchildress

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From: Walton KY

Quote:

Originally Posted by dan6712cc

For the auto column there should be a cable that was fixed in a retracted position for it to work on a manual car so the kkey will come out, maybe it got loose?

I am pretty sure the cable is in there and the shop had it retracted somehow. My big trouble is I want to put it back to stock and need to know if I need to buy another used column and stick it in OR just switch out ignition switch.

I still have the old column but everthing inside of it basically "fell apart", for lack of better term. While coming home from work last year I went to hit the high beams and the TS stalk was just sitting there with no pressure on it. One night about a week later I was driving and went to adjust old column and the left hinge pin fell out into the floor letting the wheel pop up to the right, making it very hard to drive. Just to get around, I got in the habit of pushing the pin back in every time I got in or out of the car. It was a pain but working until one day I was leaving a motorcycle store and when I got in the key switch just spun in the column and I could do nothing. So I bought a columns and had it put in and here I am today, with a nice car, the wrong column in it, and the f***ing key stuck in it. I leave the top off when I run into stores, gas stations. work etc but cannot do that with the key stuck in it.

Thanks guys.

Last edited by dchildress; Mar 16, 2007 at 03:41 PM.

Mar 16, 2007 | 04:02 PM

SJW

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From: Central Maryland

Quote:

Originally Posted by dchildress

I'm not dead certain of this, but I'd surely think you could just swap in the original lock cylinder. Presuming it's the cylinder that's causing your problem, you should then be good to go. Does the switch rotate to the lock position, but the key won't come out, or does the cylinder refuse to rotate that far? If the cylinder isn't rotating to the lock position, check to make sure the interlock (that makes sure the car is in Park if it's an automatic trans) is not causing your problem, as dan6712cc suggested.

In the interim, consider yanking the fuel pump fuse, or some such, to disable the car when you park it.

In any case, I'd surely repair this column rather than replacing it, if I were in your position...

Be well,

SJW

Last edited by SJW; Mar 16, 2007 at 04:06 PM.

Mar 16, 2007 | 04:07 PM

scranage

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From: Colorado Springs Colorado

Let me know if you want to trade for a 93 manual column. I have one in the attic, but it will need a new ignition cylinder. I bought it as a spare and discovered too late it was from a manual. I needed an auto column.

Mar 19, 2007 | 10:03 AM

dchildress

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From: Walton KY

The key goes all the way back to the OFF position, but the key won't come out and won't turn backward to the ACC position. I have been told that the cylinders will just switch out, which is my hope.

My goal is to have a stock "push button" release on my key AND have my VATS/PASSKEY back.