1984 Security Issue
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3
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1984 Security Issue
I hope this is in the correct place, if not sorry.
Recently bought an '84 corvette and everything runs fine no problems but when I got in it this morning I put the key in the ignition and tried turning it but it was stuck, I couldnt turn it at all. The SECURITY light in the middle of the dash stays lit only when I have the key in the ignition and I also hear a quiet buzzing noise at the same time. Then I tried shifting into neutral but can't use the shifter either. Everything is just stuck. Is this some kind of security problem I am having?
FYI - the key is a little damaged, I obviously need a new key. Could that be it? Maybe the ignition is bad?
Thanks for all the help in advance.
Recently bought an '84 corvette and everything runs fine no problems but when I got in it this morning I put the key in the ignition and tried turning it but it was stuck, I couldnt turn it at all. The SECURITY light in the middle of the dash stays lit only when I have the key in the ignition and I also hear a quiet buzzing noise at the same time. Then I tried shifting into neutral but can't use the shifter either. Everything is just stuck. Is this some kind of security problem I am having?
FYI - the key is a little damaged, I obviously need a new key. Could that be it? Maybe the ignition is bad?
Thanks for all the help in advance.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Rolla Missouri
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Your issue is with the key or ignition lock. Since you said the key is damaged, that would be a good place to start.
A security system will not prevent a correctly cut key from turning.
It will just prevent it from starting.
A security system will not prevent a correctly cut key from turning.
It will just prevent it from starting.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Okay I will have that checked out first, thank you.
Right now its in the driveway and I figured I could at least put the car in neutral if I had to push it or whatnot. I can't even do that, but I am sure I could do it a few days ago. All this could possibly be because of a bad key?
Ive tried calling a bunch of locksmiths and mechanics but I'll just get the new key made first and see what happens after that.
Right now its in the driveway and I figured I could at least put the car in neutral if I had to push it or whatnot. I can't even do that, but I am sure I could do it a few days ago. All this could possibly be because of a bad key?
Ive tried calling a bunch of locksmiths and mechanics but I'll just get the new key made first and see what happens after that.
8th Gear
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8
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From: Macomb MI
It's possible that the ignition interlock is worn from age. If the car is parked on a sloping driveway, with the trans in 'PARK', it might be binding everything up. Try to get some help to push the car enough to take the load off of the park pawl while you have someone inside try to turn the ignition key. I've seen that problem on a couple of different cars both GM & Chrysler.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3
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oldpilot, you know I was kinda thinking I'm just a dumbass and the car is parked kinda funny, my passenger side is on the curb of the sidewalk and driver side is in the street. So I AM parked where it is at an angle of some sort.
You say push it, I'm guessing you mean 'try' pushing it as much as possible? All I see this doing is me just rocking it back and forth as hard as I Possibly can since it's still stuck in Park. Try rocking it back and forth while someone turns the ignition?
You say push it, I'm guessing you mean 'try' pushing it as much as possible? All I see this doing is me just rocking it back and forth as hard as I Possibly can since it's still stuck in Park. Try rocking it back and forth while someone turns the ignition?
8th Gear
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8
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From: Macomb MI
unlock ignition
What you want to do is push or rock the car enough to take the load off of the park pawl. You won't really be moving the car very far, just enough to free up the slack in the drive line. My neighbor is always asking for my help to 'rock' his car (Chrysler FWD w/ 220,000 miles and worn out everything).
My C4 did it once and now I always set the parking brake first before I put it in park. I hope this helps.
( Oh yeah...have somebody there to turn the ignition switch on while your 'pushing' or 'rocking')
My C4 did it once and now I always set the parking brake first before I put it in park. I hope this helps.
( Oh yeah...have somebody there to turn the ignition switch on while your 'pushing' or 'rocking')
Last edited by oldpilot; Aug 22, 2010 at 12:53 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: moraga ca
If you parked with the steering wheel cranked, sometimes it will put pressure on the ignition lock. Try turning the steering wheel one way and turning the key. If that doesn't work, try turning it the other way.
8th Gear
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Macomb MI
Yeah 383 vette! That's another good thing to try. I had forgotten about how that happens with the steering lock. When these things get old, all the good parts that worked great before kinda lose their precision and start binding up! ( me included)
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Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Milwaukee Wi
once a year for reasons I do not understand my security system acts as you state except it does not lock steering just kills ign. this is with car unlocked in my garage. the fix is to lock-unlock the drivers or passanger door with key, I forget which. that restores the ign and car cranks and starts.
