1986 4+3 key stuck in ignition
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 726
Likes: 113
From: Washington, Illinois
1986 4+3 key stuck in ignition
Ok, so my key is stuck in the ignition in the OFF position. It starts the car fine and shuts the car off but it will not let me turn to the position to remove it.
I have tried the usual fixes. I have jiggled the keys and jiggled the steering wheel. I have used wd-40. This has got me stumped.
I sure hope someone here can help me get this straight. Could this be related to the 4+3 in any way?
I have tried the usual fixes. I have jiggled the keys and jiggled the steering wheel. I have used wd-40. This has got me stumped.
I sure hope someone here can help me get this straight. Could this be related to the 4+3 in any way?
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 592
From: New Port Richey FL
If I remember correctly the 4+3 requires the car to be in reverse, possibly the cable on the shifter is having a problem on either end
Last edited by s carter; Oct 1, 2021 at 02:18 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 592
From: New Port Richey FL
If so I would go with a jammed Tumblr/bad cylinder, if you can't rotate to the point that it should be removed then the interlock cable system has a problem
Last edited by s carter; Oct 2, 2021 at 12:08 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,050
Likes: 147
From: Phoenix AZ
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
Key
Jack it up and take the cable off the trans.
see if the cable will go to the end, and the key will come out.
sounds like the cable broke.
if you can put it in reverse and put the cable back on, check the key again.
if broken cable?
take the sheath off the cable and work the cable so it’s in reverse so key comes out.
figure out a way to secure the cable, then take driver seat out and look at the column lever, use a marker, mark the position so you can align it when you get a new cable, guessing that if in reverse position, your backup lights will be on when you’re driving.
see if the cable will go to the end, and the key will come out.
sounds like the cable broke.
if you can put it in reverse and put the cable back on, check the key again.
if broken cable?
take the sheath off the cable and work the cable so it’s in reverse so key comes out.
figure out a way to secure the cable, then take driver seat out and look at the column lever, use a marker, mark the position so you can align it when you get a new cable, guessing that if in reverse position, your backup lights will be on when you’re driving.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 592
From: New Port Richey FL
You can read the chip resistance with a volt meter and compare it to a chart for the car, then buy the corresponding key blank. I would be sure the cylinder is truly bad before a blind replacement you can **** $100. Away quickly.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 726
Likes: 113
From: Washington, Illinois
I will leave the cylinder as my last fix. I do have a cylinder brand new that my brother gave me. He got it from Corvette Central and it includes the VATS test key. My question was;
If I installed this cylinder what do I have to do to be able to use my existing # 10 keys in this new lock?
If I installed this cylinder what do I have to do to be able to use my existing # 10 keys in this new lock?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,397
Likes: 2,742
What part # was purchased by your brother?
If the 'CRANK' aspect of your VATS has been bypassed using a resistor then the cylinder you have will also 'CRANK' the car. You could purchase any inexpensive resistance key, cut to the mechanical code to retain original appearance. It would be very unusual but NOT impossible to recut one of your original keys to the mechanical cut of the new cylinder. Possible but very 'unlikely'!
Last edited by WVZR-1; Oct 2, 2021 at 12:29 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 592
From: New Port Richey FL
I will leave the cylinder as my last fix. I do have a cylinder brand new that my brother gave me. He got it from Corvette Central and it includes the VATS test key. My question was;
If I installed this cylinder what do I have to do to be able to use my existing # 10 keys in this new lock?
If I installed this cylinder what do I have to do to be able to use my existing # 10 keys in this new lock?
but once you know I would then get the chiped blank #10 cut to put the system back together
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,397
Likes: 2,742
. Your ahead of the curve you know your key code, if you take the time to pull the cylinder for a look, you can put in the other VATs cylinder and plug your stuck key one in down below. You then have other cylinder on top and accepted chip below.
but once you know I would then get the chiped blank #10 cut to put the system back together
but once you know I would then get the chiped blank #10 cut to put the system back together
Regardless of 'what you gots' - the 'PARK LOCK' needs to be resolved!!!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,397
Likes: 2,742
Do you have all 3 cylinders and parts that should be included with that part # if my thoughts are correct?
Last edited by WVZR-1; Oct 2, 2021 at 01:45 PM.