Executive Summary: I have a 94 6 Speed that I think I need to drop the steering column on to either replace the ignition switch or realign the rods from the key cylinder. It is now permanently locked in place almost at the start position.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-ignition.html



Have you ever really looked at the service manual? A more f***king useless set of caution statements spread over 2 volumes has never before existed. Yes, I understand that airbags were fairly new in 94. Yes, I understand that having one blow up in your face is unpleasant. Thanks for letting me know that I can either disconnect the battery and wait 2 minutes (or maybe it’s 10 seconds. That seems to vary from page to page). Or you can pull the air bag fuse which also takes about 10 seconds. This doesn’t need to be repeated hundreds of times over dozens of pages. Perhaps those pages would be better served by giving a hint on how to get at the ignition switch. Telling me the check and see if the rods are deformed isn’t helpful. At least the people that wrote this manual have probably died already.



There, I feel a little better.

I’ve partially removed the carpeted panel below the steering column. I say partially because I have no idea how the left side is attached. Hidden bolts? Velcro? Epoxy? No idea. There is a steel panel under that (also below the column). I can see 2 bolts on the right edge, partially covered by the center console. I can also feel one bolt on the left, covered by the carpet and pointing towards the door.

I just checked and I can get a highly rated plasma cutter for about $170. Shall I go that route or is there a better way?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

Hidden screw at an impossible angle, but its there next to the cut out that a service tech would use to access the modue under the steroe without removing that damn left sidfe carpet.

 

Making a little progress.

The metal plate that sits under the steering column is called a “knee bolster.” I think the bolts that Eldurno is referring to, tucked under the edge of the center console are 10mm and would ideally be removed with an offset wrench, which I don’t have.

The carpeted piece is called a “Trim Panel.” There are multiple cross references on removing this but no directions. There is, however, a drawing (figure 29) that shows 2 nuts on 2 locating studs that appear to be what I’m feeling on the solidly fixed end of the Trim Panel.

I”ll report back if I make any progress or if I order the plasma cutter.

 

It’s fixed, yay! No it isn’t, but all the jostling and swearing seems to have loosened whatever was sticking so I was able to get the key out. It’s mid afternoon and very hot, so I think I’m done for the day.

One other item to add here. As I was searching for the any hidden screws, I removed the instrument bezel as it looked like there might be screws underneath.

DON’T DO IT!

Its made out of the material that GM is so fond of, composed of a little plastic resin, sawdust and prayer. There is nothing to be found underneath it and you can’t remove it without dropping the column or bending it, and you know what will happen f you bend it. A pain in the *** to put the screws back in too.

 

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