00Corvette

Guys,

I posted up a couple of months back in regards to the ignition/lock cylinder giving me problems. I sent Bill Curlee a Pm but haven't heard back yet so I figured I'd ask.

Anyway, I was having issues with my key not turning because of what we believed to be a faulty lock cylinder. Once I finally got it to turn, is was just basically push in one the key a little bit and then it will turn...

Then earlier today, it locked up again. Now, I can't even get the key to slide into the ignition...

I already have the new lock cylinder and I have tomorrow off work. I've read Bill Curlees right up on ignition contact cleaning so I know how to get it outta there...

My hold up is(keep in mind that I have an automatic) when I pull the ignition out, in order to get the lock cylinder...I'm supposed to put the key in and turn it to release the lock cylinder?

What can I do to get that lock cylinder out if I can't get the key to go into the ignition?

Thank you for any advice,

Donnie

00Corvette

Yeah it still won't even go into the slot. I messed around with a paper clip and stuff but I can't get the key in there again.

Don't I have to be able to move the shifter to get the console off to get that thing out?

Thanks again,

Donnie

dgrant3830

Normally graphite is the only lubricant for lock cylinders. In this case, I suggest you buy a whole new lock cylinder and whatever it takes to get it keyed to match your key. Now I'm guessing here since I know nothing about them, but would assume you can get one from the dealer and have a lock smith re-key it for you.

00Corvette

Thank you. Yes, I already have the new lock cylinder but I'm just worried that I actually won't be able to get it out of the ignition switch....?

Donnie

00Corvette

bump, I've just got to get into my work to fix this thing today. Anyone?

Donnie

lucky131969

What is the question?

00Corvette

I just need to know if I will be able to get the console off and the ignition switch out of the car with not being able to turn the key?

lucky131969

I think you will have a difficult time not being able to move the shift lever.

00Corvette

Yes, this is what I'm thinking. So I'm screwed.

00Corvette

lucky131969

***edit*** What a minute.....can you move the shift lever with the car off? I'm thinking the lock solenoid is only energized with igniton on.

00Corvette

On most cars there is a shift release button somewhere for towing. But, I don't know where it's at on C5's.

The last time I had the issue, I could at least get the key into the ignition. I just feel like an idiot for not fixing it sooner.

Thank you Lucky for helping me out man.

Donnie

lucky131969

ok, so you can move the shift lever with the car off?

00Corvette

No no. Not yet, I have been doing searched but I still haven't found anything for C5's on shift release and it looks like I need the shifter in low gear to get the IPC off...

Bill Dearborn

You need to have the shifter in second gear but I imagine low would be better. The only way I can see to get the shifter to move is to remove the console and loosen the IP panel followed pulling the boot from around the shifter (push down on the outside edges and inward to release the tabs from the IP plate. Since the IP panel can now move some see if you can reach in and get to the shifter end of the park/release cable and remove it from the shifter. That would allow you to move the shifter and then pull the IP panel off the rest of the way.

Here is what the park lock cable looks like under the shifter boot.



The second picture shows the cable released from the shifer. You have to use a flat bladed screw driver to remove it.

Another way to do it might be to see if you can get access to the ignition switch from underneath and remove the cable from the ignition switch and then see if you can move the shifter.

Bill

00Corvette

Bill,

Thank you. I'm heading down to my work right now to see if i can get this taken care of.

Donnie

00Corvette

Alright. Well I am in a bit of a pickle. I was able to get the ignition switch completely removed without having to take the IPC cover off.

The thing is, that shift lock cable or whatever won't disconnect unless I can get the key to the on position...

I'm probably going to end up just drilling a hold in the lock cylinder until it will spin...

I've gotten around having to shift the car down into low but I still need that key to turn somehow...

Any other ideas?

lucky131969

Well, if you can get to the switch, why can't disconnect the park cable?

lucky131969

00Corvette

Lucky,

Thank you so much. I do have it all apart but where I'm hung up is not being able to turn the ignition...(see steps 8 & 9 on 1st page of service procedure)

You cannot release the shift lock cable from the back of the ignition switch itself without turning the key to the "on" position...

My key will now go into the ignition but will not turn...no matter what I try.

Donnie