Ignition switch tumbler doesn't rotate to all positions malfunction
 

I had a thread here looking for help getting my stuck key out of the ignition. The original plan was to remove the ignition cylinder and replace it, but, after some very helpful tips by Jim Shea and other members, I came to find out that the ignition cylinder was not the culprit of my issue.

Below is how I repaired it, and hopefully this can help others in the future.

The problem:

My key would not come out of the ignition. It would turn clockwise and turn the engine on, and turn counter clock wise to turn the engine off, but wouldn't make it all the way back to the OFF-LOCK, which is where it needs to be to get the key out. Below is Jim Shea's explanation.

The Issue:

The issue at hand is best described by Jim Shea. I'm quoting him from my original thread.

The Revelation:

I took Jim's advice and looked under my hood, drivers side, just behind and down of the valve cover. The lever in question is located there, and if you're in the drivers seat looking through the dash at the lever, mine would only go as high as 3 o'clock (but needed to go to 1). I tried to move it by hand and it wouldn't budge. I looked under the car to find the cable's other end attached there, and sure enough, it was bent. Thus, when the car was put in park, rather than move the cable up and the lever into 1, the cable basically bent on itself into a "u" shape.

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The Fix:

Disconnecting the cable at the lever proved to be the fix. I could then move the lever up, and remove the key. Rather than leave it disconnected, I ordered a replacement cable (Corvette Central part#533030, cost $39.95). Replacing it was fairly simple. Put the car on jack stands, removed the retaining pins under the car and near the lever, and pulled the cable through the holes and out (takes some muscle as the cable is hard). Then put the new cable in, retaining clips, and tested...and she works.

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Big thanks to all who helped provide the original data on the solution and parts needed. Original thread is here: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...e-on-75-a.html

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(The car in question is a 1975 Corvette, Non-Telescopic Steering, Non-Power Steering).

Great write up! My key does the same thing, now I know what to check.

Thanks

Russ

Nice write up with photos to show what was done.

thanks
kdf

Isn't it great that these guys with all the experience love to share their knowledge with us....

I say a big two:thumbs::thumbs:

Great thread! I know it's 'old' now, but I just purchased a car with the key stuck in the ignition and this thread came up in a search and solved my problem. I'm sure it'll be a good source for others down the road. :thumbs:

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Great info.

We should make this into a "sticky" so it can be easily referenced in the future. This problem with 1969 through 1976 C3s gets written up very frequently.

Most owners are not familiar with the General Motors Steering Column/Transmission Shift Interlock System. It usually comes as a surprise that there is a lower lever on the steering column that is connected to the transmission and interconnected to the ignition lock cylinder and key.

Excellent pictures and explanation.

Jim Shea

AWESOME thread! My 72 is currently sleeping in its winter cocoon and still has this very problem. I look forward to getting out into the garage tomorrow and hopefully fixing this problem. I too am one of the folks who had no idea about this system.
:hide:

Many thanks guys, like always you're willing to help with volumes of tribal knowledge.

DC

Awesome c3 tech.

Well I checked the cable and it is in perfect condition. What is step 2?
Thanks clayton

Would this cause a manual not to shift into gear? I just got it all back together an had the key problem as well (with a new cable to boot). I have not gotten under the car to see if this is the issue, but I cannot get it into gear (except reverse). Only know this as today was the first day this car has run since 86.

also it might be a good thing to mention that the end of the cable with the rubber seal on it goes on the steering column end. just did this on mine and realized that I put it on upside down, and I had to redo it.

:lol: You know, this has me worried that I may have put mine on backwards given that my broken one was the opposite way. My car is not here at the moment for me to check, but what are the consequences of installing it the opposite direction?

I don't know , but I thought it would be nice to know which way it is supposed to go, just in case .....

Mine is missing all together. Where does it connect to on a manual trans. Pics would be most helpful, so I can see how this get's from trans to the lever.

My key has been stuck for the last few months. Now I have something to check tonight. I know the cable was removed by the PO.

Worth asking if there is any reason not to just disconnect the cable and leave the lever in the up position? Any thoughts on this? Thanks

Thanks for the tip. My lever did move down about a 1/2" and that was enough to lock out the key. Saves me from taking it down to someone to get the key out. Now I just have to wire the lever up so it doesn't move again.

Went and checked my 76. Almost made me giddy. Lower cable end not even connected.
Thanks for the knowledge.

Higgy09

My key had been stuck since I purchased the car 8 years until I read this post. It took me about 15 minutes to disconnect the cable and pull the lever up. Problem solved!