Here's a woozy! Ignition Lock Stuck

[Imran]

Hey everyone,

This is on a 74, with Tilt/Telesc....


The key broke off in the old lock, which was in really bad shape, you could take the key in and out while the car was running!

So we tore into the column using the AIM and those awesome notes on corvettefaq.com...

Got the new lock in, BUT, now the key is stuck inside the new lock. It comes in and out fine when the lock isn't installed, but inside, it's not going to the LOCK or ACC slot.

Any thoughts, comments, helpful hints?


thanks a lot everyone

Imran - 74 Convt

 

[GaryS]

"Got the new lock in, BUT, now the key is stuck inside the new lock. It comes in and out fine when the lock isn't installed, but inside, it's not going to the LOCK or ACC slot. "

Since you now know how to take the lock cylinder out, pull it, and take it to your favorite locksmith. For less than $30 he ought to be able to get you a key matching your old one.
Gary

 

[Imran]

Yeah, unfortunately I'm leaning towards doing that because I can't get this darn thing working. But even if I do get another key copied, the car will be up and running, but it won't fix the problem, which originally was that the key would come in and out of the lock even when the car was started.... the PO probably couldn't come up with a solution either, and so just broke the lock so that at least he could take the key out...


*sigh*

Anyone else have any insight into this matter?

Imran - 74 Convt

 

[GaryS]

Correct me if I am wrong, but if you can remove the key from the lock cylinder without turning it to "OFF" then the problem is in your lock cylinder and they are available at any good locksmith for around $35 or so plus rekeying. If you are talking about turning your key to "OFF" and then the engine is still running you have problems bigger than I know how to fix. The lock cylinder replacement is very easy and almost a no brainer, once you have done it. If you have the other problem, go to www.corvetteforum.com, click on the C3 forum and post your problem to Jim Shea. He is the steering guru, having worked as an engineer at the company that built our steering columns. There are also places like http://www.columnsgalore.com/ and Corvette Steering Service (look in Corvette Fever or the NCRS Driveline for this one) that rebuild steering columns.
Gary

 

[Imran]

Correct me if I am wrong, but if you can remove the key from the lock cylinder without turning it to "OFF" then the problem is in your lock cylinder and they are available at any good locksmith for around $35 or so plus rekeying. If you are talking about turning your key to "OFF" and then the engine is still running you have problems bigger than I know how to fix. The lock cylinder replacement is very easy and almost a no brainer, once you have done it. If you have the other problem, go to www.corvetteforum.com, click on the C3 forum and post your problem to Jim Shea. He is the steering guru, having worked as an engineer at the company that built our steering columns. There are also places like http://www.columnsgalore.com/ and Corvette Steering Service (look in Corvette Fever or the NCRS Driveline for this one) that rebuild steering columns.
Gary

Thanks for the heads up on Jim, I actually followed all his directions while replacing the lock cylinder. I bought a new lock cylinder and replaced the old one which was screwing up, and in the install, I'm having problems with the new one. The old one didn't work properly, the key would come out whenever it felt like. But the new one, it won't go to OFF to let the key out. It works fine when it's not installed, but inside something is screwy. I will definitely hit up Jim Shea though, especially with those kinds of credentials!

thanks

Imran - 74 Convt

 

[bradfordsvettes]

it may have something to do with the lock out cable binding it goes to the trans and when in park it actuates the column lock out check there or pm me steve

 

[Imran]

it may have something to do with the lock out cable binding it goes to the trans and when in park it actuates the column lock out check there or pm me steve

The car is a 4-spd, should that make a difference?

Time to figure out how to pm people

 

[vigman]

So let me see if I get this

You replaced the column lock cylinder ( which I assume came with a NEW key)

You put the Cylinder & key into the column.

The cars starts & shuts off but you cant remove the key.

And the key will not pull back into the ACC position.

If this is correct.... start the car...put it into reverse... turn the car off.. and NOW the cylinder SHOULD turn far enough back to allow removal of the key.



Vig!

 

[bradfordsvettes]

this cable is on 4 speeds and autos it needs to be in reverse on 4-speeds like vig said for the key to come out but the cable could still be binding up steve

 

[bradfordsvettes]

nice avatar vig got another smacked car for you to see a 2000 no rear clip left

 

[Imran]

You guys had me excited for a minute!

I went out and tried it... but no luck..


and now that I think about it, I remember that the linkage was not connected from the tranny... I have no idea why the previous owner was playing Dr. Frankenstein on this beautiful car... *sigh*


Imran - 74 Convt

 

[bradfordsvettes]

you still need to make sure the upper column is rotated into the lock position even if the cable is not connected at the trans i. it is the lower part of the column it should turn back and forth steve

 

[vigman]

At the firewall

Where the column pokes out there is a lever.

This lever hooks up to a tang for the cable that goes down to the tranny.

I cannot remember if the lever is in the UP position or the down position to release the lock mech.

Should be easy enough to get to and try both ways...

Wait... ( getting books )

Ahhhhhh the book of wisdom speaks!

The AIM manual for the 73 shows that the Column lever should be UP to release!

So if gravity in working... the arm might be down enough to bind up the lock mech, giving you the symptoms as described.


Vig!

 

[Imran]

Thank You EVERYONE!

Just wanted to say thank you to everyone that posted their comments for this problemo...

It ended up being that lever that connects the tranny to the steering. The previous owner had it disconnected for god-know what reason, and it was in the down position.

Flipped it up, and voila! Worked like a charm. I can drive the Vette around again thanks to you guys... well, until tomorrow when I tackle my STILL leaking power steering problemos. *sigh* It never ends, but that's the fun of it.


Thanks again everyone

Imran - 74 Convt with a new key lock!

 

[vigman]

Great news

What's the deal with the power steering?


Vig!

 

[Imran]

Re: Great news

What's the deal with the power steering?


Vig!

It's leaking... If I fill the reservoir, it'll be empty in 2 weeks.

We rebuilt the control valve, the rebuild went very well, and everything seemed to work nicely. The cylinder is also rebuilt by the local corvette shop here. As soon as I get time, going to check all the hoses and the pump itself. The previous owner SAID that he put in a new pump, but god knows. That thief lied about so many things on the car!

Should be fun...

Imran - 74 Convt