Hello,

First time poster and I have an ignition question. I have a 1969 Malibu with the L48. The car has been sitting for several (2) months without starting. I went to move it into the garage so the boy and I could start working on the engine. When I put the key in the ignition it will not turn past the first detent. It physically will not turn any farther. I cannot get the car to start. The transmission is in park and when I turn the key it will come out of park but not move into reverse. Any idea what the problem.

sounds like the ignition switch is stuck.
follow the 1/8 inch silver rod down the column under the dash have someone turn the key while moving the rod to nuge the switch make sure the car is in park.

if it has a tilt column, it's possible that the linkage is jammed inside the column. try tilting the column up and down while trying to turn the key to see if it comes unstuck.
had it happen once in an 87 Caprice..

Do you have a tilt column or a standard (non-adjustable) column? Do you have a column shifter or a floor shifter.

My first thought is that you have a problem with your ignition key and the actual lock cylinder (the part where you insert your ignition key.) The old lock cylinder is fairly easy to replace, but you do need to remove the steering wheel, lock plate, and then move the turn signal switch up and out of the way. Replacement lock cylinders with new ignition keys are readily available.

When you try to rotate the ignition key, does if feel as if it jams right up near the key, or is there some "windup" as if there is something jammed downstream.

You might be able to locate the thin metal rod that extends down from the mechanism in the column head to the ignition switch that is mounted on top of the steering column down under the dash. There should be direct motion of the rod as soon as you start to rotate your ignition key.

A real analysis of the steering column requires that it be removed from the car so that you can remove the ignition switch and determine that it is operating correctly. This will also allow you to rotate the ignition key and determine that the ignition switch rod is free to move.

I have a series of steering column disassembly and repair papers and pics available at www.corvettefaq.com
You need to click on Jim Shea's Steering Articles
Then click on A & F-Car Steering Papers
Scroll down to either the standard or the tilt column sections. To replace the lock cylinder you will need Paper #1 and Pic #1.

JIML82

My guess is the lever at the end of the steering column, stuck on mine once and the key would not turn. Try moving that lever at the end of the steering column (in the engine compartment-probably under the brake booster). See picture.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v236/chas223/Steeringshaft4spd2.jpg