i had the same thing happen with my firebird, turns out the switch just needed to be adjusted, that and the rod that went from the key part of the switch was in a bind, so make sure that isn't bent

 

I have to swap columns on my 71 and would like to use the same old key as it also works the door locks. How do you remove the ignition key assembly from the column ???

[This message has been edited by 71velle (edited 12-18-2001).]

 

Badcam is correct. The lock cylinder makes a small rod move, that rod makes the internal parts on the plastic IGNITION SWITCH move. There are two small mounting screws that retain the ignition switch to the column. These can be loosened and the switch can be moved up or down the column, then retightened. Make these adjustments before you install the column, then your key can rotate fully.

------------------
Gregg Haskin
72 Chevelle SS
ZZ502 Crated RAT
Muncie M-20 4 speed
TEAM CHEVELLE #726 ACES #4486
"PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!"
“What the heck are all these extra nuts & bolts for?”

My 72 Chevelle SS Restoration Website: www.wcvt.com/~ghaskin

 

71Velle-

To remove the LOCK CYLINDER from the column, and that's what I assume you mean, you'll need to buy or borrow a retainer ring removal tool. OPG sells them, and probably any parts store carries them as well. This is a device that threads onto your steering wheel shaft, then compresses the spring below the steering wheel locking plate. After compressing, remove the round retainer ring. Then release tension on the tool, and the top locking plate on the column comes off. Directly under that plate is where the turn signal cam & wiring is located. By removing the top plate, you'll see a small slot that gives access to a spring loaded tab that's part of the lock cylinder. Once this tab is pressed in, the lock cylinder will slip right out. It's real easy, but you will need that special tool.

------------------
Gregg Haskin
72 Chevelle SS
ZZ502 Crated RAT
Muncie M-20 4 speed
TEAM CHEVELLE #726 ACES #4486
"PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!"
“What the heck are all these extra nuts & bolts for?”

My 72 Chevelle SS Restoration Website: www.wcvt.com/~ghaskin

 

Thanks for all the input. I'll try adjusting it tonight. At least I checked before installing the column. My usual procedure involves installing something, then having to remove it to adjust what I should have checked before. I must be getting smarter (or just older).

 

Trust me, you're not alone!

------------------
Gregg Haskin
72 Chevelle SS
ZZ502 Crated RAT
Muncie M-20 4 speed
TEAM CHEVELLE #726 ACES #4486
"PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!"
“What the heck are all these extra nuts & bolts for?”

My 72 Chevelle SS Restoration Website: www.wcvt.com/~ghaskin

 

I recently retired from Delphi Saginaw Steering Systems (formerly Saginaw Steering Gear Division, GMC) after 35 years in the Product Engineering Department. I own a 1975 Corvette and before I retired, I gathered a lot of service information on the various products that Saginaw manufactured for GM vehicles (and particularly 1969 through 1982 Corvettes).

The Corvette during that time frame came with a standard (non-adjustable) steering column as well as a tilt and telescoping column (it did not have a pure tilt column). However, other than the telescoping mechanism in the steering shaft, (directly attached to the steering wheel hub), the tilt and the T&T columns are identical.

If you go to www.corvettefaq.com and look under Suspension and Steering, you will find quite a few papers along with pictures on disassembling both standard and adjustable type columns. There are also several other papers that could be of value as well.

Some of the papers posted at that sight that should help 1969 through the early 80's Chevelle owners are as follows:

Adjust Dimmer and/or Ignition Switch

Key Buzzer Diagnosis

Standard Column - Blowup Picture, Instructions, and two Disassembly Pictures.

Tilt and Telescoping - Blowup Picture, Instructions, and three Disassembly Pictures.

Turn Signal Lever (Broken Stub Removal) and Tool Pictures.

Turn Signal Switch Diagnosis

Where to get replacement column parts.

JIML82@aol.com

 

Thanks riskyvt !

 

Some neat items there JimL82. Have to put that address in my favorites later on.

 

Okay, I tried to adjust the ignition switch, to no avail. I even removed it entirely, and the key still won't turn past the lock position to accessory. What would be the next step? I'm guessing I have to open the column up and look for something bent or jammed. Any suggestions?
Thanks for all your help, this is a great site!!!

 

In order to diagnose your problem from long distance, I need you to confirm the following:
1. Do you know if the tilt column operated correctly when you got it? In other words, did it operate correctly with the original ignition lock cylinder?

2. Did your original lock cylinder and key work correctly in your standard (non-adjustable column)?

3. The positions for the ignition key are as follows:
START (The ignition switch spring pushes back to the ON or Run position).
ON (This position is detented in the switch).
OFF (Switch detent and you cannot remove ignition key).
OFF-LOCK (The column lock bolt engages the steering shaft and the key can now be removed).
ACCESSORY (You need to push in on the lock cylinder in order to rotate to this position.

4. You are sure that you can get to the OFF-LOCK position and remove the key but not to the ACCESSORY position.
5. When you say that with the ignition switch removed you cannot get to ACCESSORY, are you saying that when you rotate the ignition key all the way counterclockwise, you come to the end of travel and then you push in on the lock cylinder but it will not rotate any further?
6. There is a backdrive cable from the transmission that connects to a lever on the lower end of the steering column (right under the brake booster). This cable pushes up on the lever when in Reverse (manual transmission) and in Park (automatics). If the lever is not in the all the way up position, you will not be able to turn your ignition key to OFF-LOCK or to ACCESSORY. NOTE, some people disable the back drive cable and secure the column lever in the all the way UP position. Is this backdrive cable operating correctly, or is the lever on the lower end of the column held in the all the way UP position?

If you can confirm the above I will try to contact a Delphi engineer who might be able to help us with this problem. If you want to eMail me or just answer the above on this forum that will be OK.

JIML82@aol.com

 

I made the same switch on my '69. There are actually 2 different ignition switches... 1 for the tilt and 1 for the non-tilt. The rod pushes the switch on 1 and pulls it on the other. Make sure you have a tilt column ignition switch.