Help- Key in column,wont come out
11-24-2006, 09:59 AM
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Member Since: Oct 2006
Location: FT. Worth Tx.
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Help- Key in column,wont come out
I have a 76 and the key wont go to lock so I can take the key out. I've tried pushing the key and pulling the key to go to lock but no go!! It has been slowly harder to get the key out but seems something is worn enough that it wont come out at all now. Is there a procedure to take the whole key mechanisum out of the colunm if it is not in lock and the key still in it? Thanks,Mike
11-24-2006, 10:15 AM
#2
You need to remove the steering wheel, the telescoping section and gain access to where you can see the housing section where the lock is in. There's a threaded boss just inboard of the cylinder with 2 vertical slots beneath it side to side. Take a small screwdriver and pry in the right slot and the lock should come out.
I'll see if I can find a pic to make it more clear
I'll see if I can find a pic to make it more clear
11-24-2006, 10:37 AM
#4
Safety Car
Does a '76 have a interlock cable, that is maybe stretched or bound up not allowing the key to come out. On a 4 speed the shifter has to be in reverse and park if its a automatic. Peace,,, Moosie 
11-24-2006, 10:42 AM
#5
Instructor
Originally Posted by moosie982
Does a '76 have a interlock cable, that is maybe stretched or bound up not allowing the key to come out. On a 4 speed the shifter has to be in reverse and park if its a automatic. Peace,,, Moosie
The interlock arm is located in the engine compartment on the steering colum just as it passes through the firewall, pull up on it and try the key lock again, there is a steel cable attached to this arm.
Good luck.
11-24-2006, 10:56 AM
#7
Le Mans Master
Originally Posted by Twin_Turbo
Good one, totally forgot about the interlock cable.
11-24-2006, 11:19 AM
#8
Race Director
Member Since: Mar 2001
Location: Living in the Hartland
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Originally Posted by Duke94
His profile says he has a Tremec 5 speed, so the cable must be long gone. (profiles are useful)
Look at the end of the steering colum at the firewall, there is a lever that once had the cable connected to it, might be slowly rotated on you
11-24-2006, 11:33 AM
#9
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Member Since: Oct 2006
Location: FT. Worth Tx.
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks Guys, I had to step away ,but i'm back. TwinTurbo,Duke94,Moosie982,Green76, I read your posts and ill try them all and let you know how it goes. I plan on pulling the Steering Wheel to put on the new custom adapter that Grant Wheels made for me so i could change Steering wheels from the stock one. A hard thing to do on a 76 column. This was orig. an auto. car converted to a Tremec 5speed,so the interlock cable is gone. Thanks again for your replys and will keep you informed on what happens. Best Regards,Mike
11-24-2006, 11:44 AM
#10
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Member Since: Oct 2006
Location: FT. Worth Tx.
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Fevre
Look at the end of the steering colum at the firewall, there is a lever that once had the cable connected to it, might be slowly rotated on you
Mike
11-24-2006, 12:06 PM
#11
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Jul 2000
Location: Saginaw Michigan
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 0
Received 98 Likes
on
81 Posts
The lower lever on the steering column needs to be in the full UP position in order to remove your key. You may want to wire it or secure it in some other way in that position. BTW, just remember, you now can turn off your engine and lock your steering wheel while still rolling down the road.
Jim
Jim