Dano C3

For months I've been hanging a hat over my ignition key to hide the fact that the keys have been in it!

Just popped the hood and found that the clip holding the cable to the bracket has come off. I rotated up to 1 oclock position and boom key turns right out!

Just need a new clip and I'm back in business.

Thanks again everyone
Dano

Ely

I have a '78 and mine is missing all together as well. My problem is that I can't get my key to go anti clockwise such that I can turn on the accessories. I can turn it clockwise and stop at the first spot but than the HVAC fan runs and will drain the battery.
Anybody else have this problem?

Higgy76

Try googling the problem and look at other forums. Corvette Action Center had a thread addressing the same issue, likely will find pics too. In the mean time you should be able to rotate the pin/ring on the column to allow the ignition to rotate all the way. Mine would.
Good luck.
Higgy76

Danieljta

I am having similar problems with my 1980 vette. (One of many)
The ignition rotates clockwise and starts the car fine. But doesn't want to rotate counter clockwise into the Stop or lock position, unless I wiggle the telescopic lever just behind the ignition switch. It also makes a pop sound when switching out from Lock, into Run.

Just bought the car a month ago, and am slowly fixing and discovering more problems as I go.
Any help, or information would be greatly appreciated.

MSGT-R

Well, wouldn't 'cha know that I had the same problem just the other weekend when resurrecting my project car that has been "sitting". Thanks for saving me the hassle of removing the lock!

Roma

I have the same issue and just want to know: Is there a difference between the cable for Automatic and 4 Speed ?

Thanks
Frank

BowTieBlood

I couldn't tell you, but the vendor sites list them separately, so I'd assume there's a difference. Maybe the length differs?

Roma

In around 3 weeks I can tell, because I ordered the wrong one (if there is a difference)

Rasta420

sorry for reviving an old thread, but....

I had the same issue, key would not rotate to lock position and allow removal. Found this thread, went out and looked at car and sure enough my cable is bunched up at the end like in the photo, this fix was so easy and so right in time that it caused me to sign up for this forum and write a post of ....

Thank You!

Rasta420

bruins

What system, if any, was used on a 77 through 82 C3?

Bromleys Corvettes

Great info I have had a few customers call me from a parking lot with this problem. I have been able to talk them through un hooking the cable on top so they could get there key out. A lot of people dont no about this. They should join this site and start reading and learning all kinds of good stuff

lockwood

Interesting, my "75" manual trans ignition works fine except I can't turn to accessory. I will be looking at this tomorrow. I am assuming that the trans does not have to be in reverse to turn to accessory.

1970coupe herder

I read with interest in regarding this problem. My key also was not able to be removed from the ignition switch. So I ordered a new cable as mine was bent on the transmission end. New cable installed, key can be removed from ignition all is well, or so I thought. After many months of restoring our 1970 Coupe, the car was ready to test drive. Put on about 60 miles and again the key will not remove from the ignition. After checking the "new cable" the transmission end once again is bent into a somewhat "U" shape. So what could be the problem? Does the lever on the bottom of the steering column need to be cleaned and lubed up for the cable to move it back and forth? Or is it time to just remove it all together and not have it at all?
Have a manual transmission on the 350/350. Anyone have info that will help/

Thanks

Calo69

Great explanation along with crystal images. You should be teaching if you aren't already. Thanks

Ironcross

I have a similar problem and I have been reading about the subject...But my problem is similar but its on my 73 El Camino...454, T'400 and I cannot remove the key or turn counterclockwise to remove it. I was ready to remove the steering wheel and all the problems that would cause, tilt wheel, center console and horn.....

I looked under the master cylinder but didn't see any lever at 3 or 1....are they different or what?.....Vette to the Camino

saved1976

Awsome post! I will try this fix tomorrow on my 71 4 speed. Thanks...

RETIRE15

has helped me out numerous times

pwhughes3

Hi guys, I've been prepping to get my 76 stingray running again but when I went to try to crank it the key will not turn from "off/off-lock" position (IN PARK)...is it possible the same trans lever on steering column could also prevent a key from turning (if it's in wrong position)? Or any other possibilities causing this issue..

Thanks

joepcad

My key has been stuck for about a year while I pulled the interior out to put in insulation. thought it was something I did to the shift cable while it was apart. a locksmith said it was probably the switch. so I put the interior back in and then had a switch put in. You know it didn't fix it. I thought the console was going to have to come back out. I found this post and in less than ten minutes my key was in my hand. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

stuartc53

Purchased a '75 with the same problem. Key would not go to lock position and could not be removed. I will look tomorrow for the cable. Hope your solution works for me

Thanks guys for sharing