Key Stuck in Ignition '79

[Andy Grigorian #28359]

The key will not turn to the lock position to release the key and lock the steering wheel. I have the tilt/tele column with auto trans, 1979. I know these cars were originally equipped with an interlock allowing the steering to lock only with the trans in park. My car has no connection between the trans and the steering column, the column has always locked regardless of shifter position (at least since I've owned the car). The service manual and the aim both show an arm on the coulumn similar to column shifted cars. My column has no such lever and I can't see or feel any provision for a trans to column connection at the engine side of the firewall on the column.

Could this problem have something to do with the lever just below the key/ignition switch? I still don't know the purpose of this lever. I know it must move down to turn the key. What does it do, what is it's purpose? Have had this car over 3 years without any column problems. Any ideas?...Thanks

[Jack H.]

From....

page 11 of the NCRS 78-82 Corvette Operations Manual & PV Test Guide:

Ignition Ke Release Lever

A lever located on the steering column slightly forward and below the ignition
switch prevents placing the key in the 'Lock' position until depressed....

Anti-Theft Ignition & Steering Lock

....An interlock between the transmission and the ignition switch was not used
during the 1978-82 model years.

[Andy Grigorian #28359]

Thanks Jack, I think the release IS the problem...

The ignition key release lever does not move as far down as before the problem. If I can't repair the release lever (if that's the problem), I will attempt to disable this worthless (to me) feature. It seems worthless because the column can be locked regardless of shifter position. Thanks for looking it up.