I'am trying to correct my ignition key warning buzzer. The problem is that it buzzes with the key in the ignition or out, when the driver's door is open. I removed the switch, and it seems to be functioning properly, although I have a new one on order from Dr. Rebuild. It seems like something in the ignition cylinder that is on the steering column is causing the warning switch to be activated all the time. The buzzer does stop when the key is in the 'RUN' position. I've not been able to remove the cylinder to check it out. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
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Re: 69' Ignition Key Warning Buzzer Problem
I might be of some help. Had a similar problem...mine buzzed all the time, key in or out with the door open. Had to disconnect the wire as a temporary fix. I had two problems, one was a broken switch. That's the plastic gizmo with 2 brass prongs. The second was the ignition switch itself. There is a plastic "nub" that pushes out when the key is inserted. That "nub" hits the switch and activates the buzzer. I had a locksmith friend/neighbor come over and remove the lock cylinder for me. This was a nasty little job. The lock cylinder just needed cleaned and lubed. You might try squirting LOTS of WD 40 in the cylinder and working the key in and out to see if that will free it up. If you need further help, I'll ask my friend for a step by step procedure for removing the lock cylinder. Chuck1963 Corvette Conv. 327/360 NCRS Top Flight
2006 Corvette Conv. Velocity Yellow NCRS Top Flight
1956 Chevy Sedan. 350/4 Speed Hot Rod -
Re: 69' Ignition Key Warning Buzzer Problem
I might be of some help. Had a similar problem...mine buzzed all the time, key in or out with the door open. Had to disconnect the wire as a temporary fix. I had two problems, one was a broken switch. That's the plastic gizmo with 2 brass prongs. The second was the ignition switch itself. There is a plastic "nub" that pushes out when the key is inserted. That "nub" hits the switch and activates the buzzer. I had a locksmith friend/neighbor come over and remove the lock cylinder for me. This was a nasty little job. The lock cylinder just needed cleaned and lubed. You might try squirting LOTS of WD 40 in the cylinder and working the key in and out to see if that will free it up. If you need further help, I'll ask my friend for a step by step procedure for removing the lock cylinder. Chuck1963 Corvette Conv. 327/360 NCRS Top Flight
2006 Corvette Conv. Velocity Yellow NCRS Top Flight
1956 Chevy Sedan. 350/4 Speed Hot RodComment
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Re: 69' Ignition Key Warning Buzzer Problem
As Chuck mentioned, the most common reason for this symptom is ABUSE and AGE. In the abuse category, there's a method for doing work in the steering column that's detailed in the Chassis Service Manual (pull this, then that, Etc.) and many prior owners/mechanics blindly take tools and tear into the job. This can frequently result in the key minder warning switch breaking.
The age factor is especially prevalent in convertibles. The key minder warning switch (there were two styles) was encapsulated in a clear plastic body. Sun/heat beating on the column over the years takes a toll on the plastic. Outgassing causes the switch body to become brittle. Once the body fractures, the leads make unintended contact with ignition switch barrel and the buzzer goes constantly.
First, remedy the symptom, then address the problem. Kill the buzzer (it's built into your horn relay, that's a unique part and it's only got so many buzz cycles before it's a goner). Do this by taking a flashlight and looking at the base of the horn relay. Find the black/pink wire that's by itself. Pull it -- you'll open circuit the key minder warning circuit altogether....
In my '71 that I drive as well as show, I leave this contact 'dangling' for street use and hook 'er up for show. Why wear out a perfectly good horn relay? -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now, get ready to pull the steering wheel and find out what's what. If you're not real good at turning a wrench, shop for a Corvette specialty shop that knows what they're doing ESPECIALLY if you have a T/T column. Why?
The T/T column's key minder warning switch is unique. It's been GM discontinued for many years now and supplies of replacements are virtually exhausted. I know. Had to find one for my '71. Wound up running Locator and finding the last three in captivity, buying 'em all and squirrling 'em away....
Maker sure the sequence given in the CSM is followed to the letter for pulling your key minder switch to inspect it. Same goes for the ignition switch. Either operation NOT done in prescribed sequence has a real good chance of fracturing the key minder switch's body and you'll be unhappy....Comment
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Re: 69' Ignition Key Warning Buzzer Problem
As Chuck mentioned, the most common reason for this symptom is ABUSE and AGE. In the abuse category, there's a method for doing work in the steering column that's detailed in the Chassis Service Manual (pull this, then that, Etc.) and many prior owners/mechanics blindly take tools and tear into the job. This can frequently result in the key minder warning switch breaking.
The age factor is especially prevalent in convertibles. The key minder warning switch (there were two styles) was encapsulated in a clear plastic body. Sun/heat beating on the column over the years takes a toll on the plastic. Outgassing causes the switch body to become brittle. Once the body fractures, the leads make unintended contact with ignition switch barrel and the buzzer goes constantly.
First, remedy the symptom, then address the problem. Kill the buzzer (it's built into your horn relay, that's a unique part and it's only got so many buzz cycles before it's a goner). Do this by taking a flashlight and looking at the base of the horn relay. Find the black/pink wire that's by itself. Pull it -- you'll open circuit the key minder warning circuit altogether....
In my '71 that I drive as well as show, I leave this contact 'dangling' for street use and hook 'er up for show. Why wear out a perfectly good horn relay? -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now, get ready to pull the steering wheel and find out what's what. If you're not real good at turning a wrench, shop for a Corvette specialty shop that knows what they're doing ESPECIALLY if you have a T/T column. Why?
The T/T column's key minder warning switch is unique. It's been GM discontinued for many years now and supplies of replacements are virtually exhausted. I know. Had to find one for my '71. Wound up running Locator and finding the last three in captivity, buying 'em all and squirrling 'em away....
Maker sure the sequence given in the CSM is followed to the letter for pulling your key minder switch to inspect it. Same goes for the ignition switch. Either operation NOT done in prescribed sequence has a real good chance of fracturing the key minder switch's body and you'll be unhappy....Comment
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Re: 69' Ignition Key Warning Buzzer Problem
Chuck & Jack,
Thanks for the insight. I managed to remove the ignition cylinder from the steering column. (fun job!!) It seems that I have the dreaded 'plastic nub' problem. I lubed with wd-40 with no luck. There is a brass cylinder that pushes the nub when the key is inserted. The brass cylinder is not springing back when the key is removed. I'm thinking of buying a new ignition cylinder, but don't want to end up re-keying everything. Maybe I should try a local locksmith first. Anyways thanks for the input. It is really appreciated.
CamrneComment
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Re: 69' Ignition Key Warning Buzzer Problem
Chuck & Jack,
Thanks for the insight. I managed to remove the ignition cylinder from the steering column. (fun job!!) It seems that I have the dreaded 'plastic nub' problem. I lubed with wd-40 with no luck. There is a brass cylinder that pushes the nub when the key is inserted. The brass cylinder is not springing back when the key is removed. I'm thinking of buying a new ignition cylinder, but don't want to end up re-keying everything. Maybe I should try a local locksmith first. Anyways thanks for the input. It is really appreciated.
CamrneComment
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Ign Key Warning Buzzer Problem: Reinstalling
Hi!
So how does one go about reinstalling the clear plastic switch with its two brass contacts, along with the spring that retains it? I ask, because I am about to do the same. Both of these parts were broken when I disassembled the column to repaint it. As they were in several parts, I am not exactly sure of the exact orientation of the new spring and the switch when I put them back in. The CSM isn't necessarily helpful for this.
Any thoughts from those who have been there?
Also replacing the upper roller bearing too, which was broken as well.
PatrickVice-Chairman (West), Michigan Chapter NCRS
71 "deer modified" coupe
72 5-Star Bowtie / Duntov coupe. https://www.flickr.com/photos/124695...57649252735124
2008 coupe
Available stickers: Engine suffix code, exhaust tips & mufflers, shocks, AIR diverter valve broadcast code.Comment
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Ign Key Warning Buzzer Problem: Reinstalling
Hi!
So how does one go about reinstalling the clear plastic switch with its two brass contacts, along with the spring that retains it? I ask, because I am about to do the same. Both of these parts were broken when I disassembled the column to repaint it. As they were in several parts, I am not exactly sure of the exact orientation of the new spring and the switch when I put them back in. The CSM isn't necessarily helpful for this.
Any thoughts from those who have been there?
Also replacing the upper roller bearing too, which was broken as well.
PatrickVice-Chairman (West), Michigan Chapter NCRS
71 "deer modified" coupe
72 5-Star Bowtie / Duntov coupe. https://www.flickr.com/photos/124695...57649252735124
2008 coupe
Available stickers: Engine suffix code, exhaust tips & mufflers, shocks, AIR diverter valve broadcast code.Comment
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Re: Ign Key Warning Buzzer Problem: Reinstalling
CSM is clear albeit a tad 'fuzzy' -- got that? Metal clip can only go one way onto switch (if it's backwards, it covers the side hole that allows the tab on the key barrel to enter and toggle the switch contacts). CSM shows pix of removal of switch by pulling on the ring or tab of the clip and that pix gives relative orientation into the column's upper plate. Insertion is just as simple as put clip onto switch and stuff clip into hole with the final result resembling the CSM picture before removal (exposed brass contacts pointing toward 12:00 position of column.
If you've removed the ignition lock, read the step-by-step for installation (which comes first, warning switch or ignition switch? and how should ignition switch be oriented to column vs. key in switch?). Bingo, it will work, mon....Comment
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Re: Ign Key Warning Buzzer Problem: Reinstalling
CSM is clear albeit a tad 'fuzzy' -- got that? Metal clip can only go one way onto switch (if it's backwards, it covers the side hole that allows the tab on the key barrel to enter and toggle the switch contacts). CSM shows pix of removal of switch by pulling on the ring or tab of the clip and that pix gives relative orientation into the column's upper plate. Insertion is just as simple as put clip onto switch and stuff clip into hole with the final result resembling the CSM picture before removal (exposed brass contacts pointing toward 12:00 position of column.
If you've removed the ignition lock, read the step-by-step for installation (which comes first, warning switch or ignition switch? and how should ignition switch be oriented to column vs. key in switch?). Bingo, it will work, mon....Comment
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