C3 ignition switch replacement

[mike budra]

i went out to start my 76,and when i turned the key something inside broke and it doesnt do anything.By meaning that the ignition switch itself is brke inside.And the key wont come out.How do you get this switch out to get another one in?.I have a manual but it tells me nothing.

mike

[mike budra]

Re: C3 ignition switch replacement

well,i got the ket out,but something is broke inside

[Chuck S.]

Re: C3 ignition switch replacement

Mike, you didn't say what kind of manual you have, but the GM Chassis Service Manual should cover these details.

I suspect you are looking at more than a simple cylinder replacement here. The key switch is simply a mechanical lock; the actual electrical ignition switch is further down on the steering column. This ignition switch is actuated by a metal rod from the key lock. It sounds like the mechanical connection between the key lock and the electrical has been broken, probably at the key lock.

I haven't done this in awhile, but I believe you are looking at pulling the steering wheel and removing the turn signal switch and other guts in the top of the steering column to access the internals of the key lock. If you don't have the GM Chassis Service Manual, you should get it.

[Chuck S.]

Re: C3 ignition switch replacement

Can you re-insert your spare car into the cylinder, or is it stopped short by interference? Or, can the key be inserted all the way into the cylinder and withdrawn easily, but the switch knob doesn't turn?

There is a small sector on back end of the key lock mechanism that moves a small diecast rack when the key/knob is turned. This little rack moves the actuating rod for the ignition switch. I suspect you have wear or debris in that sector and rack that has allowed them to get misaligned and jammed up.

If you can't get your spare key all the way into the cylinder, then you may have a worn/jammed tumbler in the lock cylinder.

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 ignition switch replacement

It will make a big difference if you have a tilt column or fixed column.

Chuck is right. FSM has the instructions, with pictures. There is on-line manuals for this also.

http://www.corvettefaq.com/listing.asp?group=7

[mike budra]

Re: C3 ignition switch replacement

mine is a tilt....the guy at the parts store said it was either the tumbler or the rack,so i bought both.Im just needing to know how to get to all of this to find out what happened.You can stick the key in and take it back out.When you do put the key in,you have to work at it,but you can get the key to turn forward like it is supposed to.Only it doesnt have any resistance to the key at all.It just goes back and forth real easy.

[Chuck S.]

Re: C3 ignition switch replacement

Mike, you might first have a new key made. It's possible that your worn old keys combined with tumbler wear is enough to prevent the lock cylinder from unlocking and turning easily. That would explain why you're having to work at turning the lock knob even though the key goes in and out easily. (This assumes I interpreted your post correctly...it depends on the meaning of "it". )

I would not look forward to going inside to take a look if it were me. I have no experience with tilt columns; see the link Terry posted. On a standard column its no picnic...you need a steering wheel puller and a special tool to depress the anti-theft plate (a device designed by Satan himself). On a standard column, the anti-theft plate is retained by a big fat snap ring that is difficult to remove. Incidently, the service manual says not to reuse that snap ring, but I bet they haven't been made for twenty years.

[Gary Bishop]

Re: On Line Manual

Looks like a great site. Do you know if there is a similar site for C1s?

[mike budra]

Re: C3 ignition switch replacement

thanks Chuck....someone is supposed to buy it on Monday....and now you cant even start the damn thing

[mike budra]

Re: C3 ignition switch replacement

just to let you all know,i got it fixed no problem....thanks for all the help.This is a great board.Come to find out,it was that little plastic gear thing on the end of the tumbler.A few of the teeth were broke off.It was eiser to take it all apart than it was to get it back together.....thanks again for the help

mike