I have a 1975 C3, ignition key does not remove from cylinder. I have reattached cable to steering column from transmission (unsure what it is for?)but did not help. Any ideas? Many thanks
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Re: C3 Ignition key stuck
Is this car an automatic? If it is, i'm not sure what year it started but make sure it's in park. Key cylinder has to be in the off position to get key out, with tranny in park.I know in newer cars, it does. Move it slightly one way or the other and try pulling key out. Move shifter all the way forward in park. Try removing the whole cylinder with key. You'll need a thin nail or strong piece of wire to stick in the cylinder tiny hole to release the cylinder with the key.You'll need to have the ingition switch in the right position.Then you can get it repaired. If none of this works, see a locksmith. You might have a bad key or cylinder making the key stay in.
Good luck..............John I hope some of this helps. -
Re: C3 Ignition key stuck
The backdrive cable from the transmission reverse lever that connects to the lever at the bottom of the steering column rotates a tube inside the column that allows the key cylinder to be turned to the "Lock" position so you can remove the key. That cable must be properly adjusted (and free to move) in order to move the lever at the bottom of the column fully into the key removal position ("Park" on an automatic, "Reverse" on a 4-speed). The adjustment procedure is shown in the Assembly Manual and in the Shop Manual.Comment
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Re: C3 Ignition key stuck
Hey, try this out, it happened to me with my 74 Z/28.
The collar at the bottom of the steering column needs to be held in the cup of your hand and turn it counter-clockwise, then turn the key to the lock position and it should pull out.
I had that problem and it took me a while to figure it out. So then, I had to re-adjust the cable to the collar.
Hope this helps.
Ken.Comment
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Re: C3 Ignition key stuck
Ken's method should allow the key to be removed.
I've always had this issue with my 70 4 speed. Put in a new cable and that didn't help. Adjusted the firewall bracket as well. The cable worked for awhile and then started to kink at the trans bracket again. I had someone actuate the cable while I checked for binding. Nothing hanging up. I detached the other cable end from the firewall bracket, and checked under the car again. The cable moved freely. Went back to the firewall and manually operated the lever on the column.(figuring that was the problem)But it moved easily.
It seems to me that the cable is not rigid enough to push the column lever. The action of pushing, instead of pulling with a cable, plus adding some resistance, is asking for trouble.
Since this setup works for most,there must be a problem with mine somewhere. I gave up for now, and disconnected the cable. If there's a solution, I'd love to hearComment
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