70 Ignition Key Stuck

[Mark P.]

The ignition key on a friend's 70 L46 is stuck and can't be taken out. The ignition switch won't switch back to the "lock" postion so that the key can be removed. Any suggestions? Is this a key problem or a switch problem or something in the steering column? How can I get this out without doing any damage?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Mark

[Mark #28455]

check the reverse lockout

There is a cable from the trans that only allows the key to be removed if the 4 speed is in reverse. Either it is bent and non-functioning or it was removed and the lever on the steering column has moved.

It could also be a problem in the column but that is less likely.
Mark

[Mark #28455]

check the reverse lockout

There is a cable from the trans that only allows the key to be removed if the 4 speed is in reverse. Either it is bent and non-functioning or it was removed and the lever on the steering column has moved.

It could also be a problem in the column but that is less likely.
Mark

[Mark P.]

Re: check the reverse lockout

Mark,

I know that the car does not have the original shifter in it. Perhaps that's the first place to look, since it was probably rendered non-functional at the time the shifter was replaced. I also know he was planning on replacing the shifter with an original or reproduction unit, maybe now's the time to do that and make sure all of the correct components are installed so it will work correctly.

Are the repros any good and worth putting in? Any other suggestions or pitfalls to avoid?

Thanks for the heads-up.
Mark

[Mark P.]

Re: check the reverse lockout

Mark,

I know that the car does not have the original shifter in it. Perhaps that's the first place to look, since it was probably rendered non-functional at the time the shifter was replaced. I also know he was planning on replacing the shifter with an original or reproduction unit, maybe now's the time to do that and make sure all of the correct components are installed so it will work correctly.

Are the repros any good and worth putting in? Any other suggestions or pitfalls to avoid?

Thanks for the heads-up.
Mark

[John H.]

Re: check the reverse lockout

The interlock system cable was driven from the reverse lever on the transmission, not from the shifter unit reverse lever. If the cable is gone/broken/disconnected, pull the lever it's supposed to be connected to at the bottom of the steering column mast jacket to the full "up" position and you should be able to rotate the key cylinder to the "Lock" position and remove the key.

[John H.]

Re: check the reverse lockout

The interlock system cable was driven from the reverse lever on the transmission, not from the shifter unit reverse lever. If the cable is gone/broken/disconnected, pull the lever it's supposed to be connected to at the bottom of the steering column mast jacket to the full "up" position and you should be able to rotate the key cylinder to the "Lock" position and remove the key.

[Dennis D.]

Re: 70 Ignition Key Stuck

If the problem is the cable(likely) short of crawling under and disconnecting at the trans, there are 2 ways to free the key.

Find the cable connected to the lever at the column as it enters the engine compartment(circled in the photo)

disconnect the clip and pull the cable end off the stud on the column lever.(lower circled area in photo) Then push the lever all the way up. Should allow the key to turn and remove.

You can also go inside, remove the trim piece at the lower column, slip the collar down to expose the steel sleeve. rotate it counter clockwise to acomplish the same thing.

Easier from the engine compartment side.

[Dennis D.]

Re: 70 Ignition Key Stuck

If the problem is the cable(likely) short of crawling under and disconnecting at the trans, there are 2 ways to free the key.

Find the cable connected to the lever at the column as it enters the engine compartment(circled in the photo)

disconnect the clip and pull the cable end off the stud on the column lever.(lower circled area in photo) Then push the lever all the way up. Should allow the key to turn and remove.

You can also go inside, remove the trim piece at the lower column, slip the collar down to expose the steel sleeve. rotate it counter clockwise to acomplish the same thing.

Easier from the engine compartment side.