1971 Non-Tilt Ignition Key Warning Switch--Doesn't Work!
I replaced the ignition lock assembly and rebuilt the lower steering column. Everything works--turn signals, flashers, horn, etc. but not warning buzzer. I bought a ignition key warning switch and replaced it. Any suggestions on where to start. Thnaks. Paul
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Re: 1971 Non-Tilt Ignition Key Warning Switch--Doesn't Work!
The buzzer is located below the dash pad and if it has never worked I would check it first. I have fixed them by taking the cover off and cleaning the contacts.Lyle
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Re: 1971 Non-Tilt Ignition Key Warning Switch--Doesn't Work!
Paul-
The key warning buzzer is part of the horn relay on a 1971. I believe the wire from the key switch to the relay is a pink wire with a dark blue and black trace. With the drivers door open and the key fully inserted in the ignition switch, there should be continuity to ground from the p/dbl/blk wire. If so the problem lies in your horn relay. In the same horn relay connector is the black ground wire from the key buzzer. You can also check check between these two wires for continuity, with the key fully inserted, at the column connector. This will tell you if the switch is working.
MikeComment
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Re: 1971 Non-Tilt Ignition Key Warning Switch--Doesn't Work!
Do you have the exploded views showing parts, nomenclature, and "how to" that Jim Shea has placed on line? His website used to be part of the Corvette Forum but I think they may be separate now.
Jim retired from the Saginaw division (the guys who built our steering columns) and his papers cover just about every part of the steering system from soup to nuts. He usually has the original drawings as well as repair and troubleshooting guides. A worthwhile download, imo.
I used his papers to successfully repair the key buzzer on my 72 with tilt/tele.
GaryComment
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Re: 1971 Non-Tilt Ignition Key Warning Switch--Doesn't Work!
Mike is indeed correct...the warning buzzer is integral to the one year only 1115889 horn relay. Before you go to too much investigative work on the wiring, why not cut directly to verifying the horn relay?
With the relay mounted on the LH inner fender, the forward most bottom side slide terminal is the trigger line for the buzzer. It should have a black/pink wire connected to it.
Those of us who drive '71 cars and can't stand the sound of the key minder buzzer, typically disconnect that wire to preserve the useful life of the buzzer and reconnect it only for show/judging....
Disconnect the wire and jumper that terminal to ground. The horn relay ought to emit its noxious alarm sound. If it doesn't, there's no use in following the wiring from the horn relay back through to the steering column, you've got a dead buzzer in your horn relay.
All the wiring path from the horn relay does is to complete the contact closure to ground in the event the ignition key is left in the steering column AND the driver's door is opened...Comment
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Re: 1971 Non-Tilt Ignition Key Warning Switch--Doesn't Work!
I have read Jim's papers and emiled him too many times to count on various steering column things--but sometimes it is easier to talk to someone who has had the problem and fixed it--at least it is for me. I really appreciate your input--I am going to work on it this afternoon.Comment
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Re: 1971 Non-Tilt Ignition Key Warning Switch--Doesn't Work!
what about the switch that mounts in the column?
That was the culprit when my key buzzer went dead...Comment
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Re: 1971 Non-Tilt Ignition Key Warning Switch--Doesn't Work!
What switch is that? Do you mean the ignition switch in the lower steering column?
PaulComment
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Re: 1971 Non-Tilt Ignition Key Warning Switch--Doesn't Work!
My ignition buzzer worked fine then quit after I replaced all of the wiring harnesses in my '71 LT-1. I was about to give up when my foot hit the door jamb switch with the ignition key in place and the buzzer chirped. The problem was the contact button in the jamb switch had come loose,(it's threaded). I tightened it up and all is well.Comment
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Re: 1971 Non-Tilt Ignition Key Warning Switch--Doesn't Work!
The key warning switch is in the steering column head. It slides into the bearing housing right under the ignition lock cylinder.
Here is the standard (non-adjustable) column buzzer switch.
Jim SheaComment
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Re: 1971 Non-Tilt Ignition Key Warning Switch--Doesn't Work!
I tried disconnecting the forward wire underneath the relay (pink/bl) and grounding it the the block----nothing. Is the horn relay hooked up correctly? Looks like the horn relay buzzer may be shot.
1. Two sides screws: Front one has has one clip with two wires--looks like orange & black; rear screw--one closest to firewall has two wires---red from alternator and red from ignition harness.
2. Underneath the relay there are three flat connectors. Forward one--closest to radiator has a pink/black wire. The two rear connectors are: closet to firewall is black and one closest to engine is green.
The way the horn relay is connected agrees with DocRebuild wiring chart.Is this right.
Thanks PaulComment
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