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Topic: Ignition switch stuck to ON position

in Forum: C4 Electrical


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Ignition switch stuck to ON position (1/4)
 9/7/16 7:47pm
fporro
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Honolulu, HI - USA

Vette(s):
1989 C4


Joined: 9/7/2016
Posts: 1

Aloha everyone and thanks for adding me to group.

I'm a bmw guy but have a good friend with a 89 C4 auto and she needs some help.

Her ignition switch is stuck on Run position and only goes to Start from there, it does not return to Acc nor Off and can't remove key., had to disconnect battery and alternator to turn car off, so did basics ...

- Rocked car while in park position, it does not help.
- Turned steering column full L and R, in and out, tilted, it does not help.
- Looked for little button under steering but only see hazards switch, played with it and it does not help.

- found post's about actuator cable from shifter to Ign switch, undid center console and removed adjuster assembly from mounting bracket, actuated cable in both directions and still does not help, so...

- How far does little rod activated by thumb button on shifter travels up and under steering column and ...

- How do you operate cable adjuster ?

Aloha,
Frank
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Re: Ignition switch stuck to ON position (2/4)
 9/7/16 10:13pm
Adams' Apple
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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1985 Coupe-L98/Auto,Bright Red/Carmine. 1974 Coupe-L48/4speed, Medium Red Metallic/Black Deluxe.


Joined: 3/18/2009
Posts: 2230

Just went thru this on my '85 a few weeks ago. It's the key cylinder in the steering column. You;ll have to remove the steering wheel, then the lock plate, and take the three screws out that hold the turn signal switch in, and pull it up far enough to get to the screw that holds the key cylinder in. Take the screw out, and you can pull the cylinder out, and replace it. It's a pain to do just because the lock plate is spring loaded, so you'll need a special tool to compress the plate, and remove the "C" clip. The real problem is...the telescopic wheel requires a bolt be inserted into the threads of the steering shaft to lock the shaft, and keep it from coming completely out when you compress the plate.
This info is in the Service Manual, but if you do not have one, you might be able to find the procedure on-line somewhere. If not, PM me, and I'll send you some info. Thumbs Up

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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Re: Ignition switch stuck to ON position (3/4)
 12/2/20 1:26pm
kagoshimajim
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Keizer, OR - USA

Vette(s):
1986 Coupe


Joined: 9/9/2018
Posts: 1

Hello,

Does a key stuck in the ignition ("on" position, only "start" movement available) have anything to do with the alarm system? The security system malfunctioned, going off when I opened the driver's door. It kept beeping no matter which way I turned the key, so I got in and put the key into the ignition, then turned the car on. It started right up but the horn kept beeping. It stopped beeping after a couple of minutes. The key is now stuck with the ignition on. Upon returning home, I stalled the car to stop it, then disconnected the battery. The key remains stuck after reconnecting the battery and starting the car up. It seems really coincidental for the key to get stuck when the alarm malfunctioned, so I thought that there might be a connection. 

By the way, it is a manual transmission with the overdrive.

Thanks for your help, Jim



|UPDATED|12/2/2020 10:26:23 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
Re: Ignition switch stuck to ON position (4/4)
 12/2/20 5:57pm
Adams' Apple
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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1985 Coupe-L98/Auto,Bright Red/Carmine. 1974 Coupe-L48/4speed, Medium Red Metallic/Black Deluxe.


Joined: 3/18/2009
Posts: 2230

The key cylinder is broke. Only way to fix is remove steering wheel to get to the cylinder lock, and change the key cylinder. Btdt



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Joel Adams  
My Link

 
   
(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

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