So I was out in the vette (1981) friday night last, I parked up and went to turn the ignition switch off to find that it would no longer turn to the off position properly. I was able to turn it far enough towards OFF to kill the engine, but not far enough to go to the usual detent OFF position where the key can be removed. So I am unable to get key out. Then I found that I can now only rotate it in the other direction to ON (instrument lights come on) but am unable to rotate it any further than that to the normal starter motor activate position. In the end I had to jumper the starter motor solenoid with a screw driver to get it started and get home. It remains like this - I have never had any problems with the ignition switch prior, it has always worked just fine, detenting at all the stops including ACC.

Help !!  What's going on ???  

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Kiwi Chris

sounds to me like the shifter and the column safety switch need to be re-aligned. Try moving the shifter when you turn the key. Several things need to be in sinc to go to off position and remove the key. There is a cable that goes from the steering column to the transmission. When you turn off key and remove it, it puts a safty on the steering and shifter so they cannot be moved/stolen against your will. Mr Apple, or someone who can post pictures will show you how it's done. It's an easy fix, and should take only a few minutes.

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That was my first thought too, Mark. However...the shift linkage interlock would not keep you from being able to turn the key cylinder forward...only to "OFF". From the sound of it, the problem is most likely in the rack/pinon, which transfers the rotation off the key cylinder into a forward/rearward movement down to the ignition switch. Funny thing...I had to take the '85 to get it inspected last weekend, and it now has the same issue....can't get the dang thing to turn OFF. It will still turn forward to start it, tho. I think my particular issue is with a loose screw for the horn wire that has fallen down into the rack/pinion, since my horn no longer works, and the wire, with the screw eyelet,  just pulled right out. DOH!
Anyway, I think you're going to have to dig into the column to find the problem, which I believe is going to be on the left side, where the rack/pinion is. It may be broken.....seen it many times.



Also, take a look at Jim Shea's Steering Papers for more help on the dis-assembly and repairs. He's the best there is.


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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Thanx for the responses :-)

There's no shift/interlock on the 81 to go wrong, I think these were dropped

from the Corvette in the late 70's ?   Have the steering lock lever mechanism instead,

which could also be the culprit I suspect.

Looks like I'm in for some fun....   !!

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Kiwi Chris