Can't Remove the KEY!! - Lateral-g Forums

BC69 · #1 10-22-2007, 11:27 AM

Hi Guys,

I have had a few discussions on here about my Camaro's random ability to NOT start! Every once in a while I will stop somewhere, normally gas stations, and once I get back in the car it wont start.

I thought it was the neutral safety switch, because alot of times messing with the shifter will get it going. THREE times now it has not started for over an hour, got towed home, and STARTED as soon as its in the driveway! I think it was homesick or something!

Anyway, the last time it did this, I turned the car off, and the key didn't turn all the way back, and would not come out! Car didn't start either...got it home, and it started immediatly! But the key is still stuck in the ignition!

Any idea what in the h$#l is going on here? It is just something that bothers me and makes me afraid to turn the car off when I am out driving. I thought it was the transmission wiring, but now I think its got to be something else.

Thanks!

Tim

**Rybar** · #2 10-22-2007, 02:32 PM

Is your steering column from an Auto or manual car?

70TWO NOVA · #3 10-22-2007, 02:39 PM

sounds like a column shifted car that locks the key in the column when not in park. You may still have your NSS at the base of the column wired in. I have the same issue cause i have a floor shifter and the column sleeve needs to be turned to get the key out.

BC69 · #4 10-22-2007, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Is your steering column from an Auto or manual car?

How would I tell? My car is a floor shifted auto...but I don't believe the column is original to this car.

70TWO NOVA · #5 10-22-2007, 04:30 PM

look to see if there is a protrusion for a shifter handle in the column sleeve.

**Rybar** · #6 10-22-2007, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70TWO NOVA

look to see if there is a protrusion for a shifter handle in the column sleeve.

I think this is what I am referring to, if it is on the engine compartment side of the firewall. (don't know the name of the part)
Sometimes it can stick counterclockwise and then your key will get stuck.
Not sure if it affects your starting problem though. I bought a rebuilt tilt column and it was originally for an auto car.

Here is a pic of mine for reference:

**clill** · #7 10-22-2007, 11:08 PM

That arm sticking out is for the reverse lockout. It would normally have a rod attached to it to make sure the trans was in reverse on manual cars before you could remove the key. If you still have a 69 column you can rotate the collar just below the key area...or move that lever in the pic.

BC69 · #8 10-24-2007, 10:00 AM

Thanks for the great info and pictures! I am at school right now but I will be home in a couple weeks and try out your advice. I looked through hundreds of pictures but nothing zoomed enough on the column to see if it might have that lever. I will let you know how it goes!

Tim