QuestionI have a 1985 Chevy K10 pickup and when I went to start it today I was able to turn the key to the "ON" position but I couldn't turn it any further than that, I physically couldn't turn the key to the "START" position. After messing around with it for 5 min the key now spins freely in the ignition and I can no longer feel the detent where the "ON" position would be. The key still stops where it normally would at the "Lock" and "START" position. The truck showed no problems with the ignition the last time I drove it (the night before)Does this sound like the key cylinder is broken or could I have broken the ignition rack or something else?
AnswerHi Quinn:
Sorry about your truck. Typically what fails on your vehicle is either the lock cylinder itself, or a hairpin spring inside the column that breaks and jams the rack gears, preventing them from moving.
Here are the two parts I suspect.
Ignition Lock cylinder &
Locking Pin Spring
Obviously, the only way to find out which one is bad is to begin the repair process and disassemble the lock (that's the easiest one) first. If that does not rotate completely in hand, then replace it. You can also attempt to turn the mechanism with a pair of needle nose pliers once the lock is out. If the lock seems ok, try the mechanism and see if you can start the truck with the pliers.
Lastly, one of the other parts that often breaks in that chain of parts is the rack gear itself, but usually when that breaks, you can turn the lock but it turns freely (not what you described)
<a href="http://www.steeringcolumnservices.com/gm-buick-cadillac-chevrolet-oldsmobile-pon>Rack Actuator Gear</a>
We have recently uploaded some pdf & video instructions on our company website (for a small fee) to give you first hand viewing of how to remove, disassemble, and reassemble the tilt column you are talking about. They are broken down into step by step detailed instructions. Although the instructions are not for your exact car, the column is very similar to yours.
http://www.steeringcolumnservices.com/steering-column-repair-how-to-instructions
We have also uploaded exploded views of most columns as well (for free). Yours should be here:
http://www.steeringcolumnservices.com/exploded-views.php
I hope these instructions can help you. Lastly, if you need parts to repair this column simply locate the part and you can purchase it directly through the shopping cart. We stock just about everything you would need to repair your car properly.
Good luck
Doug
http://www.steeringcolumnservices.com/
