Ignition Switch Trouble

[grs]

I can start my 64 with my house key, or any key. Would you say the switch is bad , or the cylinder? I just put the house key in a little bit, and turn it , and it starts.

[61_FL_Apache]

I would say its wore out.. If you think its original, I would replace it.. I did the same thing on mine and got a new set of keys with it.

[tincan1966]

To actually answer your question- the lock cylinder is bad, not the switch itself. You can order replacement cylinders with keys from most of the vendors, and can also get complete sets that will re-key the whole truck.

I am not sure which year started it, but some of the switches actually have 4 positions, and unless you turn it back counterclockwise all the way to the "lock" position, you will be able to restart it from "off" without the key. if yours does not have the "lock" position, then it is most likely worn out and should be replaced for vehicle security.

[luvbowties]

...agreeing with tincan: these pkps were made during years where u could drive w/out keys--during years u could trust people. My dad once drove a stranger's truck out of the parking lot of a chain-grocery store, and got a couple of miles down the road on the way home, and suddenly realized a radio had miraculously appeared in the dash--he always bought new vehicles, stripped: 6-cyl., straight drive, no radio OR heater, and with blackwall tires. IIRC, he could trade each year for about $75-$100 total difference--when total cost of a new car was ~$1400-$1700(1953-1958's I remember most clearly, all Chevies of course.)
s

[gimmy 64]

this does have an advantage though. when I was having trouble with my starter. if I would go to a store I would park , pull out my key --still running and lock the door and go to the store.and if you loose your key just put your wife's key in the ignition and go LOL

[grs]

I wonder if I could have my cylinder repaired?

[66Submarine]

If it is a four position switch it's working like it should--I have one like that in one of my trucks. If it works like that, then you turn the switch all the way to the left (another click past off) and it will be "locked"; you'll need to use the correct key to turn it back to start it.

[BADAZ chevy guy]

Just curious... Have you tried starting your house with your truck key? Cause THAT would be AWESOME!!

[grs]

Originally Posted by BADAZ chevy guy

Just curious... Have you tried starting your house with your truck key? Cause THAT would be AWESOME!!

I tried to start the house, but it won't turn over.

[grs]

Originally Posted by 66Submarine

If it is a four position switch it's working like it should--I have one like that in one of my trucks. If it works like that, then you turn the switch all the way to the left (another click past off) and it will be "locked"; you'll need to use the correct key to turn it back to start it.

Thanks. That worked. Saved me a lot of work. But what do you mean by 4 position switch? It does not have accessary. At least I don't think it does.

[66Submarine]

The extra fourth position past off is just to lock the cylinder so it won't turn without the key in it (IME/AFAIK, anyway).

[donthekawguy]

Four position would be all the way left is lock. going right is off on start. Four positions.

[ray_mcavoy]

Originally Posted by BADAZ chevy guy

Just curious... Have you tried starting your house with your truck key? Cause THAT would be AWESOME!!

Originally Posted by grs

I tried to start the house, but it won't turn over.

Maybe you should get some jumper cables and hook it up to another house

The Man's Kitchen - YouTube

[grs]

Originally Posted by ray_mcavoy

Maybe you should get some jumper cables and hook it up to another house
The Man's Kitchen - YouTube

I have a one story house. Would cables for a two story house work better?

[old cruiser]

Originally Posted by grs

I have a one story house. Would cables for a two story house work better?

Only if you hook it up to 1 story only . if you hook it up to both stories you'll double the voltage and blow your house up

[grs]

Originally Posted by old cruiser

Only if you hook it up to 1 story only . if you hook it up to both stories you'll double the voltage and blow your house up

Thanks for the info. I will have my wife find some cables.

[grs]

Originally Posted by donthekawguy

Four position would be all the way left is lock. going right is off on start. Four positions.

I figured it out. From left to right. Lock, off. run,and start.