HELP! key stuck in ignition in ON position

[1978sierra]

Hey Guys,

I was driving around yesterday and when I went to start her up last night the key turned to the on position and nothing happened. No attempt to start no nothing. I then went to return the key to the off position and it was stuck. I can rotate the ignition a little bit- all the way forward and the 'brakes' light came on in my gas gauge (never seen that one before).

After about 10 mins of punching my dash, I took a deep breath and tried a bunch of things. One of which was to pull on the shifter leaver in the P position and try to turn the key-- It let the truck fire up and I got it home, once home though the truck was stuck in the ON position running. I fiddles with it a bunch and eventually it turned enough to kill the engine but still remains stuck and in the ON position.

I had to disconnect the battery to make sure it didn't drain out last night.

So here I am. Key is stuck in ignition, ignition is in the on position.

CAN ANYONE HELP ME!!!!!

it's a 1978 Sierra c15, no tilt, automatic on the column .

Cheers.

[68c10owner]

Originally Posted by 1978sierra

Hey Guys,

I was driving around yesterday and when I went to start her up last night the key turned to the on position and nothing happened. No attempt to start no nothing. I then went to return the key to the off position and it was stuck. I can rotate the ignition a little bit- all the way forward and the 'brakes' light came on in my gas gauge (never seen that one before).

After about 10 mins of punching my dash, I took a deep breath and tried a bunch of things. One of which was to pull on the shifter leaver in the P position and try to turn the key-- It let the truck fire up and I got it home, once home though the truck was stuck in the ON position running. I fiddles with it a bunch and eventually it turned enough to kill the engine but still remains stuck and in the ON position.

I had to disconnect the battery to make sure it didn't drain out last night.

So here I am. Key is stuck in ignition, ignition is in the on position.

CAN ANYONE HELP ME!!!!!

it's a 1978 Sierra c15, no tilt, automatic on the column .

Cheers.

I had a similar problem where I couldnt turn the key off. Had to unhook the battery everytime I left it. This was my old 75 gmc non tilt. I ended up having to replace the ignition switch. Wasnt a big deal but I cant remember what all was involved. Was almost 20 years ago.

[Liberty]

Its going to most likely be your ignition switch actuator. This is a little pewter fork in your column that connects to the key cylinder to move the actuator rod that moves your switch.

These are pretty prone to breaking. Replacement involves removing the steering wheel, turn signal switch, and portions of the column cover.

If you have your factory steering wheel be careful not to lose the horn spring thing that flies out when you take the wheel off, and don't lose the locking pin, which I think also flies out.

Brakes light comes on with normal startup to check the light, then stays on if the parking brake is engaged.

[truckin 79]

It is the ignition switch so just go to your local parts store and get a new one for 12.00. It is pretty straight forward when you get in there, a simple fix

[Crcrft78]

I have the same issue but my ignition key is so worn that it will take some wiggling back and forth to finally get it to turn off. I haven't tried a new key yet but I believe thats what my problem is. Maybe try a new key if yours is old and worn before you go taking your column apart.

[cadillac_al]

It's a simple fix the 2nd time around. The first time around you may want to look at some old threads here. You have to knock out some casting flash to get to the retaining clip. Yes, watch the horn parts. Good luck.

[Liberty]

Originally Posted by cadillac_al

It's a simple fix the 2nd time around. The first time around you may want to look at some old threads here. You have to knock out some casting flash to get to the retaining clip. Yes, watch the horn parts. Good luck.

Oh my god you just reminded me of the pure evil that little retaining pin is.

[cadillac_al]

Originally Posted by Liberty

Oh my god you just reminded me of the pure evil that little retaining pin is.

You ain't kiddin'. I see some more dash punching in 1978sierra's future.

[1978sierra]

Ok. Pulling my colum apart. And I'm stuck. How do we get this off?

[Crcrft78]

IIRC you need to use a steering column lock plate removal tool to push down on the plate and remove the snap ring.

[Crcrft78]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgXBxd0Bqp0
Watch around the 3:14 mark

[54earl]

I'm curious to know if you got it buttoned up?

[1978sierra]

Well, here's my frustration, i mean progress so far.

Managed to tear it down with the help of a buddy without the lockplate pusher, I had to go to work, and the truck was rolled out pretty far- unfortunately the key had now been broken off in the off position and I couldn't shift into neutral to put it back in its spot, so my friend jumped down and unhooked the linkage and shifted it into N so we could roll it back..... more on this later


next day banged out the flashing (thanks for all the help on this site) and the old ignition dropped right out. put the new one in and it turns properly- the key is a bit sticky but I suspect that it's just because it's new. Started putting it back together, and had to go grab a lock plate pusher to get the snap ring back on (that thing a frustrating %^$#$%&) here's where something very strange happened:

After I had the lock plate almost all the way down I heard a 'pop' and the shaft came about the length of the spring closer to me. Worried I snapped something I dissembled everything, there is some slight play (about a quarter inch) if I push or pull the column. Thinking I'd already done the worst I started putting it back together again. No play this time and it was easy to get the snap ring on with the pusher.

As I was putting the steering wheel on 'SNAP' the little spring loaded nub on the cancelling cam snapped off in the wheel. So now I guess I am ordering another part and taking it apart again.

Now, since I had some time to tackle another project I figured I'd shift it back to N and roll it out-- UH OH, with the keyin the run position I can only move the snifter into R and nothing happens.... What did my buddy do when he unhooked the linkage?!!! All I know is he jumped under the truck remouved a cotter pin, used a rod to shift it, then after we rolled back into the spot he used the rod to shift it back and replaced the pin.

Anyway- I must say this has been the most frustrating fix I have done yet. I am paranoid that I broke my column, screwed up my shifting linkage and broke everything!!!! ARRRGGGGHHH

[1978sierra]

Well misery has turned to pure joy. I am all assembled and functioning well. A very special thanks to asphaltburner his step by step guide really helped. It can be found here:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=434468

and thank you to everyone that helped!