Help with ignition..

[Reddrig]

So I’m wrapping up my engine swap and mild rebuild. When I started the swap I left the Ignition key in to move the vehicle, so it’s been in during the swap. The ignition worked perfect before I started so it’s not the actual ignition. So I’m now wiring everything up and can’t get the key to release in Park, it will go to start and stay in run position, but won’t release in park. Steering wheel won’t lock either..

Does the brake booster (Vacuum) need to be functioning before the switch will allow it to release in park?

Am I missing some wiring the sends a signal to release the ignition?

Will I need to get the engine running before it will release?

Any help will be appreciated.

 

[Wes Harden]

Is all mechanical, just to under stand, you are saying the cylinder won't turn to the off ?
You can remove the screw from switch on lower column, if key cylinder turn the switch or rod attachment to switch is the problem.

 

[Reddrig]

Is all mechanical, just to under stand, you are saying the cylinder won't turn to the off ?
You can remove the screw from switch on lower column, if key cylinder turn the switch or rod attachment to switch is the problem.

yes I can’t remove the key from the ignition and wheel won’t lock.

So it worked perfect before I started the swap, so it’s most likely something I did or I’m missing. I can’t get the wheel to lock either after the swap. The drive shaft is off so I could push it around easier, so I verified it’s in park by turning the trans which is locked. I was wondering if the brake needs to be depressed to when moving shifter into park? I have not fired the engine up either..

 

[500$k5]

My "Guess", is that the shifter adjustment, is not letting the column move all the way into park. It may have been "adjusted" while the engine was out, do to transmission movement. Try loosening the adjuster, and moving the column shifter towards park, and retightening.

 

[Wes Harden]

yeah the wheel won't lock till the key turned to the off position, this allows the pin spring to push the pin against lock plate. It will find find a slot when wheel is turned.
No brake pedal interlock on our square bodies. iirc

 

[Reddrig]

yeah the wheel won't lock till the key turned to the off position, this allows the pin spring to push the pin against lock plate. It will find find a slot when wheel is turned.
No brake pedal interlock on our square bodies. iirc

so that’s what I figured, and it worked fine until I did the swap. I can’t get the key to the off position after the swap. And it literally worked the day I pulled the old engine out. So my wheel just turns lock to lock now.

 

[Wes Harden]

Does it turn at all the key I mean

 

[Reddrig]

Does it turn at all the key I mean

It turns all the way to crank and run, it just won’t go back into the lock position to remove it. That’s why I was wondering if the car needed to be running or at least hooked up to the starter or Vacum to get it back to lock. Worked fine prior to engine swap..

 

[Reddrig]

I’m probably just going to fire it up In a few days and see if that changes anything.

 

[Wes Harden]

i think @500$k5 may have hit on it and the shift linkage rod is out of adjustment. Maybe disconnect from trans and see it column shift moves further into park and the key functions correctly

 

[Reddrig]

i think @500$k5 may have hit on it and the shift linkage rod is out of adjustment. Maybe disconnect from trans and see it column shift moves further into park and the key functions correctly

well I feel stupid, I had removed and adjusted the shift linkage and never thought to recheck. I’m the idiot today, thanks for kicking me in the head..

 

[Wes Harden]

it happens more than you think. After a time passes can't remember all the little things.

 

[Reddrig]

 

[Wes Harden]

Looks and sounds good, get it out and enjoy the hard work.