Hard to Turn Key Off

[Vic Roma]

It was sporadic at first but over the past few weeks it has developed into getting stuck on every use.

Turning the key to on is easy, but getting the key to turn backwards (to off) takes a lot of giggling.

I removed the steering column plastic cover for another reason, which exposed the bar that sits atop the column and actuates the ignition switch. If I grab the bar and slide it up towards the steering wheel, in effect mimicking the action of key off, the ignition turns off effortlessly (even without touching the key).

I appreciate I can pull apart the steering wheel and inspect, but I thought I’d ask the incumbent sages for any likely known causes.

Any ideas what’s the hang up?

[Gary Lewis]

Do you happen to have a tilt steering wheel?  A part in them is known to break and cause similar problems.

Go to Documentation/Interior/Steering Columns for a discussion thereof.

[Vic Roma]

Thank you, Gary. I was hoping it wasn’t this (still have not disassembled the wheel) as this part (the actuator) broke in the 86 but in that case I couldn’t turn Key On. Still, if it is, I have the part.

I’ll update.

[Gary Lewis]

Good luck, Vic.