Shifting/key removal issue

[Tom L.]

I was doing some work under the shift plate today. Its an automatic so I put the key in so I could move the shifter forward and back to make it easier to get the plate out then in. After I got it all together I put it into park to remove the key. No dice, the ignition switch wouldn't go to the lock position. Took it apart and put it back together more than once. Any ideas what went wrong?

[Mathew S.]

Re: Shifting/key removal issue

On the firewall at the steering column there is a cable on the manual cars that makes it so it must be in Reverse to get the key out. That is the only thing that I am aware of that would keep the key from being removed. Not sure where it attaches on autos.

[Russ S.]

Re: Shifting/key removal issue

Check the cable that runs from the steering column to the shifter linkage on the transmission for a kink in it. If cable is ok, loosen the bolts that hold the steering column and the cable mounting plate to the firewall. Adjust the cable mounting plate downward to take up slack in the cable.

[Tom L.]

Re: Shifting/key removal issue

Took a look. When placed in park the cable just didn't push the lever up at the column. The cable just kinked at the transmission. Guess it's new cable time. What is the proper name for the cable so I can find the correct one? There is very little mention of it in the service manual, just a pic that I could see.

[Paul D.]

Re: Shifting/key removal issue

In my old GM parts book, it is called a transmission control lock cable. In 1981 the part # was 3949075, but could have changed. Maybe Joe L. will chime in with more complete and current info. Chip.

[Edward J.]

Re: Shifting/key removal issue

Tom, sometimes the shifter lower bowl can be rotated just to aid in the key removal for now, and another thing if its all possible try and repair the original cable as the repro are not as rigid. and make sure you have it routed correctly I believe its routed over the top of the auto trans housing.

[Russ S.]

Re: Shifting/key removal issue

Tom, I had the same thing happen to the cable on my 73 many years ago. I just straightened it out by slightly over bending the opposite direction so it would stay straight and haven't had a problem with the cable since. You may want to lubricate the inside of the cable to free it up a bit.

Took a look. When placed in park the cable just didn't push the lever up at the column. The cable just kinked at the transmission. Guess it's new cable time. What is the proper name for the cable so I can find the correct one? There is very little mention of it in the service manual, just a pic that I could see.

[Richard K.]

Re: Shifting/key removal issue

Tom,
Be aware that the cable for an automatic is a different length. Also, there is a specific Service Manual adjustment sequence that needs to be followed to make everything work correctly, including key removal. In my '70 Chassis Service Manual (for '69 Corvette), and follow-up Service News, this "system" is referred to as the "back drive", but not sure why. A copy of the Service News is in the current '69 NCRS Tech Info Manual.
Rich K.

[Tom L.]

Re: Shifting/key removal issue

Ed, I do believe that the cable is original. The sheathing is a wire steel configuration. Unfortunately where the cable passes by the transmission on the way up the shielding has started to come apart. Over bending it may be a temporary fix. Since I drive the car not only regularly, I take the 270 mile trip to Carlisle in it when possible and then some. Having it fail then would be real bad. Are original cables in good condition around?

[Edward C.]

Re: Shifting/key removal issue

Ed, I do believe that the cable is original. The sheathing is a wire steel configuration. Unfortunately where the cable passes by the transmission on the way up the shielding has started to come apart. Over bending it may be a temporary fix. Since I drive the car not only regularly, I take the 270 mile trip to Carlisle in it when possible and then some. Having it fail then would be real bad. Are original cables in good condition around?

If it fails, its very easy to bypass on the firewall. The lever that the cable moves can be moved manually by hand to release the key. I forget the "clock" position that the lever has to be in but if I remember it has to be in the upper most position. However, its best to fix it correctly.

There is another current thread about someone getting there 1972 key stuck in the ignition and they had the cylinder replaced with a incorrect year cylinder. They were not told what the problem was by there mechanic. I wonder if the problem was the reverse lockout cable. It was the first thing I thought of.

[Edward J.]

Re: Shifting/key removal issue

Ed, I do believe that the cable is original. The sheathing is a wire steel configuration. Unfortunately where the cable passes by the transmission on the way up the shielding has started to come apart. Over bending it may be a temporary fix. Since I drive the car not only regularly, I take the 270 mile trip to Carlisle in it when possible and then some. Having it fail then would be real bad. Are original cables in good condition around?

Tom, I would just leave unhooked until you find one, the lever just has to be in the right position.

[Edward J.]

Re: Shifting/key removal issue

Tom, Ebay has a couple of NOS inter lock cables for sale.

[Tom L.]

Re: Shifting/key removal issue

I'm going to measure my original but this:

https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette-transmission-control-interlock-cable-at-69-77-repl-26672

looks exactly like my original. Has anyone tried these?

[Anthony F.]

Re: Shifting/key removal issue

Hi Edward,

I posted that thread regarding the stuck ignition key. I actually replaced the reverse lockout cable two years ago, and it was functioning properly. The issue was caused by one of the plastic cylinder components 'self-destructing' and somehow jamming the key in the cylinder. I haven't heard of this issue before, so maybe it's rare. I would guess that your idea about the reverse lockout cable is probably the usual culprit.