1972 Corvette: Buzzer stays on non-stop, all the time. What's the cause?

[Melissa N.]

1972 Corvette; Buzzer stays on non-stop, all the time....it's on when driving around, it's on when car is off, doors closed and no key in ignition. It stopped only when battery was disconnected.

What is the problem and what is the repair?

[Terry M.]

Re: 1972 Corvette: Buzzer stays on non-stop, all the time. What's the cause?

1972 Corvette; Buzzer stays on non-stop, all the time....it's on when driving around, it's on when car is off, doors closed and no key in ignition. It stopped only when battery was disconnected.

What is the problem and what is the repair?

After consulting my Internet Crystal Ball Karnak says (one has to be of a certain age to get that) most likely problem is a stuck buzzer switch contacts in the ignition switch. When the key is inserted the tip of the key pushes on the switch that makes contact with a ground. If that buzzer switch gets stuck closed what you describe is the result.

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=959

I made an assUmption in the above link that you have a standard column. Because my crystal ball is imperfect my assUmption may be wrong. If so hunt around Jim Shea's papers for the applicable instructions and proceed accordingly. Good luck.

A Bubba fix might be to spray some lubricant into the key slot, but if you intend to keep the car for a while I suggest you follow Jim's instructions.

[Melissa N.]

Re: 1972 Corvette: Buzzer stays on non-stop, all the time. What's the cause?

Thanks so much for all the information. Yes, it's a standard column. Will read the papers, Melissa

[Leonard M.]

Re: 1972 Corvette: Buzzer stays on non-stop, all the time. What's the cause?

Hi Melissa, I am certain that you can do this repair. Along with reading Jim Shea's paper, watch this video:
P74 Vette: Complete GM Steering Column Restoration Tilt Tele - YouTube
It runs at a speed much faster than normal and does a complete restoration, but shows what you will be looking for and doing. Pause it at the 2:24 mark and look at the phillips screw at 3 o clock. That little square with the 2 copper prongs just to the left is the top of the buzzer which is inserted straight in. At 2:35 of the video he pulls it straight out. This all you need of this video.
Along with a new buzzer Paragon Corvette Reproductions - Ignition Key Warning Buzzer Switch
you will want to get this thin fragile insulator. The old one will probably fall apart in your hands when removed.
Paragon Corvette Reproductions - Steering Column Upper Horn Contact Snap Ring Retainer
Besides a couple common hand tools you will need a puller kit. You may be able to borrow one or if not, here is one that has everything you will need. Steering Wheel Puller and Lock Plate Compressor Installer Remover Tool Kits NEW | eBay
If you have everything within arms reach you will do the repair sitting in the drivers seat. Good luck, Lenny