Remove Ignition Key in RUN Position?

[Terry M.]

Re: Remove Ignition Key in RUN Position?

On some post 1968 GM columns, depending upon how the key switch's tumblers are positioned, a key can be cut which will come out in the run position.

An old locksmith explained this to me one time. I think the tumblers had to be in a position where the first tumbler required a deep cut on the key and the last tumbler (nearest to the key ring on the key) required a shallow cut. (I'm not a locksmith so you'll have to excuse my terminology references). If the key was cut in this matter and then ground a little it could be made to slide out.

I wish I could remember the exact process for this, but I saw him do it on my 1991 Pontiac, really impressed me. I learned alot from this old locksmith, too bad there aren't many like him around any more (including him).

It was pretty common among police departments to modify the Caprice key in the way you are describing to allow removal with the engine running. They also had a electronic box they wired in that shut off the engine if one stepped on the brake without the key in the ignition. -- prevented "unauthorized" operation of the car. To shift the trans out of PARK one has to step on the brake.

[Peter L.]

Re: Remove Ignition Key in RUN Position?

As Jack indicated, 1965 was the GM production year when the change occurred. Prior to 1965 GM passenger cars including the Corvettes, the original in dash ignition lock cylinders had a face bezel that flared out along the key slot so it could be operated without the key if it were left in the ON position and the key was removed. In 1965 and thru 1968 the face bezel on the original in dash ignition lock cylinders was either flat, convex or concave, so it could not easily be operated without a key. Although, once it became worn enough that the key could be removed in the ON position, sometimes a screw driver would work. Pete