62 Ignition key comes out in Off position-Repair?

[Christopher R.]

Re: 62 Ignition key comes out in Off position-Repair?

Wording from the 62 JM. Page 5, section 30: Ignition Switch & Seat Belts

"..... check to see that the key can only be removed when the switch is in the lock or on position. The key should not be able to be removed when in the off position. If the key was removed in the on position, in order to move to he lock position, the key must be reinserted."

I'm not arguing. This may be correct. But it makes no sense. Why would Chevrolet design it so that if the engine is running (key in "on" position), the operator can't shut it off without the key? If the operator took the key out while the engine is running, the operator couldn't shut it off??? Why then allow the key to be removed in the "on" position? That could be a dangerous situation - engine is running and can't be shut off. Start the engine; remove the key; lock the doors; and, throw away the key. (That happened to me once with the added benefit of the car starting to overheat.)

The key can be removed in the "on" position, but not the "off" position"???That makes no sense. It makes sense that the operator would want to lock the switch. And it makes sense that the operator may wish to leave it unlocked so that the car could be started without the key. The function of the key is lock the switch, not turn it.

It makes more sense to treat the ignition switch the same as a door lock. The key is only needed to lock the switch. The key can come out in all positions. If the switch is left unlocked, then it can be rotated from "off" to "on" to "start" without the key. This is also how I remember it in the day. But my memory isn't the best and the cars I'm remembering in the day were old then.

[Bill M.]

Re: 62 Ignition key comes out in Off position-Repair?

I'm not arguing. This may be correct. But it makes no sense. Why would Chevrolet design it so that if the engine is running (key in "on" position), the operator can't shut it off without the key? If the operator took the key out while the engine is running, the operator couldn't shut it off??? Why then allow the key to be removed in the "on" position? That could be a dangerous situation - engine is running and can't be shut off. Start the engine; remove the key; lock the doors; and, throw away the key. (That happened to me once with the added benefit of the car starting to overheat.)

You can take the key out in "run" and then turn the switch to "off" (no key in switch, use finger extensions on cylinder). You can also start, run and stop the car without a key. This is the valet mode.

It makes more sense to treat the ignition switch the same as a door lock. The key is only needed to lock the switch. The key can come out in all positions. If the switch is left unlocked, then it can be rotated from "off" to "on" to "start" without the key. This is also how I remember it in the day. But my memory isn't the best and the cars I'm remembering in the day were old then.

My guess is that Chevy didn't want an owner to inadvertently turn the switch to "off" and assume the ignition was locked.

[James O.]

Re: 62 Ignition key comes out in Off position-Repair?

does anyone have a link or scan of that tom howey article?

[Donald L.]

Re: 62 Ignition key comes out in Off position-Repair?

Dan,

Is rebuilding the ignition switch to fix this just changing the lock cylinder?

Thanks,

Tony

I just tried removing the key in the off position using a NOS 577 ignition switch and a recently cut key. I can remove the key. Maybe all three components have to be within specs.

[Dan H.]

Re: 62 Ignition key comes out in Off position-Repair?

does anyone have a link or scan of that tom howey article?

Hi Guys, I tried the 'epoxy' cure and it didn't work well. I finally found the original lock code on my old door locks, got NOS keys from Peter Lindahl to that code. My neighbor is a lock smith and reset all my locks to match that code with new tumblers etc as required. Now ignition works as it should. All components need to be as new for proper function to pass PV etc. Good luck!
Dan