Key Cylinder In Column Won't Turn - Can't Start Truck

[ehjorten]

So I went to start my '77 K20 the other day. I haven't driven it much lately and it has just been sitting. When I went to start it, the key wouldn't rotate out of the Off position. It would freely rotate to the ACC position and the radio would come on. It feels like the cylinder would move, but the rod linking the cylinder to the ignition switch is bound up or something. It all worked fine the last time I drove it. Any suggestions? I know I probably have to lower the column, but maybe something simple I am not thinking about?

[bd]

Did you insert the right key?   

Make sure the ignition switch is securely retained to the column with both screws.  Then check the lock cylinder for internal binding, the plastic sector gear for damage, rack condition and alignment, sector to rack timing, and finally the ignition switch for internal binding.

[ehjorten]

Sounds like I better just tear the steering column out of the truck and put it on the bench! Was hoping for some super secret trick. It has never been molested and has operated flawlessly. It was working fine the last time it was parked.

[bd]

My narrative was merely suggestive.  It may turn out to be something simple.  The only way to know is to dig into it.  Everything you need to do can be accomplished in the truck.

But if you do remove the column, make a simple jig that bolts to the column and allows it to be clamped securely in a bench vise.  Let us know the outcome.

[VileZambonie]

Jiggle the steering wheel

[berserk]

My column  shifter is loose from 50 years of use and has given me this issue before. Make sure your shift lever is all the up (hold in place) then try to turn the key.

[ehjorten]

I messed around with it a little bit last night with no success. This weekend I will have to drop the column down to get access to the ignition switch and possibly pull the steering wheel to start getting into the top of it. The key and cylinder are definitely good. The cylinder will turn into ACC and will turn slightly more towards run than if the key wasn't in it, so the key and cylinder are working. Something is bound up. Maybe the rack is broken or the rod is bound up at the ignition switch. Moving the tilt, turning the wheel, jiggling the column shift does nothing. So frustrating! I know things like this happen, but everything was working just great as it has for decades in this truck.

[bd]

It could be worse.  Be grateful you weren't hunting or in some remote location.

[Captkaos]

If it won't move forward I would suspect something happened to the rack or linkage, not 100% sure but I helped a friend fix his fixes and that was the issue.

[JohnnyPopper]

Wasn't sure it was a tilt wheel till later in the thread.

The rack sector stretched out and wouldn't pull the starter rod up far enough.

Later, the switch gave out. What a nightmare to change out...

Tip: short of loosening all the steering column parts to drop it to access the switch, I loosened the cab supports, and using a come along, pulled the steering column down enough to access the switch mounting bolts.

Note: I used the brake pedal assembly to keep the cable pulling straight down. Safety off the door trim, latch onto a frame point on the opposite side.

[ehjorten]

I have no idea what the heck you are talking about JohnnyPopper! Sounds like some fever dream/night terror! LOL

I just pulled the column and ordered a rebuild kit. This is an original column from 1977 and it has been good to me. I only ever had to get into the top of it to tighten the screws for the tilt mechanism many years ago. The bearings are pretty rough and a little sloppy. The lock bolt for the steering wheel is frozen so that it won't lock the steering wheel with the key out. I will see if the little plastic gear off of the lock cylinder and/or the rack is broken or out of place.

[Captkaos]

confused, was the lock bolt the issue?
Compare the parts you get with your originals, I had to fix one a year back where the rack that was sent was designed wrong compared to what came out and it didn't work.  Luckily they had the original that came out that was fine, sadly where they got it from would not allow the return.