72 Lemans Ignition problen

[1960Bill]

I have a 72 Lemans Sport convertible - console shift - automatic. The ignition switch will not turn back to off. Nor will the car start. I had trouble actually getting the car to shut off. In the 15 years I have owned the car the ignition switch has never been able to go back to the accessory position. In the past when this happen (key not turning back to off) I could rotate the steering column by hand to release the key. As another point of potential interest is that when I put a new engine in two years ago the linkage to the shifter has never worked correctly as it will not shift down into low, it would only go as far as 2nd.

So any idea if my issue is just the ignition switch - or perhaps a bigger issue with the steering column itself? Or something else altogether?

Thanks

 

[melsg5]

for the shifter not going into 1st I would check if the shift cable is bent.
on the steering column and key you also have an interlock to the transmission. The link below is for a firebird but the concept is the same, sounds like it is not correctly adjusted. You need to get a copy of the factory Chasis Service Manual
http://transamcountry.com/community/index.php?topic=37094.0

 

[TCPontiac]

for the shifter not going into 1st I would check if the shift cable is bent.
on the steering column and key you also have an interlock to the transmission. The link below is for a firebird but the concept is the same, sounds like it is not correctly adjusted. You need to get a copy of the factory Chasis Service Manual
http://transamcountry.com/community/index.php?topic=37094.0

I looked at your link which described my 72 Lemans problem too...in order to start it, I have to twist the steering column (the shifter on the console moves) , turn the key and the car starts. Thanks for the link...I thought it was only my car that did that.