Ignition Lock/KEY

[wdaly]

For the past 6+ months I have been having difficulty removing the key from the "lock cylinder". Lately it is 50% of the time. Now it has gotten to the point where I am also having occasional difficulty turning the key to 'start'. I have found that if the wheels are straight vs turned I have less occasions of these problems. I am thinking the "LOCKING COLUMN" may be the problem. What concerns me most is that in addition to the lock - this whole 69 piece set-up also prevents shifting into gears / I don't want to find myself stranded somewhere someday. Any thoughts AND is there another way to be able to start car if I give-up on the factory set-up ie. separate start switch/button?

Bill Daly

[IndyJimW]

The '88 Avanti should be the same as my '87, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, parts should be available and most shops or GM dealer can work on it.

[avantidavid]

For the past 6+ months I have been having difficulty removing the key from the "lock cylinder". Lately it is 50% of the time. Now it has gotten to the point where I am also having occasional difficulty turning the key to 'start'. I have found that if the wheels are straight vs turned I have less occasions of these problems. I am thinking the "LOCKING COLUMN" may be the problem. What concerns me most is that in addition to the lock - this whole 69 piece set-up also prevents shifting into gears / I don't want to find myself stranded somewhere someday. Any thoughts AND is there another way to be able to start car if I give-up on the factory set-up ie. separate start switch/button?

Bill Daly

Hi Bill

I had a similar problem. One of the metal shims under the steering column fell out so I put it back and tightend the steering column down and what I found out is if I tighted it too tight My ignition would not work and I could not shift the shifter. Try loosening up I think there are 4 bolts holding the steering column up and see if this makes a difference.