Steering...please help!

[fiatfactory]

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[spider2081]

124 ignition lock doesn't have shear bolts mounting it Mick... totally different setup... and you actually need to be able to turn the key to remove the column lock assembly too...you need to be able to turn it until the key aligns with a small arrow that's etched into the faceplate...

I agree need to be able to rotate the key to remove ignition switch.

There have been a number of posts in various sites about problems with aftermarket ignition switches. Some feel they are not as good as the original and some say they require a wire change to work. I would be careful not to damage the ignition switch while trying to free the lock. If you have a lock smith that has been around for a long time I would bring the steering column to them to see what they can do. We have one near us. They have made keys for me when I have no key to copy. One from the code on the ignition switch and also for one switch with no code stamped in it. Removing the column and ignition switch from the car is not very difficult.

[Frankd1]

Here's a video of what's going on:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dgEaobwg3 ... ata_player

[TX82FIAT]

It may have been asked above and it does sound like something with the ignition switch. I would not drill or replace the ignition with lock until I know it is not another failure down stream. My suggestion is a PITA. I would take the pitman arm off the bottom of the steering box and see if you are able to turn the wheel. On the passenger side once the idle arm seizes it is very difficult to move. did you hear any metallic friction noise/rumble before it stopped moving. If you take the pitman arm off you will at least know for sure if it is the steering linkage or related item bound or if it in either the steering box or ignition. I would not drill out the ignition until eliminating the steering box, idler arm and below linkage.

[fiatfactory]

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[lanciahf]

Take the ignition switch out.

[Frankd1]

Thanks for the suggestions guys!

I will try and isolate the various components seperately:
Steering box, steering column etc.

When I was turning the steering wheel to unlock the ignition it felt heavy, probably because the car wasn't moving and I was turning the wheels on the concrete floor against the friction from the weight of a stopped car.The wheel then stopped turning and locked. That's where I'm at now.

From what I understand, in order to remove the ignition switch I have to be able to at least turn the key to the arrow and then pop to lock with an Allen key. I can't even turn the key to accomplish this.

Question:

Am I able to disconnect the steering column from the steering box without removing the column completely? By disconnecting one of the steering shaft joints under the dash area? Or, does the column need to come out completely?

[lanciahf]

If you loosen the three phillips screw holding the ignition switch to the column. Maybe that will give you enough to move the switch. Is this an OEM switch or a new one?

[131]

124 ignition lock doesn't have shear bolts mounting it Mick... totally different setup...

Ahh well, it's been 20+ years since I was under a 124 dash.

[spider2081]

The ignition switch can not be removed without rotating the key to pull the steering column lock back out of the steering column.

I think from what you have tried your problem is the ignition switch assembly itself.

In the video it shows you have an after market steering wheel. Was that recently installed?? Could that be the cause of the problem?

It appeared to me in the video that you are inserting the key with the teeth up and the straight side down. That should mean the key was removed in the correct position and the internal tumblers should be aligned. This does not explain why the key won't rotate though.

If you loosen the three phillips screw holding the ignition switch to the column. Maybe that will give you enough to move the switch.

I think this is a good idea.

You have the plastic covers off the steering column. . I would spray a light oil (WD 40 ) or PB blaster into the switch housing from the area where the button is that you push in when removing the switch. Also oil through the key hole itself then put the key in and out numerous times wiping the key clean with a paper towel each time. Sometimes if a tumbler is hung up this will free it. Some times after oiling the lock tapping on the assembly lightly with a hammer will free a tumbler.

The brass button in the side of the ignition switch that gets pressed in to remove the switch has to be in its out most position for the column lock to be able to move out of the column when the key is rotated to the arrow. Can you see with a mirror if that brass piece is out into the steering column housing?? If you pushed the button in trying to remove the switch and it stuck in the key can't rotate and the lock can't retract.

Don't give up. Hope you find a solution without destroying anything.

[Frankd1]

The switch is oem from what I can tell. I will try loosening the screws and wiggling it..

The steering wheel has been on the car for at least 3 years, I have only owned it for 1 week though..

I will try the oil in the housing and the tumbler.

Thanks for the suggestions, I will report back

[fiatfactory]

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[DieselSpider]

I'm having issues and I just got the car, lol

I was turning the steering wheel trying to get the ignition switch to unlock.

It was heavy but I figured due to front end weight of car.

I got the wheel turned to the right and then it felt like something let go...the wheel is locked to the right and has some loose play left and right.

If I look at the shaft it is turning all the way to the firewall, but almost feels like it's not connected in the steering box.

Also, the wheels are not turned all the way to the right either it seems.

Does it sound like something snapped in the box?

Should I pull it? Any how to's on this?

So frustrated, I just want to get this car moving..

If you did not stop turning the wheel after moving it about a half inch to take the pressure off the steering column locking pin you may have damaged the locking pin so that it will not release. Be careful if you drop the column in case there is a lot of torque binding up against the locking pin as it may jump on you when the last fastener is released and the column mount drops free of the dash.

[Frankd1]

SUCCESS (for now)!!

thanks for all of the suggestions but what ended up working was removing the 2 screws that hold the ignition switch to the steering column and then putting a bit of light 3n1 oil on the key.
A combination of wiggling the ignition switch, key and steering wheel got it to unlock. Everything seems ok for now.

Should I consider this ignition switch suspect and order a new one to have on hand? Or, pull the switch and try to clean things up if needed?

Are the wires that go from the switch harness plug to the back of the switch supposed to be soldered to the tabs on the back of the switch or connected to those tabs via spade type connectors? mine are soldered...

Thanks again, I have some other issues and questions that I'm working on but I will start new threads for those

[spider2081]

Great Job. Patience and persistence usually pay off.

I believe all the OEM ignition switches that have the 6 pin connector/pigtail have the wires soldered to the ignition switch.

If I had your problem I would remove the ignition switch from the column and bring it with the key to a lock smith that has been in business for at least 25 years. Have them service the assembly and make an additional set of keys.