Background: Ever since I've had the car there has been no accessories access to run the radio, windows, etc with the key turned all the way counter-clockwise. Basically, the tumbler stops at "lock" and will not go any further. This kind of sucks with a convertible whcih can act as a boom box during tailgate season.

Anyway, I've been advised that this could be a problem with the actuator rods in the column from the switch to another switch near the bottom-middle of the column itself. This was that thread not that long ago:

badjuju342 with the good advice on TGO

Yesterday I was sick of it. I wanted it fixed and had a tax return to do it with. He tells me that the marks on the column around the ignition switch inidcate that my car didn't have that option.

This can't be true can it?

With the other members of this forum that have experienced this problem (most being vert owners) I suppose this was standard but I doubt it. I guess if it is not true I will need a specialist to fix this. I'm not comfortable ripping into the column. I've tried once.

 

If it's true, why not just put a switch in the dash somewhere to turn power on the the accessories?

 

Haven't read through that other thread but FWIW, I've got an "acc" section on my column. (and I use it quite often for what you want to ). I've never had any problems with it either. Although I've ripped out the "Start" wires from that white plastic connecting in the column to instal a start button.

Are you pushing in (toward the driver side) when you turn the key back to acc?

reading...

 

Yeah. I've done all that stuff. This is easily my 5th GM car. I've grown up with these ignition switches.

I think I need a GM dealer.

 

Even my first gen has an ACC on it.

 

Did you drop the column and try adjusting the ignition switcher like they were talking about in that thread?

 

All 3rd gen cars have the ACC switch on the keyed ignition. Mine is still a pain in the butt to get into though and its been that way since the car was brand new.

 

i dont know if somethings messed up in my car, but the power is always available. i can use the windows and the stereo without having the key in the ignition at all

 

kubus_stroinski,
something is messed up with your ign switch. You should not have power to anything but the horn and lights with it off. It would only take 2 seconds for some scum to steal your car (as apposed to the usual 10 seconds)! I would fix that.

 

I started to and then got intimidated by all the wiring down there. Trickster even hooked me up with diagrams and everything. Not gonna sacrifice my daily driver because am an idgit.

 

It's really, really easy to do actually. Something like 8-9 bolts I think. 3or4 for the kneed cusion, two for the cusion bracket, two for the steering column and it drops down IIRC. Then you can stick you head down there and look at the white connector. Good luck.

 

im planning on selling the car very soon anyways... we'll see what happens. i live in a really small town, robbery and theft is very low key here. im not very worried

 

Wow, this is interesting... My car has no acc position either, which I always thought was odd... nothing marked on the column like most of the other GM's I've had, so I thought it just didn't have it from the factory. reading the links posted...

 

i have found that with well used keys its very hard to get it to acc....yet with a new key it does it with just a little wiggling

 

has the ignition lock cylinder ever been replaced? I replaced mine and encountered this thankfully before putting the entire column back together. Theres a gear on the cylinder that pushes the rod down and pulls it up. If those two don't line up correctly (as it sounds like yours doesn't) I'd try pulling it up one tooth. I should have my steering wheel off my other column from my project car tomorrow so I'll snap a picture for you to show you what im talking about.

 

My camaro has no markings on the column for it eithier. However, it works, you must lock the wheel then push in a turn, takes some effort.

 

The newest Chevy High Performance on the news stand has a Camaro ignition lock cylinder replacement story in it. How incredibly convenient!

 

Yeah I picked that up the other day and this thread was the first thing I thought of.

 

wow it is kinda refreshing and encoraging im not the only one fighting this. my 91 bird also has no markings on the column and i have never been able to "find" the accesory location on it. i think as to save from more headaches, frustration, and outward money flow i am just gonna buy the guys story that my car was not equiped with such an option... love the vert by the way Cadilac