So I have a 1980 z28 and I've been trying to get it started all day. I turn the key and nothing happens. Lights will come on, starter is good, battery is good.
I just noticed that the steering wheel is not locked though and figured that's why nothing is happening when I turn the key.
After messing around with it for a while, somehow the steering wheel locked and I was able to turn the engine over, but it did not start. Now the steering wheel will not lock again and I can't figure out what's going on with it. Do I need to take apart the steering column?


I've read a couple other posts with similar problems but in those their key doesn't turn when the wheel isn't locked and mine does. Anyone know what I can do to fix this issue?


Thanks!

 

The steering column has a rod that goes from the key switch to the ignition switch, located down under the dash on the column. If the rod is hanging up, and not moving freely, you can turn the key, but it might not be moving. Get a flashlight and look at the column below, and you'll see the rod going into the switches located there. Turn the key and see if it's moving. If it's moving, then you need to check the start switch and neutral safety switch, to make sure they are both working.

 

Okay I'll check it out. Thanks for the response!

 

I can't seem to find the rod. Is it located at the top of the column or the bottom? I took a few pictures. Am I at least looking in the right area? Sorry about the large size. Getting under the dash is an awkward position to get into!

 

On top. The switch assembly is the silver part that's a little more than half way down.
You can also see the actuator rod between the switch and column cover.

 

Okay thanks!
I also just noticed that when I turn the key back to the lock position I can hear a somewhat loud click which sounds like its coming from right behind the key in the column. Kind of sounds like something is broken in there.

 

Okay so the rod is moving when I turn the key. Now I have to test the start switch and neutral safety switch?

 

Right. Do you have a schematic so you know which color wires to hunt down?

 

I have the Haynes repair manual. But after spraying a bit of penetrating oil into the key switch, the wheel will lock and I can get it to turn over. Now while I was digging around under the dash I accidentally disconnected the wire for my electric fuel pump and I can't figure out which port in the fuse box it was connected to. The pump used to turn on when I turned the key. Is that the IGN port or BAT?

 

Definitely not the battery connector! The pump would run all the time if connected there!
If the Haynes manual doesn't have a color coded diagram for your ignition switch, and neutral safety switch, then google those two items diagrams for a 1980 Camaro, and it will show the colors.