[DONE DEAL DONNY]

My 80 was a standard floor shift from the factory. It has a little lever beside where the ignition is that you push down to remove keys (still don't know what that’s about?)
But the problem is the key will not return to locked position to remove keys or turn forward enough to start. It will go to run but not start? It seems like something has slid forward not allowing the key to turn all the way. I did a search and I see and adjustment on the switch but I don't see the key pushing the rod in the column?
Anyone had this problem?:dontknow:
Donny

 

[gilby]

...I think the back drive rod that goes to the steering column is not in neutral, Wiggle the rod thats attaches to the column..:dontknow:
:beer:

 

[LOCKJAW]

Donny, first thing to try is a healthy shot of WD-40 into the lock cylinder. Those cylinders are mostly pot metal and often jam up when they develop a lot of wear. The little lever is most likely not the problem. Either the cylinder or the linkage it operates is hung up or the internals of the cylinder have siezed. If WD doesn't help..pull the wheel. I made many service calls for this that were solved with some lube.

 

[Keyser Sose]

you push that lever to allow the key to turn

doh!

:texas:

 

[woody31]

x2 on lockjaw also when you push the button it should allow the key to turn to the lock position and remove the key, if not pull the wheel , lock plate ect ect,,, internal issues as you have already suspected or you could just buy lumpy from me.... plenty of parts that way DDD oke:

 

[DONE DEAL DONNY]

After lubricating, it seems like I hear something slip pass when you turn the key. Maybe like an ear on the cylinder letting the rod slip past?:dontknow:
Donny

 

[LOCKJAW]

Donny, sounds like the spring cover that is staked to the cyl plug has come undone. Nothing will help but a new cylinder. 80's have a setscrew securing it in the column so you have to tear it down, pullers can't be used. This is a common problem with high mileage GM cars, especially when people have a large heavy ring of keys.:dontknow:

 

[Jack_K]

My '80 doesn't have any lever by the key. Is that only on floor shift columns?

 

[Bryan59EC]

MANUAL floor shift cars-----------from about the mid 70s

My 73 Malibu does not have one-----my Chev truck does----So does my Ranger (2005)