Ignition switch stuck in '79

[johnsje6]

My oldest son took my '79 for a spin Sunday, and when he tried to start it for the trip home, the key wouldn't turn in the ignition, and he had to have it trailered back to my place. The key is in the off position, and really doesn't seem to have any desire to leave that position. From other posts on the forum, it looks like you can't even remove the switch (without destroying it) unless you can turn it. Anyone with this experience or any ideas for me?
John J.

[azruss]

make sure the steering wheel is not jammed against the lock position. Just give the wheel a little wiggle while you are trying to turn the key and see if that does the trick.

[johnsje6]

Russ, tried that but the steering wheel turns freely. Have only had the car for a few weeks, but I think it was always that way, no steering wheel lock. Maybe that's the problem, the steering lock mechanism is broke and now jammed? Is the only way to get the ignition switch out to drill it if it is stuck in the 'off' position?

[spider2081]

I Know this sounds stupid but is there any chance there was more than one key on the key ring and the wrong key is in the ignition? I have made this mistake.

[johnsje6]

Worth a try but no - the key comes out with no problem, but the switch does not turn with the key in it. The steering wheel moves with or without the key in.

[4uall]

Not sure if this will help or not

http://www.mirafiori.com/faq/content/switch/index.html

[spider2081]

I would try buying lock lubricant. It is a special light oil with graphite in it and spray it into to the ignition switch and on the key. Wiggle the key while attempting to turn it. Also tap on the bottom of the switch case in the key area as you try and turn it. If you can't find lock lub. Try a penetrating oil like PB Blaster.
If I understand what you are saying. It sounds like you can turn the steering wheel even though the ignition switch is in the off position. This would mean the steering column locking pin is either broken or a PO has removed it. If it has been removed I believe the ignition switch could be removed with out having to turn the key.

[azruss]

the lock piece may still be floating around in there jamming things up. you may want to tap on the side of the switch while wiggling the key to see if you get lucky.

[johnsje6]

Could not get the key to turn no matter what I tried, so started drilling.
Got about 1 1/2" deep.
Here are the remains of the old mechanism

Now the question is - what's next? The switch is loose, but it doesn't slide all the way out, it is about 1/2" out, do I just need to pry on it and muscle it out?

[johnsje6]

Finally got it drilled out, there wasn't much left when I was done
Replaced it with a Lada switch from AR, after I removed the steering wheel locking mechanism, working great now.

[silvadw]

Hi,
I have managed to have my ignition lock and key stuck in the ignition in the "run" position. The key will not turn and the steering lock is not engaged. I can "hot wire" the car, as i had to move it. Any tips on removing the key or lock?
I have read these
http://www.mirafiori.com/faq/content/switch/index.html
http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=11625
but can't seem to remove the lock, I can push the lock holding mechanism as mentioned in both posts, but the lock will not come out of its position. It moves about a quarter of an inch.
Thanks in advance for any advice

[azruss]

I looked at my new one that is still in the box. key remove position at 12 o'clock. garage position at 3, on position at 6, start position at 7. The retract pin recedes far enough in the 4:30 and 7 position. key has to be in the lock to release the pin for travel.

[silvadw]

I looked at my new one that is still in the box. key remove position at 12 o'clock. garage position at 3, on position at 6, start position at 7. The retract pin recedes far enough in the 4:30 and 7 position. key has to be in the lock to release the pin for travel.

Thanks Azruss,
so i take it the retract pin doesn't allow the lock to be removed when key is in the "on" position (your 6 o'clock)?

[azruss]

The lock pin sticks out about a 1/16" beyond the locator tab (the one you have the screwdriver under) when in the on position. In the start position and the 4:30 position , it retracts that 1/16" + change.

[spider2081]

I would take the steering column out of the car and look at it on a work bench. It is fairly easy to remove. With the entire column out of the car you can better inspect and possible get the switch out with out damaging anything. It is a difficult position to work in the car.