Hey, what is this thing on my steering column?

[Gigem]

Look in the lower left part of this picture... What is that lever/"thing"?

It appears to be broken off. Truck has original floor-shifted 4 speed manual trans. Also... I can start the truck without the key... Just turn the ignition and it starts... Dont know if there is any relation or not...

Is this not the original column?

Just curious... I have a new column with shifter that I will use when my 700R4 goes in...

[69GMC910]

I think its a ignition cylinder lock release.. Common on most manual transmission vehicles, but I dont know their purpose!
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[MalibuSSwagon]

Are you talking about the little lever next to the ignition switch?

That is the key lock for manual trans, you should have to push it down when turning off the truck. Unless its broken, that is.

[84GMC15tepside]

That's the ignition lock for taking the key out. Just press down the lever and turn the key in the off direction to take it out. Only for manual transmission trucks?

[Gigem]

OK, that makes sense all. Mine is busted, hence my ability to start truck without a key. Thanks!

[Wrecked1982]

on my 81 man.4 speed u have to push down that lever while turing back your key ortherwise it wont let the ign. key out

[69GMC910]

Cam somebody explain why this exists? It's obviously a safety reason??
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[whiskeydented]

What year did they start having those? My 78 does not have that.

[motornut]

In an Auto the key won't come out till it's "P" and the then it locks left to right
this keeps the key fwd ,not locking up the wheel
tumblers/cylinders wear out,common

[raceman6135]

Originally Posted by whiskeydented

What year did they start having those? My 78 does not have that.

I don't know exactly when they began using them, but my brother's 1980 K20 GMC Sierra Grande has that style of lock column. It's a 350 small block engine and 4-speed manual transmission set up, stock from the factory.

[Wrecked1982]

im pretty sure its a safety reason plain and simple... but it quickly get to be a reflex so ....instead of beeing a safety feature you look more weird shuting down other poeples car.

[bohmankid]

My 86 gmc has it, and so does my 83 s-10. both standard trans. My 84 and 85 chevys dont have it and they're both automatics. I was never sure what they were for either.. cool.

[TwinTurbo]

All manual GM columns have a lever or a button that you have to press to get the key out. It does the same as the cable unlock in park on an automatic. It's a safety to keep you from turning the key back and having the steering lock up under driving.

[whiskeydented]

Originally Posted by TwinTurbo

All manual GM columns have a lever or a button that you have to press to get the key out. It does the same as the cable unlock in park on an automatic. It's a safety to keep you from turning the key back and having the steering lock up under driving.

My 78 manual column doesn't.

[sethv]

My trucks' a '78 and it has it. The wheel doesn't actually lock but it's there

[MalibuSSwagon]

GM ignition switches are known to wear out. In high school I had a couple of friends with 80's FWD GM cars that could be started without the key.

Best fix is to rebuild the column with a new lock cylinder and replace other worn parts. Second best fix is to harvest a good functioning column with key from your local auto salvage.

[D13]

My 81 3/4 with 3OTT does not have it, nore does my 77.

[TwinTurbo]

do you have to put it in reverse to get the key out? some manuals had that (not sure about trucks, talking about cars)

[whiskeydented]

Originally Posted by TwinTurbo

do you have to put it in reverse to get the key out? some manuals had that (not sure about trucks, talking about cars)

Nope, it can be in neutral, reverse or any gear doesn't matter. Key will come out.

[moneyeater]

I had a ´72 Cadillac Sedan deVille wich had a lever like that for the steering column to slide in and out! Only difference was that it sat on top not on the side of the column!
Volker