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I've finally removed and repaired the ignition switch on my '89 S2 and soon I'll be re-installing it, but before I do I'd like to disable the column lock "feature". The club I race with doesn't allow column locks and since my ignition lock is already out (and since it's such a PITA to get it out) I think it's something best done now.
I talked to the locksmith that replaced the damaged cylinder and keyed it to my old lockset. I asked if they could also disable the column lock and they declined, suggesting I might grind it off. That much was obvious
Anyone know if this can be done without a grinder? It would be nice it I could just take out a part?
We had to do this to our ITB 924 car for the same reasons, racing. After removing the lock mechanism (the casting that houses the lock and switch) from the car, the locking "bolt" (really just a plug of metal) is accessible. We then busted it out of its tracks with an air chisel, should be easily repeatable with a manual hammer and cold chisel.
I believe the housing on the 944 is similar enough if not identical, as this technique was recommended by a friend racing an early 944.
Be sure to get the spring as well as the bolt.
Be equally sure to test it thoroughly!!! Don't want to find out on track that you missed a bit...
PS - holler if you need a picture, I do have a spare lock mechanism/housing intact on the bench I can use for reference.
holler if you need a picture, I do have a spare lock mechanism/housing intact on the bench I can use for reference.
A picture would be useful if it isn't much trouble, and I mean that. No need to spend a lot of time, but if it's easy a picture might help.
I expect I can figure it out, but if I can send a picture to the locksmith that has the part, they may be able to do something while I'm away it was seems to e an almost permanent lockdown of California...
Thank's very much,
Last edited by Otto Mechanic; 06-19-2020 at 02:49 PM.
Just Cut the tab off with a wizzer wheel, in the time it took to write this, It could have been done.. If you're worried about putting the car back to stock.. Just get a used Lock with key and cut THAT one off and save yours. or leave the lock out entirely and put a toggle switch in with a push-button start.
Just Cut the tab off with a wizzer wheel, in the time it took to write this, It could have been done.. If you're worried about putting the car back to stock.. Just get a used Lock with key and cut THAT one off and save yours. or leave the lock out entirely and put a toggle switch in with a push-button start.
No, I just thought there might be a way to take it apart. I'm not a locksmith.
The early cars you can actually slide the mechanism up the steering column so the steel stub can't get through the column (via a hole) to the shaft. But the late interior cars changed the mechanism so cutting the end off is the only practical solution.
The early cars you can actually slide the mechanism up the steering column so the steel stub can't get through the column (via a hole) to the shaft. But the late interior cars changed the mechanism so cutting the end off is the only practical solution.
Fair enough. Just touching all the bases. Thanks Van.
Thanks very much for the picture, I'm just now getting back to this after almost a year recovering from the August CZU Lightning Complex fire that burned through my property in Big Basin CA last year,
Unfortunately, the mechanism you've shown doesn't resemble the one in my '89 S2 but I'm sure it will be useful to other folks.
Why would a person want to disable their ignition lock? Why would it even be required by a race organization?
Its a pretty common thing on a race car. If it inadvertently engages it would be a big issue and I’ve known the key to fall out on moving cars who haven’t installed a push start.
I disabled mine. Very handy as I leave the key in most of the time.. loading in the trailer is ez. Don’t have to pull the key. Also peace of mind when on track. I’ve had to recycle the key once or twice @ 120 mph.
Its a pretty common thing on a race car. If it inadvertently engages it would be a big issue and I’ve known the key to fall out on moving cars who haven’t installed a push start.
Wouldn't the NHTSA consider that an even bigger concern on the street? I'm surprised there wasn't a recall.
There have been recalls for keys / ignition locks.
My wife's old Impala had a recall, the hole in the key was a slot, not a round hole, and in certain cases with a heavy key chain your key could inadvertently turn while driving.
I had a old Chevy pickup where you could remove the key when it was running, and you could turn it to any position without the key, but when you turned it to "lock" it would lock there until you put the key back in.
Look at all the other updates done over the years. Can't shift to reverse or park unless your foot is on the brake. Can't remove the key until the transmission is in park.
I forget what car it was, but there was at least one that you had to push a lever on the column before you could move the key to the lock position.
By the way on the 944, and most euro cars, the steering wheel doesn't lock until you pull the key out of the lock.
That doesn't matter to most race organizations, so you just do what they say and disable the steering lock.
Wouldn't the NHTSA consider that an even bigger concern on the street? I'm surprised there wasn't a recall.
Not really an issue on a street car, you are not even close to throwing the car around or at WOT as much as on a track. Though if your key or lock is worn that may cause it to fall out but that’s not a NHTSA concern.
06-15-2020, 12:54 AM
Best way to disable the column lock?
