Steering column lock / ignition lockout problem

[KevinG]

Pelicans -

I have a 72 T Targa with a bit of a problem with the steering column / ignition lockout. The other day the wife and I were taking a drive and parked at a local brewpub for some refreshment. When we returned to the car, the ignition key would not turn in the ignition, and the steering wheel was not locked as it should have been. I managed to get the steering wheel lock engaged by turning the wheel from lock to lock a few times, and the key would then turn in the ignition.

Since this has only occurred a few times in the past, I was willing to write it off as one of the costs of owning a ~40 year old car. The wife has a different opinion - she is worried that we will get stuck out in the middle of nowhere.

So - I am going to take a look at the problem, but have no idea of where to start looking. Anyone BTDT with this issue in the past? Can you share a few tips?

Thanks,

Kevin

[pozee]

Have not personally had the issue in a 911.

Seems the problem may be with the tumblers in the switch. Does the key seem worn? Have you used the appropriate lube in the lock mechanism? I don't think the wheel lock had anything to do with releasing the ign. switch. Just coincidence. You either have a worn key or worn tumblers or both.

Did have the issue with a US marque and fixed the problem using WD40 in the switch in that instance. Not sure if wd-40 is the correct solution for the 911 ign. switch.

[ossiblue]

I've have identical problems, on occasion, with my 73 and I think pozee has nailed the cause. I switched keys and it seemed to happen less often, but it still does happen. My guess is worn tumblers and since replacing the tumblers requires removing the ignition, I've procrastinated.

[tony9704]

When I was working on some steering issues my 911 had, I ran across several threads regarding the older ignitions and their gremlins. Wd-40 is not recommended as it is a dust magnet. I believe they were suggesting a graphite lube for most lock cylinders. If I remember correctly, the solution was to douse the mechanism and work it back and forth. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. If you just want to replace the whole dang thing, it is really not that difficult. A little uncomfortable maybe, but probably worthwhile. If you decide to go this route and cannot find the info you are looking for, fire a request off to me and I'll give you the pointers you need. It's a 1 hour job with the right tools (this includes the struggle.)

[KevinG]

Thanks, guys.

I'll pick up some powdered graphite and see what happens.

Kevin