This is on my 70 GS 4 speed. Normally, the key should only come out of the ignition when the car is put into reverse when the reverse lockout rod rotates the column to "park". On my car, the key comes out no matter what gear its in (or not in for that matter). Someone mentioned a while back the issue is in the lock cylinder. Since it was worn anyway, went ahead and replaced it, but the problem still exists. All the linkage is intact from the trans to the column. The bowl on the column seems to rotate normally when put in reverse. Just baffles me why its like this. Before I tear my column into little bits, doesn anyone have an idea what exactly controls this feature inside a tilt column? I looked at the service manual but it really doesnt give you that much troubleshooting info.
Adjust the rod to move the column lever up to the park location more. 2 seconds and a 1/2 inch wrench
This what I would first. Disconnect the reverse linkage at the column in the engine bay and rotate the column by hand to get the column in reverse, then check to see if you can take the key out. This would determine if the reverse linkage is not correct. If this is not the case then the key cylinder could be the cause. George
Lock cylinder. If the key won't turn when in any gear but rev, then the rev lockout is doing it's job correctly. The key staying in or not is just the function of the cylinder. I think?
Ok, I revisited this issue yesterday. Lock cylinder is brand new- made no difference. I rechecked the adjustment on the steering column linkage and readjusted- column is rotating all the way. You can hear it hit whatever stop is inside the column. Still no difference. I have to assume that there is somethimng broken down in the lower part of the bowl?