As the title states, the ignition lock cylinder on my 76 Cutlass sticks in the start position even after the engine starts. I have to turn it back to the run position. Is the lock cylinder itself sticking, or is it deeper in the steering column? I'm replacing my steering wheel this weekend, and thought it would be a good time to fix this while the wheel is off.

 

My guess would be on the ignition switch sticking but you won't know until you get in to it. The ignition switch is where the "springback/return" comes from. The switch is on the top of the steering column held on by two screws. You could mark the switch position since it is adjustable through slotted holes, loosen the switch and see if it changes the symptom.

Good luck!!!

 

Unfortunately, it could be one of many things. The switch could be bad, the linkage rod could be bent, the rack and pinion at the lock cylinder could be damaged, or the return spring could be damaged. Also, would this happen to be a column shift car converted to floor shift? If the backdrive linkage isn't in place, the collar on the steering column can vibrate out of position and cause the rod to bind. Is this a tilt or non-tilt column?

 

It is a factory floor shift car, and it does have tilt steering. I'll have the steering wheel off tomorrow so I can check for bent pieces.

 

Is the backdrive linkage still in place (may have been removed over the years)? If so, are the plastic bushings worn, causing slop in the linkage?

 

I'm not entirely sure where the backdrive linkage is located? Is it inside the column? I haven't disassembled it yet.

 

The backdrive linkage runs from the steering column to the shift lever on the trans. It looks like (and is) the same rod used for a column shift car. This is to lock the floor shifter with the key, as required by federal law.

 

It is underneath the body, connected from the steering column at the firewall to the transmission shift ear.