andyman

71 Cutlass with a M21. Can someone please explain the easiest way to adjust the lock out. Key will come out but only when you slam it into reverse. adjusted rod length numerous times and it seems thats the best it gets. Trial and error till you get it or what? and just the one adjustment point? Thanks in advance,

MDchanic

Well, it's supposed to only come out in Reverse.

If you want it to come out in other gears, you'll have to remove the back-drive rod.

- Eric

andyman

Yes but I should not have to slam it into reverse! Only if I shift it hard into reverse it comes out. I would think it is an adjustment issue.

MDchanic

Sounds like it.

Sounds like the rod has to push (or pull - I don't recall which) a bit farther than it's pushing now.

Questions:
Is the transmission original?
Is the steering column original?
Does the reverse lever on the transmission have one more hole than it needs for the two rods that it holds (so that placement of the rods in different holes would increase the throw)?
Is the shifter sloppy?

Any of these could be the culprit. I don't know how many different models of that back-drive rod they made (I always thought they were the same on all A-bodies), but if it was replaced with a different one, that could do it, too.

- Eric

My442

There are detailed instructions in the factory assembly manual.

joe_padavano

The adjustment is made on the backdrive linkage rod that runs from the steering column arm to the bellcrank rod. There is a sliding fitting at the bottom of this rod that is retained with a lock bolt. There is a LOT of adjustment available, so if that's where you are currently making the adjustment, you're doing something wrong. Also, verify that the rubber bushing in the steering column arm is in place and not worn. You need to loosen the lock bolt, push the backdrive rod as far UP as it will go, hold it there, and tighten the bolt (with the shifter in Reverse, of course).

andyman

Better now but now having an issue with reverse lights staying on when not in reverse, Another adjustment I suppose.

Octania

The R lites switch should be atop the column near the firewall, and somewhat adjustable on the column. Or, back off the backdrive adjustment to find the happy medium.

costpenn

Getting the right balance between the neutral safety switch adjustment and The back drive rod takes a lot tinkering. Keep at it.

joe_padavano

It really shouldn't. Adjust the backdrive rod first, then adjust the backup light switch. The switch has slotted holes where it attaches to the column to allow for this adjustment.

costpenn

Maybe it shouldn't but it did when I did mine.