key stuck...shifter? help

[bbscamp]

I pulled out the console and slapstick shift along with the motor and trans.  I had left the key in the ignition....in the on position.  Now I can't turn it back to "off" to get the key out.   Any clues how I can?  I saw no linkage between the shifter and column.....is there something on the brake pedal?   

[Challenger6pak]

What year is the car?  Does it have the lever you push down on the column to release it?

[Alaskan_TA]

Sounds like a '70 model. There is an arm on the bottom of the column that attaches to your shift linkage. If you move that arm (up, I think?) you should be able to remove the key.

Barry

[bbscamp]

yes a 70.  I don't recall disconnecting any lever.  is it in the eng. compartment??    any picts?   mines a console shift.
thnkx

[Alaskan_TA]

The rod could be missing, if so you may have bumped the lever while taking the engine out?

The arm is on the column, in the engine bay, let me look for an image.........

[ShelbyDogg]

If You rotate the bottom of the column, right in front of the dash clockwise till it stops, you can turn the key to the off position.

Rob

[Alaskan_TA]

This should help, the arm is circled in red;

[Chryco Psycho]

I agree with above , just rotate the bootom collar on the column & the key will turn back & come out

[Cuda Cody]

All good advice!  That should be it.

I agree with above , just rotate the bootom collar on the column & the key will turn back & come out

[bbscamp]

   Thanks guys.   Alaskan_TA:  what manual is the image out of?   

[heminut]

I agree with above , just rotate the bootom collar on the column & the key will turn back & come out

The first time that happened to me I stood around awhile scratching my head and going WTF?

[Alaskan_TA]

It is from the factory service manual, Year One sells reprints I believe? It is something that EVERY car owner should have, they are invaluble.

Barry

[bbscamp]

yupper....rotated the bottom collar and out it came.  Thanks for the help!   

[Chryco Psycho]

 

[willhaven]

For the record, this just saved me a lot of aggravation. My key has been stuck in the column for months. I was about ready to attack it with WD-40 and make a real mess. I thought my old worn out original key hadn't been duplicated properly and the new key just got stuck.

I guess the collar just turned around while I was driving and trapped my key temporarily*.

I guess it also means I have a 70 column in my 71. No biggie, just good to know these things.

*three months