Difficult starting ignition lock, finally a real question for this sleepy group I guess we have had a problem free Fall up until now

[Hank]

I got a new Fiero about 4 months ago 85 GT 63K miles 4 speed.
Last couple of days I noticed when I turn the ignition key "Yes
depressing the clutch" it does not turn over first time I have to back
key up and turn it again. This morning I had to do it 3 times to get
it to catch so I did not drive it today. This evening same thing but
this time I when turned it all the way and nothing happened I jiggled
and pushed on the key and then it caught and turned over. So it sounds
like the key lock cylindar is getting bad. O yes forgot to mention
ever since I got the car only one (1) key it never went into the
accessory position which I assume it has as my 85 2m4 has one. Also
sometimes turning the key to lock position it also hangs up and I have
to jiggle it and yes pressing on the release lever just trying to
cover all bases.
Will I have to pull off the steering wheel to get the lock set out ?
Is there a good diagram online showing the procedure ?
I have a 85 Fiero Service manual but it does not cover from what I can
see to much detail on it.
Any help would be great I never had to work on the ignition lock
before on any car.

Thanks
Hank

Link to my web site pictures of the car and more.
http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeecixb/new_85_fiero.htm

[c***@mts.net]

Post by Hank
Will I have to pull off the steering wheel to get the lock set out ?
Is there a good diagram online showing the procedure ?
I have a 85 Fiero Service manual but it does not cover from what I can
see to much detail on it.
Any help would be great I never had to work on the ignition lock
before on any car.

More likely you will have stick your head under the steering column
and loosen the 2 screws that hold the actual swtich and make an
adjustment. You should be able to see how it works while moving the
key back and forth.

Pete

[Hank]

Post by c***@mts.net

Post by Hank
Will I have to pull off the steering wheel to get the lock set out ?
Is there a good diagram online showing the procedure ?
I have a 85 Fiero Service manual but it does not cover from what I can
see to much detail on it.
Any help would be great I never had to work on the ignition lock
before on any car.

More likely you will have stick your head under the steering column
and loosen the 2 screws that hold the actual swtich and make an
adjustment. You should be able to see how it works while moving the
key back and forth.
Pete

I removed the plastic sheild covering the steering column I see a
metal rod moving when I turn the key but it snakes upward and I cannot
see or feel what it is connected to. So I would guess I would need to
drop the steering column down a bit to see the switch it is accuating
?

Hank

[c***@mts.net]

Post by Hank

Post by c***@mts.net
More likely you will have stick your head under the steering column
and loosen the 2 screws that hold the actual swtich and make an
adjustment. You should be able to see how it works while moving the
key back and forth.
Pete

I removed the plastic sheild covering the steering column I see a
metal rod moving when I turn the key but it snakes upward and I cannot
see or feel what it is connected to. So I would guess I would need to
drop the steering column down a bit to see the switch it is accuating
?
Hank

Good guess. The switch is mounted on the side of the steering mast
jacket and has slotted holes for just this kind of adjustment. Can't
remember if the screw heads or nuts are 5/16 or 11/32. (8-9 mil).

Remove the 2 nuts just under the shield and only looswen the one
closer to the firewall. The job is fairly straight forward. You
want to move the switch in the direction of pull when you turn the
key.

Pete

[Hank]

Okay so i droped the steering column turned the key it turned over
each time so I figured a re-adjustment to the switch was in order made
it put the column back up and again no start drop it again and it
works every time. So I take off the switch and open it up "I take
eerything apart" and find one of the spings on the slider contacts is
mangled. So I get the switch out of the donor car put it all back
together and it works fine. Thanks all for the help.
Henry

Post by c***@mts.net
More likely you will have stick your head under the steering column
and loosen the 2 screws that hold the actual swtich and make an
adjustment. You should be able to see how it works while moving the
key back and forth.
Pete