Yes it should be able to be removed. I can't think of any reason it wouldn't work without it. You'll have to split those two plastic housings to get to it (look from the bottom inside you'll see four screws around the edge holding them together but you need to remove a lot more stuff first) and then remove the lever and associated spring. I'd suggest this vid for guidanceto refresh your memory. Unfortunately it's not really a quick or easy job.

 

Thanks for the video. Yes, those columns are packed with parts. And mine is a tilt column which adds even more complexity. I may have to life with the key lock lever!

 

I guess my first car (geeze has it really been 30 years?) was a yj so I've just kind of grown up with that functionality so it's habit. I'd be anxious about clicking back into acc position without the lock, too. As these locks and keys age you can usually remove the key even in acc

 

Old post....but wondering if it worked out

 

The key lock is a safety device designed to keep you from locking the column when removing the key. By having to push the lever, you can't simply spin the key out of tumbler and lock the steering. Ford used this system for years as well. If it works, why remove it?

 

My '85 CJ was built with a manual transmission and has a key lock lever on the GM steering column. This lever must be pulled down to remove the key. It is possible to remove this lever without causing other problems? Or is this something I should just live with?

The lever is there to keep you from turning the key back to the lock or off position while rolling down the road with a manual trans. The safety feature of it is that the steering column will lock of you shut it all the way off.

An Automatic will not shut all the way off and lock the column unless it is put in the Park position.

The key lock is a safety device designed to keep you from locking the column when removing the key. By having to push the lever, you can't simply spin the key out of tumbler and lock the steering. Ford used this system for years as well. If it works, why remove it?

I agree. Why do you want to remove it? Say it again, it helps to prevent you from locking the steering wheel when driving down the road.

 

Well.....I have an automatic.....floor shift.....no interlocks.....as in, I can start the engine in gear if I want.....

I'm in the process of rebuilding my tilt column....it was stiff....bearings worn out....etc.

I HATED that 'safety lock'. The steering wheel lock is primarily an anti-theft feature. I'm going to be doing away with the ignition key and going with a FOB.
Hence, I'm thinking I don't even need the wheel lock ring.

 

Well.....I have an automatic.....floor shift.....no interlocks.....as in, I can start the engine in gear if I want.....

Actually, you shouldn't be able to start it in gear. There is a neutral safety switch down on the base of the column that is designed to only allow the engine to start in N or P. If you can start in gear, then the switch is either bad or maladjusted.

I HATED that 'safety lock'. The steering wheel lock is primarily an anti-theft feature. I'm going to be doing away with the ignition key and going with a FOB.
Hence, I'm thinking I don't even need the wheel lock ring.

Doing away with the steering wheel locking system will eliminate any safety issues.

 

Actually, you shouldn't be able to start it in gear. There is a neutral safety switch down on the base of the column that is designed to only allow the engine to start in N or P. If you can start in gear, then the switch is either bad or maladjusted.


Doing away with the steering wheel locking system will eliminate any safety issues.

I do NOT have the Park/Neut/Reverse switch on my tranny. It came out of a Chevy PU with column shift...so this transmission does not have a mounting for the switch.
I'm building up a new center console for my shifter (out of a Corvett) and I 'might' put a switch in it....maybe...maybe not.

For reverse, I just use a toggle switch.

Wheel locks don't stop someone from steeling a veh now. Good chance that won't go back in either. All I have to do is leave out the rod.

If they can turn the ignition without a key, less chance they will punch the column. The real surprise will be when they turn the key and alarms go off.