Push button to remove key - How to disable?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,295
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From: NJ
Push button to remove key - How to disable?
I got a manual column for my '86 that was originally a 351w/C6 truck and now 460/ZF5. Didn't realize it was push button to remove the key style since none of my previous '80-'86 trucks have had that. What years had that "feature"? Why was it included? I hate it, and need to disable it and preferably remove the whole button assembly or find a column that doesn't have this. Can I cannibalize parts from my automatic column to remove this?
At first glance it seems I can disassemble and wedge the button pressed and slice the end that protrudes off. Hoping there is a cleaner way of disabling this though.
At first glance it seems I can disassemble and wedge the button pressed and slice the end that protrudes off. Hoping there is a cleaner way of disabling this though.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
The columns with automatic transmissions don't have that feature (but ya gotta have the shift lever in Park).
AFAIK all manual-tranny columns of this era have those buttons.
I replaced the bracket containing the button on my manual column (PO had broken the button off, leaving only a sharp piece of metal) and remember itbeing somewhat involved to get it apart to that level, it was semi-major steering column disassembly, and I'm in no hurry to do it again.
If I wanted to disable it, I'd look into wedging something into there to keep the button pressed, or something like that.
AFAIK all manual-tranny columns of this era have those buttons.
I replaced the bracket containing the button on my manual column (PO had broken the button off, leaving only a sharp piece of metal) and remember itbeing somewhat involved to get it apart to that level, it was semi-major steering column disassembly, and I'm in no hurry to do it again.
If I wanted to disable it, I'd look into wedging something into there to keep the button pressed, or something like that.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,295
Likes: 25
From: NJ
I think you may be right that they all had it. I don't recall my '83 stepside having one though, and that was a factory 4 speed truck. I see one picture I have showing that side of the column and below and behind the turn signal lever it looks like there is a chrome button. The new column I have it is a black plastic button, but my stepside was an XLT so maybe got a chrome button. as part of the trim package. I don't recall ever having to push anything to remove the key so maybe the previous owner wedged something in there.
I may just put some sort of shim in there behind it to disable it, if that is the case. Beats driving around for 3 years with a useless automatic shift lever blocking the view of my tach. Also picked up a manual dash panel with factory tach and no PRND21 letters. Now I guess I'll have two tachs since I already have holes in the dash trim for gauges. Oh well.
I may just put some sort of shim in there behind it to disable it, if that is the case. Beats driving around for 3 years with a useless automatic shift lever blocking the view of my tach. Also picked up a manual dash panel with factory tach and no PRND21 letters. Now I guess I'll have two tachs since I already have holes in the dash trim for gauges. Oh well.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
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From: Northern California
The button is a safety feature so you do not lock the steering wheel when the truck is moving at speed down the road.
There are instances when you may need to shut the engine off when the truck is traveling at speed. Stuck excelerator pedal is one such instance.
As was said, the automatics do not need it as you need to shift to park to lock the steering wheel, something you are not going to do at speed.
To remove the key, the steering wheel has to be locked.
The button is a safety feature on manual transmission equipped trucks so you do not lock the steering wheel when traveling at speed. I would strongly advise leaving it alone.
There are instances when you may need to shut the engine off when the truck is traveling at speed. Stuck excelerator pedal is one such instance.
As was said, the automatics do not need it as you need to shift to park to lock the steering wheel, something you are not going to do at speed.
To remove the key, the steering wheel has to be locked.
The button is a safety feature on manual transmission equipped trucks so you do not lock the steering wheel when traveling at speed. I would strongly advise leaving it alone.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2011
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81, i was about to post that same description of its purpose, but you beat me to it 
my 83 has it disabled, i think by the previous owner. i've had these columns apart at various times, its not too hard to get to IIRC, but i don't remember details.
on a friend's 87, if he touched that button it would throw sparks. i removed it from his, but don't remember the details. of how
my 83 has it disabled, i think by the previous owner. i've had these columns apart at various times, its not too hard to get to IIRC, but i don't remember details.
on a friend's 87, if he touched that button it would throw sparks. i removed it from his, but don't remember the details. of how
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