1980 Chevrolet Corvette Keeps Running

1980 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
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ROYALRIDER33
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I went to turn off the vette today and after the key was in off position the car was still running. I touched the brake and it killed the engine, but not the power...I repeated and got same result. Any ideas?
Miike
Apr 1, 2006 at 12:26 AM
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LOSONE
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  • 1,616 POSTS
Please explain the symptoms a little more. It sounds like a high engine idle and running on with just fuel and carbon combustion. The old vets were great about that. I want to know if you feel it is the ignition not shutting off or the engine just keep running without ignition power. Does it have regular carb or feedback system? Good luck
Apr 1, 2006 at 12:37 AM
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ROYALRIDER33
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Lee...Thanks for the reply...By running, I mean full on running...Not after run or dieseling. It appears like a short between key and dash. Perhaps bad ignition switch...
Apr 1, 2006 at 1:50 AM
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LOSONE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,616 POSTS
If it was a short, it would blow a fuse or fusable link. A bad ignition switch sounds like the culpret. It's not a part of the key assembly but is located down the collumn and activated by a rod from the switch. It could be out of adjustment causing it not to shut off. It can be adjusted to move up and down. Drop the column on the seat and you can see it on the top/side of the column. Good luck
Apr 1, 2006 at 2:00 AM
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Suggested Repair

Inspect and adjust the column-mounted ignition switch. It is separate from the key assembly, sits on the top/side of the steering column, and is moved by a rod. Lower the column onto the seat, then adjust the switch so it fully shuts off when the key is turned off.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1980 Chevrolet Corvette said the engine kept running fully after the key was turned off, and pressing the brake stopped the engine but not the power. The owner ruled out dieseling and suspected a short or bad ignition switch. The expert said a short would likely blow a fuse or fusible link, and identified a misadjusted ignition switch on the steering column as the likely cause.

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