In really cold weather, it takes both hands to turn the ignition key. Any ideas?

 

Usually there is a a toothed gear that rotates with the ign tumbler when you rotate the key and that gear indexes with a toothed rack connected to a rod that goes down to the ign switch. The lack of lubrication at the tumbler assy, gear and rack or even the switch itself could be getting stiff with cold temperatures. A good part of the time a little penetrating oil sprayed in the right spot will free up the dry parts. That is providing the key goes into the lock on the steering column.
If it is located on the dash some penetrating oil in there may help also since the key is not too worn and works OK when warm.

 

his ign. key is on the column. that was one of the changes when they changed the body style in the late seventies

 

Just squirt it in under where the key goes in? I've never worked on that. Isn't there a cable in there?

 

To the best of my knowledge what was described in the earlier post and no cable.

 

One of the locals said those had a cable. Guess he was wrong as usual.

 

Rusty you seem pretty good using the computer. Try using Google ,or another browser and type in "you tube". There are loads of films that explain just about anything you ask. You probably will find some of the info you seek there regarding what is in the steering column on your van.

 

I have a feeling that your rod or your gear for your tumbler is out of alignment or that the ign. switch is badly worn on those models if it has never been changed that rod has a tendency to slip out of the notch or making it very hard to turn the key like you normally would.

 

I'm at the mercy of the weather again. Wind chill is below zero now.

 

that's always a real bear when the windchill gets that cold