After a great day driving, I had some smoky brakes so I turned the car off and stupidly turned the wheel over to check out the problem. One thing led to the next and I heard a pop sound in the column and now I can't turn the key or start my car. Not sure exactly what I broke but I'm asking for some help here. It would be greatly appreciated!

Chris

It might be that your ignition/steering lock kicked in when you moved the wheel. When engaged, it will usually prevent the ignition switch from turning unless you remove the tension on the steering column lock. Try this: insert the key and GENTLY turn it while moving the wheel a little one way or the other. By turning the wheel, you are taking pressure off the steering column lock so the key can cause it to disengage.

I think Jim has nailed it because the same thing happens to me occasionally.

When it does happen I have to put the key all the way in then pull it back out maybe a 1/16th" then turn the wheel, the 1/16th" is because the ignition key is so worn.

Chris

So it turns out that I didn't break it... apparently I just turned it in such a way that the bar in the switch (pardon my non technical terms) jammed. I took it apart and fixed it in about an hour which solved that issue!

Now I have to figure out why my brake is smoking and smells like burning rubber!

The brakes smoked 30 years ago on my first Z and it turned out that the brake piston got stuck.