Ignition switch

bmarchet · 06-20-2003, 09:09 AM

my car won't turn over from time to time and i am told it is a common problem with the grey igintion switch that attaches directly to the back of the tumbler and connects to the wiring harness. i have a new one and it seems pretty straight forward.

is there a trick to replacing this part?

thanks.

Dan Owens · 06-20-2003, 10:09 AM

Yes, make sure you draw a diagram of the wiring order off the old switch before you start.

makaio · 06-20-2003, 02:39 PM

Actually, you really don't need a diagram. It's a pretty easy job except for contorting your body to get in there, if you don't remove the seat.

If memory serves me right, I only used a stubby phillips screw driver and a flashlight for tools, and it took about 15 minutes.

If you were close by I could loan you my spare.

Superman · 06-20-2003, 02:53 PM

I'd remove the seat, and disconnect the battery. Just make sure all those pesky wires get connected onto the exact same terminals.

bmarchet · 06-20-2003, 02:55 PM

thanks everyone.

john walker's workshop · 06-20-2003, 03:08 PM

i've never been able to get at the top screw without removing the whole steering lock to do it. you guys must have really small hands.

Superman · 06-20-2003, 03:20 PM

Nope John. My hands are not small. There's another reason your paws don't fit behind the ignition switch. I have a 5-lb dead blow hammer. Bet you don't need one.

yelcab1 · 06-20-2003, 03:22 PM

Stubby 2inch long screw driver (shaft only, removed from the handle), lying with my back twisted to avoid the seat, that's how I get the sucker out. It did take 30 minutes. And I do have small hands.

cab83_750 · 06-20-2003, 08:27 PM

Yeah, the top screw is a b((*8tch to get out. Did it once and will never do it again without disassembly.

RoninLB · 06-20-2003, 09:47 PM

I read that you can use a long screwdriver from inside the trunk thru a bulkhead hole.. never did it that way.. a double jointed midget wouldn't have a problem with removal IMO...........Ron

Rob McKibbon · 06-21-2003, 08:28 AM

Ignition repair for Idiots?
OK, I must be an idiot; because it was NOT simple for me when I attempted this little task? Turned into a hot wire job and a trip to the Pcar Dr.
There is a small, cliped in, plastic cap on the back of the ignition switch. If it comes off (or like me, if you pull it off) all the wires fall out of the switch like bees pouring out of a disturbed nest. (Only bees don't hurt as much?) Now maybe I am an idiot, but 10 different wires all hanging from under my dash, all different lenghts and colors. I was lucky to get it hot wired without blowing it up. My mechanic fixed it while I had a coffee. (He's not an idiot)
What I couldn't understand was all the threads and tech articles I'd searched and read and not one warning about this little plastic cap that just friction fits into the back of the ignition switch?
Then I'm huge measured on any scale you like, and fitting in there was way outa my comfort zone. My mechanic (petite man) laughed at me and said, "no charge", bless the man.

Turned out my problem was the solenoid on the starter, not the ignition switch. It only takes a few seconds to test if the switch is working or not properly before you mess with it..... hope this info finds you in good spirits and not too late?

Your Canadian Pal, enjoying life at the Shuswap!

limble · 06-21-2003, 08:41 AM

I replaced the tumbler on my 70 911 and there were break of screws holding the front of the tumbler just under the black ring. I'm thinking they were an anti-theft item. I was able to grasp them with a pair of needle nose pliers. Don't know if this is an issue on your car but just thought it might be useful.
I replaced them with torx screws.

bmarchet · 06-21-2003, 05:22 PM

ok... here's what i did... and i am not proud. but i just broke the guts out of the old one which left the metal casing empty and the top screw out in the open. it was very easy to remove once the connections were no longer in the way... once the new switch was set in place, the top screw was not a problem at all to install because I DIDN"T INSTALL IT. like i said i am not proud. the bottom screw seemed to hold the switch in place well enough. anyway, the car starts again, so... thanks for all of your insight.

(i honestly dont see how its possible to get the top screw in anyway.. maybe through the bulkhead as writtne above.)

thanks, again.

brian

RoninLB · 06-21-2003, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bmarchet

ok... here's what i did... and i am not proud. but i just broke the guts out of the old one

I love the attitude..

that car is going to roll one way or the other.. there's nothing gonna stop Brian, IMO.................Ron

Argo · 06-21-2003, 08:08 PM

That top screw was tough - I used a hex shafted screwdriver bit for my cordless drill and a small wrench that fit the shaft to turn it. Worked pretty good. The hardest part was getting light on the subject; I wished I had one of those hands free lights with a strap that you can wear on your head instead of a magnalite in the mouth.

Argo
88 Targa