fixing a sticking ignition switch

[john walker's workshop]

here's my poor man's way to save $500 on a new steering lock assembly, when the key won't turn to the start position and is otherwise not broken.
after removal of the unit from the dash, locate the little steel pin that keeps the tumbler in place. it goes in on an angle. drill a small hole right next to it and use a small pick to lever it out. insert the key and pull out the tumbler. pop off the disc on the bottom of the tumbler and remove the spring loaded pin and spring. reassemble in reverse order. now there is no starter lockout where you would have to turn the key all the way off to engage the starter again. the return spring from starter position to run position is still there because it's in the electrical portion. does anyone really care if the lockout is gone to save $500?

[emac]

John, great tip thanks
Ernie 81sc

[pete3799]

Been there done that.

[sperberj]

I used the fix that was recommended and it was great. Also, the pin came out easy as I had drilled a small hole to the side facing the Key entry. I then replaced the pin with a tiny threaded screw and dremeled off the head. No more lockout of the ignition!

[pors1968]

GREAT tip saving money and time thanks .

[boyt911sc]

John,

Thanks for the tip. Could you take some pictures and post them?

Tony

[Hard-Deck]

JW, thanks for the tip. My car needs that fix . Saved.

[notmytarga]

I should have been less wordy in this thread:

Ignition switch - inside to fix START lockout

because it obviously overwhelmed a lot of people. When I reassembled my cylinder I might have done so with the lockout disk flipped because it now 'resets' by only heading a little bit toward the ACC position.

Perhaps the pictures and excessive detail about this fix will be useful for cross reference.

Below is an idea I took from that thread to temporarily address this problem - someone please give it a try - and for Pete's sake, someone comment on that thread rather than send me a PM thanking me (I have had 4).

Examining and understanding the lockout mechanism and its failure gave me an idea for a temporary trick that may work. Pushing the cylinder over the key into the lock while turning the key may close the gap behind the cylinder and help move the thin plate where it needs to go. If you have the Start lockout problem try the "cylinder push" and see if it works. Report here OR THERE if it does.

[ClickClickBoom]

Had my ignition switch go wonky yesterday as well as today, totally random as to when it would work or not. Peeled the clamshells off, unplugged all the wires in the area and removed the left knee pad(2 hidden nuts and washers).
This allowed me to unscrew the breakaway bolts on the front of the lock assembly(2), with a hammer and chisel. I then had to drill out 2 aluminum poprivets and unscrew the steering lock tension bolt.
Once the lock assembly was on the bench I followed Johns instructions and drilled a small hole next to the magic pin. A quick pry and grab of the pin with some pliers allowed the pin to pry right out and free the cylinder. A small screwdriver and a little bit of prying and the end cap was off and the stupid plunger and spring were laying on the ground. I stuck it all back together, minus the spring and pin and even used the original pin and tapped it back into its hole and added some red locktite for good measure. Reassembled the whole mess back together and it works like a champ.
P.S. I used a couple of 6mm bolts with 8mm heads, that I had in my Honda motorcycle bolt kit. Other wise mostly unbolting and rebolting.
This site rocks!
eric

[Unobtanium-inc]

Great tip. Steering locks are for ... I don't even know who they're for! Not me.
Matt