Ignition switch not working properly...any thoughts???

[chrisp]

Sometimes it will work sometimes it won't. PO seemed to think it had something to do with the steeing wheel. He said to "wiggle it" whenever the igniion switch won't work. I have found no apparent relationship between the switch and the steering wheel/column.

I can turn the key fully, all lights come one, all warning lights come on, but it won't turn over. It clicks but no starter. Somtimes I can turn it off and back on and it will start. Sometimes it will take 3 or 4 attempts. This morning I couldn't get it to work at all.

[pbs911]

It sounds as if the switch itself is bad. I never had this problem with my P-car, but my wife's Benz had similar problems.

This problem commonly arises when people have a ton of things on the key chain and it puts pressure on the inners of the switch.


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Paul
78SC Targa

[Superman]

Ditto. There is a reason they tell you not to hang a heavy ring of keys from your ignition. I have replaced several switches and tumblers because of this.

Try replacing the switch only, which is attached to the back of the lock cylinder.

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'83 SC

[beepbeep]

Welcome to the club....it seems to be very common problem, and it happened to me few months ago. Dig in the archives and you'll find lots about this failure. It seems that electrical contact behind the switch wears out after a while, i bet you don't have spring-tension when you turn the key , it just reaches it stop.

Only relieve is to change electric part behind switch or solder a wire that is connected to push-button (as i did).

If you go exchange-route, you'll need to drill out two bolts holding the lock, plus uno one bolt behind...not too easy , but can be done.

Cheers.

[bolsen]

Originally posted by chrisp:
Sometimes it will work sometimes it won't. PO seemed to think it had something to do with the steeing wheel. He said to "wiggle it" whenever the igniion switch won't work. I have found no apparent relationship between the switch and the steering wheel/column.


I can turn the key fully, all lights come one, all warning lights come on, but it won't turn over. It clicks but no starter. Somtimes I can turn it off and back on and it will start. Sometimes it will take 3 or 4 attempts. This morning I couldn't get it to work at all.

Chris,
Your problem can be one of at least four things (BTDT):

1) The tumbler itself could be worn. This can manifest itself in an inability to turn the key in the tumbler far enough clockwise to get past the "accessory" position to the "engage starter" position. If your key stops rotating before you get to the spring-loaded section, that is the culprit.

2) The electronic portion of the ignition switch could be bad. The contacts can wear over time. This is a ~50 part, and you can replace it your self, but it is a PITA to get to.

3) You may have intermittent wiring between your ignition switch and your starter. PITA to chase down.

4) Your starter may be the problem. A "clicking" starter, with no turn-over, is indicative of a bad solenoid, I believe.

[john walker's workshop]

if the key won't turn, it's not the electrical part. it's the steering lock itself, and the only fix is total replacement. it comes with the electrical part. $300-$350 installed.

[This message has been edited by john walker's workshop (edited 09-20-2001).]

[chrisp]

Thanks guys. I can turn it fully. Sounds like the switch is bad (not the mecahnicals or the tumbler) I think I am going to install a push button for the start. Going to get under there tonight.

[slarso]

Don't change it too quickly!. I had a similar problem a year ago. There is a cylinder/tumbler that gets stuck. The switch thinks that the car has started and it won't let you engage the starter motor...
QUICK fix!
I sprayed some break cleaner into the switch, presto! it un gummed the switch and has worked perfactly simce they

Good luck

Steve 84'cab