How to remove the ignition switch of 1988 944NA?

[ted944]

I'm trying to replace the ignition switch to fix the intermittent no-start problem.

Attached is the picture of the ignition switch block. I don't see how I can remove
it and get to the ignition switch.

The block seems to be bolted to the steering column but the two bolts don't appear to have heads or anything to be removed.

Has anyone done this and any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[John_AZ]

WSM




Grandad#3
How to remove ignition lock assembly 87 944s. Please Help

GL
John

[ted944]

Thanks John for the info.

Will try to get to the ignition switch from the back.

[Gawernator]

You have to cut and drill as a standard procedure?

[wrench1]

When I needed to re-key my son's 88 the tumbler needed to be removed. We found that the housing was loose on the column also. I removed the speedometer and used an air dremel to cut two slots across the face of the bolts from the top. I then used a flat blade stubby screwdriver to run the bolts out, real easy to do and fast. I replaced the shear bolts with allen head metric bolts that I could tighten inserted and tightened from the bottom, no more movement.

Once the housing is out the hole to drill into it is a quick job and the key tumblers come out with a small screwdriver.

[P944GUY]

are you rekeying or changing the electrical portion behind the ignition...the ignition switch can be removed from behind with a very small short stubby, I can't remeber what type either straight or phillips (straight comes to mind) screwdriver without removing the whole housing, there is one screw holding the ignition swith to the back of the assembly, behind the key ignition..it takes a small hand and I had to cut a screwdriver down very small to get in there but it can be done without removing the whole lock assembly...the ignition switch just plugs in to the back..if you have the new one already you'll see what I mean... good luck !!!

[P944GUY]

home made ignition switch screw getter atter..

[ted944]

I'm going to try to replace the ignition switch from the back without removing the
entire block.

Your idea removing the speedometer sounds good. I'll do that, and the driver's seat
as well to have more space to get to the back. Didn't realize getting to the ignition switch is such a big job.

Thanks

Originally Posted by wrench1

When I needed to re-key my son's 88 the tumbler needed to be removed. We found that the housing was loose on the column also. I removed the speedometer and used an air dremel to cut two slots across the face of the bolts from the top. I then used a flat blade stubby screwdriver to run the bolts out, real easy to do and fast. I replaced the shear bolts with allen head metric bolts that I could tighten inserted and tightened from the bottom, no more movement.

Once the housing is out the hole to drill into it is a quick job and the key tumblers come out with a small screwdriver.

[ted944]

Looks great. How did you make this? Grind down from a regular one?

Originally Posted by P944GUY

home made ignition switch screw getter atter..

[TibetanT]

When I replace these, I just push the driver's seat all the way back and lie on the floor of the car looking up. Once you do that, it is really easy to remove the ignition switch.

[ted944]

It's an intermittent no-start problem. It may start for few time but then won't start for some time at all. When it does not start, the engine does not have any spark.

So far, I've replaced the ignition coil, ref and speed sensors, new fuel and DEM relay,
fairly new distributor cap and rotors, spark plugs and wires. The ignition switch has
just been replaced.

The next thing is to test the DME. I need some help with this.

So any one in the Boston area (or nearby) who has
a spare DME for 1988 944 might be able to stop by or lend to me to run a quick test?

Thanks

Ted