Ignition Switch Replacement: HOLY CRAP!!!

[southernstar]

That's why I recently paid 1.4 hours at my local indy to get it done. Saved my back and a ton of frustration!

Brad

[navair]

Man, is this a chronic problem I went through the same drill last weekend, second switch in 2 years/10,000 miles! The last time was done by my Indy for an exorbitant 3 hours of labor going in through the dash top ("we dont get under, or we'll have a workman's comp case"). I removed the seat and that made it doable from underneath (with a jewlers screwdriver hacksaw shortened). And of course I found I needed to order torx female sockets to get the seat off (a 3/8" 12 point is close, but was starting to round the seat bolts).

[southernstar]

Yes, it seems to be a chronic problem (although this would appear to be the first ignition switch replacement on my 2000). Some have suggested that using a heavy key ring increases wear and as a result, I have only my ignition key on my fob. I am also careful when using the ignition to be gentle in turning and removing the keys. Only time will tell whether this helps.

Brad

[shadrach74]

I accomplished this with a small screwdriver and a small set of vice grips.

I am 5"11 and 185lbs and it sucked getting into position. I removed the carpeting (even that extra .5" helped). My biggest problem was not getting the screwdriver in place, it was getting enough torque on the tiny driver to break the screws loose (mine were painted with mechanic's lacquer). I solved this by griping the screwdriver handle with the small vice grips at a right angle to the driver. I used one hand to hold the driver in place and the other to turn. It worked, but was a PIA. The worst part is that I did it for no reason; the issue turned out to be a bad clock spring.