Ignition Switch Replacement: HOLY CRAP!!!

[Steve Tinker]

Yes - did you think it was anything else - unless its the steering wheel lock which needs you to wriggle the wheel to engage the key....?

[kjc2050]

Originally Posted by Steve Tinker

Yes - did you think it was anything else - unless its the steering wheel lock which needs you to wriggle the wheel to engage the key....?

Yup, what he said.

When my switch went, the key spun (what seemed like) too far, and was nearly impossible to remove. (See the 1st post in this thread.) Get a new switch.

[evo-r]

Originally Posted by Steve Tinker

Yes - did you think it was anything else - unless its the steering wheel lock which needs you to wriggle the wheel to engage the key....?

Yes, first thing I try was wriggling the steering wheel which didn't help... Time to get a new switch, hope there won't be too much cursing during the replacement. Thanks guys!

[steved0x]

The steps in this thread are very good, and I just replaced my switch using these instructions. Taking out the left side vent and the headlight switch really opened things up and let me see. I was able to do the entire job without crawling under the dash with the exception of putting back on the AC vent tube. I used this 33 piece precision screwdriver set from harbor freight:

Precision Screwdriver Set - 33 Piece

http://www.harborfreight.com/33-piece-precision-screwdriver-set-93916.html



It has a long flexible extension arm where you turn the base and the tip turns. And it also had the right size torx bits as well as a tiny flathead attachment for this job.




Here is a picture. It is kind of blurry so I outlined it in white. For loosening the set screws I was able to do it through the ac vent, and for tightening them back a reached under the dash. (If I were to do it again I would go under the dash both times as it was easier)


The hardest part of the job was trying to get a flashlight to point so I could see when both hands were busy holding the two ends of the screwdriver. I wished I would have had one of these head light attachment headbands(and I do now for next time)

Headlamp with Swivel Lens

I also got my switch from the same seller in the link earlier in the thread and it worked great.

Don't be afraid of this job like I was, it is not that hard. And get 2 switches and keep on in the car; my last switch was replaced just over a year and less than 10,000 miles ago.

Steve