Waaaa! My Ignition Switch Died!

[rczap]

What are the signs of a failed switch? It seems like this past week my car wont turn over on the first turn. I have to turn to run, wait a few seconds then turn to crank. Any thoughts?

[Anker]

The most common symptom I see is that something that should be turned on doesn't. Fits your problem!

[Jamesp]

GRRR.... it wa$n't the $witch. It'$ the Mechani$m.

After making the dive of death under the dashboard to remove and replace the switch, I highly endorse taking out the vent for access.

Good thing this car is a hobby or I'd be really ticked.

[356Guy]

My switch is a little stiff when turning the key so I ordered a URO part for $12. Wish me luck.

[356Guy]

Originally Posted by Jamesp

I used the technique from the pelican parts page. Pull out the lower vent tube and remove the electrical connector and two screws. The only hard part was getting my head under the clutch pedal so I could see the second screw. Grinding down a quarter inch drive straight blade screwdriver bit so it is teeny tiny is a must to get access.

What was the initial problem you had?

I just removed the switch this morning. I'm waiting for the new switch. I'm not 100% certain that the stiff turning of the key is caused by the switch. The key turns easier without the switch but it is still a little notchy at first turn. We'll see. Yes removal of the lower vent tube and upper AC duct makes removing the upper screw easier. There was red junk in the screw holes that had to be scraped out with a pick first. I had a 1/4" thumb ratchet with a socket and mini bit that worked nicely. Its one of those jobs that would be half the time the second time around.

[Jamesp]

Out of the blue, one morning the key would not turn. No indication of trouble before complete failure. Then wiggling the key, it would turn a little, bang the steering wheel back and forth a few times and it worked normally for a couple of cycles, then locked up again. No rhyme or reason to it. I replaced the mechanism and all is working normally again. It felt like something was worn inside and trying to go over center when the key was turned.