sticky ignition switch

S

stecz

Well-known member
Sep 4, 2004
88
0
This has happened about 3 times to me.... so, it's probably time to do something...
The ignition switch will not turn, I jiggle it, pull it in or out very slightly, etc, eventually I can get it to work and then it is fine, of course until the next time.

It feels like the steering lock is wedging it, but it's not that.

Any ideas?

If I replace the ignition switch (anyone know of good directions to do that?), can I get it keyed the same? How practical is it to do that?

thanks
 
eliaschristeas

eliaschristeas

Well-known member
Jul 6, 2006
2,442
5
Beverly HIlls
i have 2 spare sets. one including the ignt., key, all 4 handles, and the gas flap barrel as well. the other just the ignt, key and forward door handles..... just SAYIN....
 
EJB90

EJB90

Well-known member
Feb 26, 2007
1,231
0
33
Connecticut
It's really easy to replace the ignition. It'll literally take you 15 minutes. Unscrew the steering wheel surround. Unbolt the ignition. Unplug the harnesses. I think you have to unscrew the light for it. And then put in the new one.

Do it before you get the ignition locked on for good.
 
C

CodeCode

Well-known member
Jan 15, 2010
126
0
EJB90 said:
It's really easy to replace the ignition. It'll literally take you 15 minutes. Unscrew the steering wheel surround. Unbolt the ignition. Unplug the harnesses. I think you have to unscrew the light for it. And then put in the new one.

Do it before you get the ignition locked on for good.
Click to expand...

Is it really that simple?!?
 
C

CodeCode

Well-known member
Jan 15, 2010
126
0
Are there any other details i need to know - will the alarm work with the new ignition? Seems like a lot of wires just looking at it.

(Ive seen to many movies where you cut the wrong wire you die.)

Thanks guys.
 
K

kferg

Well-known member
Feb 28, 2005
183
0
Eastern NC
It really is an easy job not to be affraid of. The shear bolts an be replaced with a standard metric hex cap from Lowe's if you don't want to order new shear bolts. I can't remember the size but they were in the specialty bolt drawers and they can confirm the thread size there or any auto parts store. Just disconnect the battery before doing any work. As you pull the ignition out the wires will be very visible and clear for what you need to do. Save yourself some money and do it yourself. I use to be hessitant to work on these things. I find most things are not that complicated if you take your time. This is really a simple job and you can celebrate with a cold beer afterwards. Door locks are not hard either, just more time consuming if you change those out to match.
 
C

CodeCode

Well-known member
Jan 15, 2010
126
0
kferg said:
As you pull the ignition out the wires will be very visible and clear for what you need to do.
Click to expand...

No specific order of connecting bc the battery is disconnected? Just splice the like colored wires together and plug the harness in? What about the alarm system?
 
K

kferg

Well-known member
Feb 28, 2005
183
0
Eastern NC
My alarm still works and I had the lock cylinder gutted on my old truck. The paint is so bad "the Pig" is not exactly an attractive target for theft. I took it out and then to a locksmith as I was hessitant to drill it to get the internals out. Real cheap to have done. If I remember right I did not have to cut the wires to get it out, they could be disconnected from the cylinder. I don't remember having to splice anything. Not sure how the alarm is tied into the ignition system. I really didn't worry about it at the time. It is seriously an easy job.
 
cdansan

cdansan

Well-known member
Sep 15, 2008
537
0
Northwestern, Vermont
I just did this 2 weekends ago.
The shear bolts were removed with needle nose vice grips.
I removed everything above the slotted driver in the actual ignition switch.
Replaced the shear bolts with SHCS.
I drove it for one day using a screwdriver.
The next day I took it apart again.
I took the tumbler out and removed all the brass blades and threw them away.
I also removed the steering lock.
Put everything back together without the brass fingers and it looks factory.
It will start with any key that fits in the lock or a screwdriver.

Dan
 
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