Re: ignition switch woes

[Wallace White <wallace@remdesign.com>]

Dennis and Jack -

This happened to me as well, about a year ago, except that in my case it
was a sudden inability to start at all. I replaced the electrical
ignition switch (not the lock cylinder) and that was enough for now. On
disassembly of the old switch, it was clear that the contacts had worn
to the point where the switch had to be turned further to get the
starter circuit engaged.

Apparently the lock cylinder itself can cause this problem, because the
linkage inside gets a little twisted so that its tab that actuates the
switch isn't turning as far as it should. I have a detailed post that I
can forward you about that if needed.

The electrical switch itself is maybe $15 from The Parts Connection.
Swapping them out is a little tricky, since the switch is held onto the
lock with a very small set screw in the lock body... on the top, where
you will need a very short straight screwdriver to get to it. (Some say
this is a security measure, but it's not going to keep you from hot
wiring your car [as I did when the switch failed] and the steering lock
isn't related.)

Good luck! Let me know if I can help.

- Wallace
  '87 5kcstq 161k

Dennis Larson wrote:
> 
> I have a similar problem with my 1985. My key was heavily worn
> so I took my wife's key and had a copy made. My wife doesn't
> have a problem but I still do but slightly less now. Also the
> lock is probably getting old. My fix was similar, jiggling but
> also just taking it out of the lock and turning it over helps too.
> 
> Sometimes a bit of WD-40 or other light key lock lubricant or
> cleaner might help a bit too before final replacement which we
> don't have to do yet.
> 
> Dennis
> 
> >===== Original Message From "Jack Gagnon" <bullitt@cybertours.com> =====
> >The ignition switch on my 87 5kcsq does not always engage the starter
> >properly.  It is necessary to jiggle the key while trying to get the starter
> >to engage about 1/2 the time.  Is this something that can be adjusted? or is
> >replacement required?  It does add a "security feature" to the car though!
> >
> >Jack