Hot Ignition Key
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Joined: Jun 2013
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Hot Ignition Key
After driving my 1968 coupe for about 45-60 minutes, the key is very hot when I turn the ignition off and remove the key. There is no problem with the car starting or running. Any ideas?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
Possible corrosion on the connection that attaches to the ignition switch....which will cause resistance ...which will cause the connection to get hot. I have seen this issue occur in many areas and I have found that is is a dirty connection that was the culprit. I have seen it in fuse connections along with electrical connectors that join a wiring harness together.
I have also experienced it being a loose wire terminal connector INSIDE the plastic connector. Where the "drag" of the connector is really weak when that wire is removed from the plastic connector and inserted onto the terminal and then removed.
If the resistance is high enough and it gets hot enough it can melt the plastic connector and cause a fire...which I also seen...and I have seen this on the headlight switch many times.
Remember this ignition switch connector has power from the battery coming to it all the time...and even though it is protected by a fusible link ( if still correctly intact at the starter)....should blow this fusible link...but if not...it can start a fire especially if any of the firewall dash insulation has gotten around this area....which I have also seen before.
My advice...you better look into this RIGHT AWAY!!!!!
DUB
I have also experienced it being a loose wire terminal connector INSIDE the plastic connector. Where the "drag" of the connector is really weak when that wire is removed from the plastic connector and inserted onto the terminal and then removed.
If the resistance is high enough and it gets hot enough it can melt the plastic connector and cause a fire...which I also seen...and I have seen this on the headlight switch many times.
Remember this ignition switch connector has power from the battery coming to it all the time...and even though it is protected by a fusible link ( if still correctly intact at the starter)....should blow this fusible link...but if not...it can start a fire especially if any of the firewall dash insulation has gotten around this area....which I have also seen before.
My advice...you better look into this RIGHT AWAY!!!!!
DUB
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,039
Likes: 504
From: myrtle beach sc
Army
Tally1968, The key cylinder is a separate part from the ignition switch. You can re use your old one in the new ignition switch, or change the tumblers in the new one included with the ignition switch, to match your original keys , that also open your 1968 doors. I redid a new cylinder for my key years ago. Hope this helps you out. Lou.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
I would investigate it. It may need to be replaced...and keeping the original cylinder can be done like loup68 mentioned. If the terminals appear to be clean and tight...the resistance can be inside the switch...which would be best to replace. Removing the original cylinder is an easy process.
DUB
DUB
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,447
Likes: 3
From: Syracuse NY
Don't throw anything away!
The repo switch doesn't have provisions for the lamp. I'm not saying it can be saved or repaired, just don't toss it until your positive it can't be.
That goes for just about anything '68.
The repo switch doesn't have provisions for the lamp. I'm not saying it can be saved or repaired, just don't toss it until your positive it can't be.
That goes for just about anything '68.
