Ignition switch
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Harriman Tn
Ignition switch
My 88 was starting fine and then got to where I would have to turn the switch several times before it would engage the ignition and would try to start. It finally quit working at all. The battery is good the starter is good. A friend suggested the rod on the steering column is not engaging the switch. Anyone have any experience with this kind of problem?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
The ignition lock on the steering column activates the ignition switch which is located behind the dash via a rod. If the ignition switch mounting nut becomes loose, the rod cannot activate the switch. If the rod bends or slips off either of its ends, the switch cannot be activated. You need to examine the rod and the switch. Also a sloppy igntion lock in the column can not allow the rod to move far enough to activate the switch.
Max G’s
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,751
Likes: 78
From: Monroe OH
NCM Sinkhole Donor
If you have an auto, don't tear down that steering column. It is probably your nuetral safety switch on connected to your shifter. I had the same problem and thought was starter. There was a thread on it back in 2008. For the most part, to test, turn key and slowly move gear selector back and forth between r and drive. Oh yeah, might want to keep foot on brake as well, just in case. Hope this helps. 
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
l98tpi has a good point. If the ign rod is not activating the ign sw, then in, "run", you won't be able to operate anything electrical (radio, wipers, a/c blower, etc). If you can run these in, "run", then it isn't the ign sw or rod, its the clutch safety sw (gear selector sw at base of gear shift if automatic), or its VATS.
Slingshot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 24
From: Charlotte NC
I had this problem in my 86 roadster for several years. Sometimes it would start and sometimes it would not. A real pain in the but to live with.
I finally replaced the ignition lock set which solved my no start problems. So far so good !
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...5&dept_id=1722
I finally replaced the ignition lock set which solved my no start problems. So far so good !
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...5&dept_id=1722
