Quick ignition switch replacement question...............
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 6,694
Likes: 3
From: Less Talk, More WOT | Houston TX
Quick ignition switch replacement question...............
Who has replaced their ignition switch? I have one that i need to replace on my car but i havent the slightest idea how to get to it. Chiltons and haynes both give crappy directions for two completely different ways to replace it, niether one of which makes since. Could somebody help me out and tell me what exactly i need to remove to get to this switch?? I might could figure it out if i knew exactly where the damn thing is.....:banghead: and looking from underneath the drivers side i dont seem to see it. :confused:
Thanks in advance
[Modified by Wheelman, 3:49 PM 6/10/2003]
Thanks in advance
[Modified by Wheelman, 3:49 PM 6/10/2003]
Le Mans Master
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From: DrunkDefender
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Re: Quick ignition switch replacement question............... (Wheelman)
I've not had an 89 steering column apart. You are talking about the key cylinder arent you? Just take your time, get a steering wheel puller kit [$20 at harbour frieght or Norther Tools] and be patient and very careful to put it all back together the same.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 6,694
Likes: 3
From: Less Talk, More WOT | Houston TX
Re: Quick ignition switch replacement question............... (Dr. Evil)
I've not had an 89 steering column apart. You are talking about the key cylinder arent you? Just take your time, get a steering wheel puller kit [$20 at harbour frieght or Norther Tools] and be patient and very careful to put it all back together the same.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 187
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From: Orange Park Fl
Re: Quick ignition switch replacement question............... (Wheelman)
Just finished doing this on my 86. The ignition switch at the base of the steering colum - top left. It is actuated by a rod that is connected to the ignition key. Disconnect your battery. You need to remove the cowling under the dash. Remove the tilt wheel handle. Drop the steering column by removing the 2 bolts holding it to the dash on both sides of the column. (Make sure you support it! I used a bungy cord hooked around the column to the windshield frame The switch is held to the column by a screw and a stud. Also mounted to it is the hi-beam switch and the shifter lock cable mount. Make sure the key ignition is in the lock position when you start loosening the stud and screw. There also might be a wire on the stud that is grounding the cruise control. Whe you get all this apart diconnect the switch from the wire harness.
Connect the new switch to the harness. Note --when you by the new switch it has a plastic pin in it locking it in the "lock' postion. Slide the switch onto the rod and put the stud only back in to hold it to the column and snug it up. Remove the pin and check the key movement to see that you get start , run lock, and accessory. (at this point you might want to reconnect the battery and check the positions again.) You can fine adjust by sliding the switch up or down the column. Anyway, when you have it where you want it tighten the stud. Disconnect the battery and - reinstall the hi-beam switch checking for position by engaging the turn signal stalk until it works and feels right. lock it down. Mount the shifter lock cable bracket and ground wire and lock it down. replace and tighten the bolts that hold the column to the dash. Replace the cowling and you should be on the road.
Connect the new switch to the harness. Note --when you by the new switch it has a plastic pin in it locking it in the "lock' postion. Slide the switch onto the rod and put the stud only back in to hold it to the column and snug it up. Remove the pin and check the key movement to see that you get start , run lock, and accessory. (at this point you might want to reconnect the battery and check the positions again.) You can fine adjust by sliding the switch up or down the column. Anyway, when you have it where you want it tighten the stud. Disconnect the battery and - reinstall the hi-beam switch checking for position by engaging the turn signal stalk until it works and feels right. lock it down. Mount the shifter lock cable bracket and ground wire and lock it down. replace and tighten the bolts that hold the column to the dash. Replace the cowling and you should be on the road.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 6,694
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From: Less Talk, More WOT | Houston TX
Re: Quick ignition switch replacement question............... (Kens86)
Just finished doing this on my 86. The ignition switch at the base of the steering colum - top left. It is actuated by a rod that is connected to the ignition key. Disconnect your battery. You need to remove the cowling under the dash. Remove the tilt wheel handle. Drop the steering column by removing the 2 bolts holding it to the dash on both sides of the column. (Make sure you support it! I used a bungy cord hooked around the column to the windshield frame The switch is held to the column by a screw and a stud. Also mounted to it is the hi-beam switch and the shifter lock cable mount. Make sure the key ignition is in the lock position when you start loosening the stud and screw. There also might be a wire on the stud that is grounding the cruise control. Whe you get all this apart diconnect the switch from the wire harness.
Connect the new switch to the harness. Note --when you by the new switch it has a plastic pin in it locking it in the "lock' postion. Slide the switch onto the rod and put the stud only back in to hold it to the column and snug it up. Remove the pin and check the key movement to see that you get start , run lock, and accessory. (at this point you might want to reconnect the battery and check the positions again.) You can fine adjust by sliding the switch up or down the column. Anyway, when you have it where you want it tighten the stud. Disconnect the battery and - reinstall the hi-beam switch checking for position by engaging the turn signal stalk until it works and feels right. lock it down. Mount the shifter lock cable bracket and ground wire and lock it down. replace and tighten the bolts that hold the column to the dash. Replace the cowling and you should be on the road.
Connect the new switch to the harness. Note --when you by the new switch it has a plastic pin in it locking it in the "lock' postion. Slide the switch onto the rod and put the stud only back in to hold it to the column and snug it up. Remove the pin and check the key movement to see that you get start , run lock, and accessory. (at this point you might want to reconnect the battery and check the positions again.) You can fine adjust by sliding the switch up or down the column. Anyway, when you have it where you want it tighten the stud. Disconnect the battery and - reinstall the hi-beam switch checking for position by engaging the turn signal stalk until it works and feels right. lock it down. Mount the shifter lock cable bracket and ground wire and lock it down. replace and tighten the bolts that hold the column to the dash. Replace the cowling and you should be on the road.
