Funky Ignition Switch

[VaGuS510]

I did a search for ignition switch and half a million things came up and many had nothing to do with my problem, I am lazy and hopefully you can make my life easier.

My ignition switch is doing some werid stuff and I need to replace it. Can i buy just the switch componant of it without needing to have a "new" switch rekeyed to my current keys?

If you are curious this is what's happening. The accessories randomly work or don't work. For instance, my windshield wipers might be working then they will stop, i can turn the key a tad to the start position and they will work for a little while then stop agian. All of the accessory problems respond to me turning the ignition a little, but they don't always respond to it. Anyways, thanks for the help.

[Unkle]

CAREFULLY remove the electrical round 'switch' off of the back

of your ignition assembly.

Maybe even disconnect the battery cable first to prevent shock/short.

Look at the way this switch works. That slot you see could be worn,

or the cam that drives the switch could be bent , or the 'switch' could

be shot . Replace it if you can find one . Remember to 'time' it correctly

with the cam driver , or it won't work . Let us know !

[EScanlon]

Geez Unkle, why not advise him to wear an Ebola proof Anti-Radiation Suit with a self-contained respirator and handle the switch with remote control waldoes?

While I agree with the precautions you are taking, it begins to sound as though you don't want to move too quickly for fear of it blowing up.

Tyler: Disconnect the car's electrical system from the battery by disconnecting the Fusible Link by the Starter. Once that's done the electrical system in the car is DEAD.

Now, remove the clamshell around the Steering Lock / Ignition Switch.

Disconnect the electrical connector (6 spade) at the back of the Ignition Switch. Then, if you can see them, remove the two Phillips Screws holding the Switch to the Steering Lock Housing. You can now replace that switch with a new(er) one.

The problem with the switch is that it was never crimped tight and over the course of the years, the contacts have gotten worn and now, to make matters worse, the crimp on the metal is starting to allow the Bakelite to rotate a bit. That rotation can be severe enough that it almost seems as though the switch has been turned one position over.

This electrical switch was used in various other Datsun/Nissan models so you shouldn't have too hard of a time finding a replacement.

FWIW

Enrique

[Mr Camouflage]

Maybe the switch has become loose? check the scews that hold it on the back of the keylock part. make sure its not loose.

Might just be old. If I turn mine hard right to start the car, it doesnt work. I have to turn the key untill the engine starts to crank, if i keep truning it the engine will stop cranking again.

[Unkle]

Since I don't know Tyler's abilities / age / competence etc. , any advice

dealing with possible hot parts is given as carefully as possible !

Enrique , you putz , you just repeated what I said using twice as many words ! I've come across several twisted cam drivers , putting the timing

out just enough to cause those symptoms he described . Oh, but I bow

to you using the word ' bakelite '. Wow .