Key Ignition Issues!

[jzak]

Hey Guys,

So i've been having this intermittent problem with the key ignition. It started two months ago, after she had been parked for 9 months. Most of the time when i turn the key, the engine starts right up, but every once in a while i have to turn the hell out of it, for the engine to kick in.

Just to clarify, when i'm having this problem the engine doesn't try to start at all. It just sits there dead. No sounds, no nothing! It only starts when i turn the key really hard. If it was a bad battery or starter, it would at least try to turn over. I'm thinking its a bad starter solenoid, but i replaced that two years ago.

Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[shum8]

Sounds like a bad ignition switch to me.....

 

[jzak]

Sounds like a bad ignition switch to me.....

Thanks for the feedback. I imagine that's not a easy thing to replace. Am i looking at dismantling the entire steering column?

 

[shum8]

Unfortunately you will need to remove the steering wheel, and tear down a ways. It's not that difficult, but a steering wheel puller will make your life better. And to further complicate matters, there are two types of ignition switches. Lemme see if I can find you a thread dealing with this....


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[shum8]

Ok - found it. This should get you headed in the right direction

http://street2mud.com/webfiles/Key Cyl in a Non Tilt Column.pdf

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[mriplaybass]

Probably is the ignition switch, but did you try jumping across the solenoid to see if the engine would crank? Simple to test, and lots easier to replace a bad solenoid than an ignition switch. Also make sure your positive wire to the solenoid has a good connection on both ends, and check your battery to block connection for a good clean ground.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Blow the switch area out with compressed air. That has helped me many times over the years living in the dust bowl, of the Mojave Desert.
Same goes for the turn signal indicator lever.
LG

 

[Torxhead]

Yeah, I have had to blow mine out also. I have replaced it eventually, it has got a lot of use.

 

[jzak]

Thanks guys for the input! Especially Shum8 for posting the install doc. I'm going to try to clean it out with some compressed air, and contact cleaner. I think switching out the ignition is going to be the last option for me, even though i know i'm going to have to do it eventually.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

IF you do R&R the ign switch. Don't forget to disconnect the POS(+)battery cable, from the battery.
LG

 

[b3uhbp]

There could be some confusion here. Are we talking about the ignition switch or the key lock cylinder? The ignition switch sits on top of the column behind the dash. The lock cylinder is inside the column. Either one can cause your problem. If the ignition switch has come loose, your symptom is exactly what would result. I'd recommend loosening the 2 screws that hold it and slide it forward and backwards, tighten and test. If it's off even a little it causes a problem. When correct the key will start the engine without having to turn the key so far and it will turn on the accessories in the reverse position. If that doesn't fix it you may need to replace the switch. The other possibilities are the lock cylinder or starter solenoid as others have mentioned but my bet is on the ignition switch,

 

[mtnwhlr]

There could be some confusion here. Are we talking about the ignition switch or the key lock cylinder? The ignition switch sits on top of the column behind the dash. The lock cylinder is inside the column. Either one can cause your problem. If the ignition switch has come loose, your symptom is exactly what would result. I'd recommend loosening the 2 screws that hold it and slide it forward and backwards, tighten and test. If it's off even a little it causes a problem. When correct the key will start the engine without having to turn the key so far and it will turn on the accessories in the reverse position. If that doesn't fix it you may need to replace the switch. The other possibilities are the lock cylinder or starter solenoid as others have mentioned but my bet is on the ignition switch,

When you say if you turn the key hard it will start makes me think you just need to adjust the switch.

 

[jzak]

UPDATE: Looks like a indirectly fixed the ignition problem. I've got a upper tilt steering column that been getting a little loose. Being a typical American, I just ducted taped it. Also just for the hell of it I sprayed some WD40 around the key ignition, and indicator stalk. I don't know if it was the duct tape, or the WD40, but its starting perfectly now.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

That WD-40 is a dust magnet and an electrical insulator. I would use a good dose of air hose around the key switch area and the turn signal area.
LG

 

[mtnwhlr]

UPDATE: I've got a upper tilt steering column that been getting a little loose. Being a typical American, I just ducted taped it.

No I'm a typical American and I took it apart and fixed it this is what a redneck would do.

 

[shum8]

^^^^


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[jzak]

Say whatever you wanna say about the job I did on my steering column, the fact is it works, and after a week of starting it multiple times every day, it still works. Considering, the only other option you guys were giving me was ripping apart everything, I think this was a decent patch job, for a bigger problem I'm going to have to deal with down the line.