Ignition Switch Replacement

[hal9e3]

Mine looks to be going out - it's intermittent when starting the car. I figure I'll hit it with contact spray first but if that doesn't help has anyone replaced theirs and if so how hard of a job is it?

[hal9e3]

Well, answered my own question - not that hard at all. Remove the lower steering column cover and there it is on the L. 2 screws, one connector plus a piggyback connector, done! However, that didn't solve my problem. In fact here's how NOT to fix a hard starting problem:

 

How NOT to fix a hard starting problem:

 

1) First, develop a hard starting problem.

2) Next, decide it's the clutch safety switch, buy one at the dealership, and replace it yourself.

3) Then, after that doesn't fix the problem, buy a clutch safety bypass connector thru a forum, discover that the switch you replaced in 2) WASN'T the clutch safety switch, and install the connector to replace said switch.

4) Then, after 3) DOESN'T fix the problem, decide that it's the ignition switch, buy one online, and replace it yourself.

5) Then, after 4) DOESN'T fix the problem EITHER, decide that the repair is, in the words of our CIC, above your pay grade and plan to take it in.

 

Silver lining is a dealer or shop would have probably gone thru roughly the same sequence and charged me an arm and a leg for all of it whether it fixed the problem or not. Now I can go in and say "it's not this, this, or that" and possibly save some time and money.

[itzed]

I think mine is starting to go. I don't have problems starting the car, if the key turns, but the problem is sometimes I stick the key in and the ignition switch just won't turn. I've tried to jiggle it, turn the steering wheel, and nothing seems to work except just putting it back in a couple times and trying again. It hasn't left me stranded yet, but it's definitely getting worse. Ignition switch?