Ignition Switch Woes
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Ignition Switch Woes
I'm still having trouble with my 1983 Bronco.
I thought the problem was with the ignition switch, but it's not.
When the vehicle's ignition switch is turned to the ON position,
the power isn't yet on, as it should be.
Turn the switch further to start and the power comes on and it of course starts.
Now if the switch remains just beyond the on position, towards
start, the power stays on. With the slightest touch, the power and engine shut off though.
I've tried messing around with the gears but have had no luck at all.
Either the switch won't release the key or the the switch will
turn on the power, but not start.
I've used two seperate ignition switches with the same results, so I highly doubt that it is a bad switch.
Now if the vehicle is being driven calmly and slowly with broad, slow turns, no problem. But sit in idle and turn wheel for any distance and it forces the key back into the ON position.
I'm thinking of making a dash mounted ignition switch but would need some help.
Any ideas?
I thought the problem was with the ignition switch, but it's not.
When the vehicle's ignition switch is turned to the ON position,
the power isn't yet on, as it should be.
Turn the switch further to start and the power comes on and it of course starts.
Now if the switch remains just beyond the on position, towards
start, the power stays on. With the slightest touch, the power and engine shut off though.
I've tried messing around with the gears but have had no luck at all.
Either the switch won't release the key or the the switch will
turn on the power, but not start.
I've used two seperate ignition switches with the same results, so I highly doubt that it is a bad switch.
Now if the vehicle is being driven calmly and slowly with broad, slow turns, no problem. But sit in idle and turn wheel for any distance and it forces the key back into the ON position.
I'm thinking of making a dash mounted ignition switch but would need some help.
Any ideas?
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 473
Likes: 1
From: Richmond, CA
Ignition Switch Woes
You might want to take the key cylinder out and re-adjust the little gear that the cylinder slides into. When the key is turned, this little gear engages the ignition rod that turns on all the accesories and starts engine. If that little gear is not aligned right inside the column, it will create similar problems that you describe. I have had to replace both the key cylinder and that little gear on my rig.
Hope this helps
Hope this helps
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Ignition Switch Woes
I tried adjust that gear endlessly! What a PIA this has been. Right now it is adjust properly. In any other position, the key will not release from the cylinder or the cylinder will fail to engage the starter.
I think it's the ignition switch. The mounting bracket is adjustable, but it's adjusted as far as it will go!
I think it's the ignition switch. The mounting bracket is adjustable, but it's adjusted as far as it will go!
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Ignition Switch Woes
More background information.
This is kinda weird b/c the problem started about a year ago and then went away. I actually thought it was the carb b/c it only happened when you'd place the vehicle in gear.
I think it may actually be linked to something inside the tilt column b/c when I hold the key cylinder in place and turn the wheel to the right I can feel the cylinder trying to move back towards the off position.
And if the tilt is placed in the wrong position then the starter won't engage.
That's another reason I was thinking of going with a dash mounted ignition switch
This is kinda weird b/c the problem started about a year ago and then went away. I actually thought it was the carb b/c it only happened when you'd place the vehicle in gear.
I think it may actually be linked to something inside the tilt column b/c when I hold the key cylinder in place and turn the wheel to the right I can feel the cylinder trying to move back towards the off position.
And if the tilt is placed in the wrong position then the starter won't engage.
That's another reason I was thinking of going with a dash mounted ignition switch
