Club 80-90 Forums

So I've got my van in bits trying to change over my ignition switch, but can't seem to work out how to get the old plastic switch out?? I've got everything exposed but it doesn't seem to pull out?

if i remember correctly there is a screw only accesible when the entire unit is off the car which holds the plastic part (with the spade terminals on) in the barrel hope this helps

Cheers

James

yep barrel assembly comes off to do this

steering wheel off, stalks off, remove bolt disconnect plugs and slide it off

ideally You need to clamp the two parts of the safety coupling, a ball joint splitter tool is deal for this as described in Haynes P 9.14

Great thanks for the pictures

I got to the last step but gave up as I was running out of time, the MOT was booked

The metal housing holding the switch didn't seem to want to come off the swearing column though..

colouredFunk wrote:the swearing column .

Great name, i can just imagine the language

Sorry to jump in. I'm doing the same and have got to this stage...



But can't work out how to remove the plastic sleeve and then the metal housing. Any pointers?

Both 'sleeve' & ignition housing, should pull straight off. However, they will both be tight so a little finesse is needed.

There is no magic trick, just be careful with your application of the copper hammer or (sliding puller) if you have access to one.

The key needs to be inserted and steering lock dis-engaged, before the housing will move (first position I think)

Martin

Great thread and pics as got new switch waiting to go in, but fault hasn't happened again recently!

Worth noting one half of the stalks can ping apart loosing all the springs, it is possible to get it back as I have done it but I don't recommend it.

So when you take them off keep them together with screws in and preferably put a cable tie around them.

danmetallic wrote:Sorry to jump in. I'm doing the same and have got to this stage...

But can't work out how to remove the plastic sleeve and then the metal housing. Any pointers?

pull that black plastic spacer off first it may be stuck on

Thanks for the tips. The sleeve was the hardest bit to remove. Wrapped a cloth around it and eased off with some grips. Just reassembling as we speak.

Question: new switch installed, turn key and still get slow cranking (battery is fine).

Jump the two red cables in ignition plug (as seen below). And starter turns over fine.



Maybe starter hasn't got enough oomph to turn engine over?

One is red 12v one is red/black to solenoid
that says to me the new switch is faulty or the crimps have opened out and are not making good contact.

another possibility is that you have a poor conndction on the main red feed, when you have the switch fitted it also powers ignition which may be reducing voltage, to test make up a y shape link and also connect to black.

itchyfeet wrote:One is red 12v one is red/black to solenoid
that says to me the new switch is faulty or the crimps have opened out and are not making good contact.

another possibility is that you have a poor conndction on the main red feed, when you have the switch fitted it also powers ignition which may be reducing voltage, to test make up a y shape link and also connect to black.

Thank you. I will give that a go.

After starting once (with slow crank), turning ignition off, then trying again she fires up as normal. Does this help diagnose?

What engine?
could be the starter bush if petrol