Ignition Switch

[mrH20]

Good evening. Just back from golfing in Biloxi, Miss. with the boys and the snow in southern Ontario is just about gone- finally. I've spent to better part of the winter working diligently on my 1981 Spider and she's just about ready to roll. I have a quick question I'm hoping someone can help me with. When I turn the key in the ignition sometimes the dash lights up (the brake, gas ex. sensor, seatbelt) and sometimes it doesn't. If I attempt to crank the motor over without the dash lights on, the car won't start. If the lights are on, the car will start everytime. Would this be a fault in the switch? Should I replace it? The last thing I want is for my Wife to get stranded. If I turn the key on and off, the lights will eventually come on the car will start right up.
I thank you for any help you might have.
Also, is there any Fiat clubs in Southern ontario, I live in Port Colborne.
Cheers,
Geo.

[So Cal Mark]

you really need to test the switch circuits with a volt meter, or at least a test light. When you say the car won't start, is the starter turning the engine? or do you have a no-crank situation? Have you checked the harness connector about 6" from the ign switch? It's common for that connector to burn or melt due to high resistance

[mrH20]

Hi Mark,
Yes the car will turn over (starter is working) when the dash lights are off, it just doesn't fire. If you kind of giggle the key on and off the lights will eventually come on and the car fires up.
Geo.

[Gunsmith]

I had the same problem with my 82. I replaced both the ignition switch and the harness plug before it completely went away. That being said I am less than impressed with the two aftermarket ignitions I went through before getting a reliable one so if you can find a good original one I would get that over a "new" one.

[mbouse]

not having a clue why someone would purposefully make a modification to the wiring such as that, i gotta suspect that the big white connector just aft of the ignition switch is fried, or not fully connected together.

after you get the car started, reach down and jiggle the ignition switch harness. any lights flickering, or engine stuttering?

[mrH20]

Hi Mike,
I'll try thst tomorrow. Perhaps it is just a loose wire, hope so.
Thanks
Geo.