Sticky Ignition

[fiasco]

Ya know how sometimes you have to jiggle your key in the ignition to get it to turn. Well, mine was like that when I bought it, and it has progressively gotten worse. Now I can spend several minutes sitting in the car, jiggling and jiggling before the key finally decides to turn. Once it gets started, it turns the rest of the way and starts up fine. The position of the steering wheel has no effect.

Is there any way to fix this, or do I need to just track down a new ignition assembly?

Thanks,
-- se

[racydave]

It could be that the key itself is worn, are you using your best key? I fixed my sons Toyota truck by taking the cyl out and cleaning it. They can accumulate alot of stuff in 30 years.

[fiasco]

It could be that the key itself is worn, are you using your best key? I fixed my sons Toyota truck by taking the cyl out and cleaning it. They can accumulate alot of stuff in 30 years.

Yeah - I though of that. I only have one key, so I can't compare and see which one is better. The one I have is clean and has good sharp edges, and the key itself hasn't changed much in the 6 weeks or so since I bought it, though the sticking has gotten much worse.

Any advice on how to get the cylinder out?

-- se

[ventura ace]

Did you try lubricating the innards of the switch? To do this, either lube the key and insert, or spray a lubricant directly into the switch slot.

Alvon

[So Cal Mark]

if you lube it, use a dry lubricant; graphite or silicon spray

[rlux4]

If after lubing the cylinder you find the problem is not solved, I would suggest that you get a replacement switch right away. I had the same problem of sticking switch with my car. As you say, it gets progressively worse. Mine got to the point where it would not turn at all. At that point it gets a lot harder to replace the switch, because you need to turn it to get it out. I had to drill mine out to remove it.
Ron

[fiasco]

I'll try the lube, but it doesn't really feel like something gunky or dirty. It feels more like something in the mechanism is out of line and stopping the key. I'll try the lubing it, but I'm going to go ahead and get a replacement while I can still drive.

Anyone got a non-sticky switch our of a parts car for cheap? I'll post in the parts wanted section too.

I'm also probably gonna need some guidance on how to the the mechanism itself off.

Thanks a bunch fellas!
-- se

[ventura ace]

Is $25 cheap enough? I have one with key from a '76. Contact me if interested.

Alvon Elrod
ventura_ace@juno.com

[mbouse]

hmmm.... one ignition key is, in my opinion, an invitation to a heartache party.

sounds like a switch replacement is in line.

Alvon, will that '76 work on a '78 ?? i am just beginning to experience the same issues that Steve is on the '78. I dunn wanna wait until it becomes a crisis. So if Steve is not grabbing yours, i am interested.

[ventura ace]

Sorry Mike, Steve has already spoken for it. No wait a minute -- let's see who bids highest. Do I hear $30, . . . $35 to the guy with the krinkle paint , $50 to the guy with the new timing belt . . . .

Serious, now. I think your 81 might need a different switch, according to the IAP catalog anyway. I don't know the difference between the switches.

Alvon

[mbouse]

yeah, i think i need a different switch as well. According to the Vick catalogue, the '76 and the '77 are two different switches. I need the later switch.

I hope Steve gets his issues resolved quickly.

[kristoj]

I'm also probably gonna need some guidance on how to the the mechanism itself off.

Thanks a bunch fellas!
-- se

Steve,

IAP has a nice video tutorial on how to install a new switch. Click on this link: http://www.international-auto.com/video ... Switch.flv

[fiasco]

Thanks for the video link, John.

Alvon and Mike, switch differences notwithstanding, I think the can of black krinkle paint that sits on my workbench as we speak solidifies my claim on the $25 ignition switch. Seems like krinkle paint is the hidden immunity idol on this forum!

In case you're wondering, I used it to repaint the rearview mirror.

-- se

[So Cal Mark]

the only differences in switches is the harness; attached on the later switches.