Ignition Switch Problems

[dprio34]

I was trying to match up my door keys with my ignition key today, but after removing the ignition cylinder and then the ignition switch, I discovered the ignition wires (yellow and red/blue) both had been spliced badly by the PO. Both Yellow and Red/blue came loose. Got both soldered and re-installed the switch and key cylinder on the dash panel. Now the Bronco will not start. It seems there is no "pause/stop/detent" when you turn the key to START and ON from OFF. In both OFF and ACC you can feel the detent. Additionally, it seems very hard to turn the key clockwise. Does anyone know if I stripped out the tumbler or the entire switch?? Any help/suggestions, most appreciated. Thanks. Don

 

[Brent13]

I assume you did the paperclip trick to get it apart? That whole assembly can be a real pain in the ass. I have had mine out no less than a half dozen times, and it kicks my ass every time. From my experience is goes back together or it doesn't. No middle ground, if it is together as an assembly, I'd think it would work. Someone else will be able to see the error in your way, I am sure.

 

[dprio34]

Brent, thanks for the response. It went back together fine, but not getting any response. The switch sort of lost its "spring-back" function in the START to ON positions. Just ordered a new tumbler and switch from WH. It has to be one or the other. While under the dash, does anyone know if relocating the coil off of the intake manifold, would it be recommended to do a homerun from the ignition swich to the coil or splice into the old coil wire at the intake manifold?

 

[DirtDonk]

If it's not springing back it sounds like you replaced the switch and/or the chrome bezel. Is this the case? If so, ya' gots some work ahead of you...

When you do push it to START though, is the starter cranking?

Paul

 

[dprio34]

Paul, No it is not cranking at all. I took it all out, switch, bezel, tumbler. I mistakening assumed the ignition swich could be easiy relocated to the bottom left location on the dash panel where the Emergency Flashers are in order to avoid unneccesary scratches on the dash, but that was a poorly thought out idea. What does the issue sound like to you since I lost the "spring back" function? Did I screw up the swich when I removed it? or something else?

 

[DirtDonk]

Maybe... But that's pretty hard to do without truly trying to mess it ups internally. Perhaps you tightened the nut on the back stud down too tight and twisted something up inside? Hard to say.
Since you messed with wires too though, the "not starting" part could also be the wires still.

But with no spring-back, that's the switch itself.
With it out of the dash and just hanging, leave the chrome piece off and reinstall the cylinder to see if it restores the springiness. Worth a quick shot.

It's often an issue that the slot in the switch gets twisted out of line slightly and you can't get the cylinder back in correctly. So the fact that you're even getting it back in to try means that you're still lined up.
Heck, you can even leave the cylinder out and turn the inner plastic dealy bob with a screwdriver to see if it's something to do with the switch. You can go through all four positions and clearly see if something is up.

Paul

 

[dprio34]

Thanks, Paul. New parts should be here on Monday and I will try with fresh everything. Thanks for the input! Don