Ignition Switches

[guy mayers]

Ok you guys - can you please have a look through your collections of bits and see if any of you have a Fiat 124 ignition lock and key please? They are the ones that the key goes into parallel to the column shaft. After an hour in the garage tonight I've come to the conclusion that mine is knackered.
I have a Lancia Beta one complete with an original Lancia key spare that I'm happy to swap.
Cheers
Guy

[CorseChris]

Hi Guy,

What is the problem with the switch? Reason I ask is that I had a problem with the Beta switch on my Corse. It would often fail to turn the starter (just got an embarrassing 'click'). Turns out this is a common problem with Betas and might be the same issue you have?? Seems that the start contacts aren't up to the job and can't provide a low enough resistance to get the necessary current to the solenoid. Stock cure is to add a relay to drive the solenoid coil. Worked a treat for me.

[David May]

Not only Betas. The long wire to the back of the car forced me to add a relay onto my ARV6 too. Those solenoids need all the volts they can get, especially when hot

[guy mayers]

Well I think it's buggered! I can't find any combination of terminals on the back of the switch that closes a contact to supply power through the switch other than one for the starter circuit. And I have no intention of leaving circuits normally controlled bythe ignition switch permanantly on! So, if anyone has an unwanted spare please let me know!
Cheers
Guy

[CorseChris]

Fair enough.

[CorseChris]

I have a Beta switch if that's any use... (but I doubt it is).

[guy mayers]

Thanks Chris - no use to me! Fiat 124 style needed...

[chris.richard]

And I have no intention of leaving circuits normally controlled bythe ignition switch permanantly on!

Surely you'll have a battery isolator switch on a GpIV?

[guy mayers]

Of course Chris but that's not the point..... If it's knackered now I don't want to use it at all incase it becomes a real liability! What if the permanent connection finally burns out and I get an extra isolator switch that I can never switch on? Sods law states it will be somewhere as far away from home and expensive as possible!
So, I'll keep looking! (thanks for bringing this back to the top but by now I guess nobody here has one - I have a lead from the Fiat Spider website but that's a fall back one at the moment!)

Louvres and lamp pod went back on tonight. Pub tomorrow night and pattern making for carpets and brake bleeding/handbrake fixing planned for the weekend!
Guy

[chris.richard]

Can't you just bypass the key-switch? Leave it as a steering lock if you need to, but don't have any electrical switching function?
I've thrown away my steering lock. The isolator switch switches off all the permanent live feeds, and I've got a separate aircraft switch for the ignition circuit.

[CorseChris]

Not an issue for Guy, but you'd need to cast an eye over the SVA regulations regarding in this area if you plan on something 'different'.

[Chris J]

Chris S.

It's not an issue for Chris R. either

[CorseChris]

Lucky man!!

[Chris J]

I know. 'Wish I was in the same position.

There are some 124 ignition switches with columns on ebay, but Guy will know that? Maybe too much money/carriage etc?

My car's got no keys at all. I don't think security or steering lock devices were an issue. I've got hold of some keys/locks for it now.

[CorseChris]

I'd have to double-check, but IIRC, a standard isolator switch would suffice as the 'immobiliser device'. One thing that would fail would be to have a steering lock that could be engaged with the engine still running.

...but none of this is helping Guy. Sorry :(

[Stratos]

Guy,

Have you tried DTR on 0208 878 6078?

Website is www.dtrsports.com

They specialise in Fiat 124.

[mogul_x]

Guy,

A friend of mine here in the 'States has a warehouse full of Fiat parts, and a couple of dozen 124's. Unfortunately, I don't think he'll be around much until August or so... I'll leave him a message on your behalf, but it could be a while before he can check his stock.

Just so I know - is your column from a coupe, or a spyder? I have no idea if they use the same ignition switch.

[guy mayers]

Thanks for looking everyone. I think I've sourced one through the Fiat Spider side of my life! But I really did think one was more likely to turn up here first!
Cheers
Guy

[guy mayers]

Problem sorted now courtesy of the Fiat Spider crowd! I also have a link on how to repair the switches if anyone elses' is faulty!
Thanks to those who tried to find one for me!
Guy

[CorseChris]

Well done Guy.

Interested to see the link....

[guy mayers]

No sooner said than done!

http://antigua.globat.com/~kendickson.com//car/switch/index.html

Guy