Ignition switch about to give up

[mudhut]

As the title says.

Was about to leave in the car this morning and the fuel pump (and all the rest of it didn't come on with the key. They then came on when I moved the key to the starter position - so it's the switch for sure.

Going to attempt a repair on the lines of the article on Mirafiore.com (http://antigua.globat.com/~kendickson.com//car/switch/index.html) but just in case of the worst and if I need to source another, can somebody confirm for the fiat columns:

Key parallel to column = 124 only (spider, coupe, saloon or any?)
Key angled to column = X1/9 only (any model?)

Will the switch from say an X1/9 fit the 124 lock? Will other Fiat switches (131/132 maybe) fit?

[guy mayers]

hi Peter, the lock internals aren't interchangeable.
The 124 is the most common source of the "parallel" switch but I think it was also used on the 850.
If you've got an X1/9 switch then I am pretty sure that any late 70's onwards Fiat will have the same arrangement - 127/128/131/132 and X1/9 plus I know that the Lancia Beta ignition lock will fit the X1/9 column having had that arrangement on my car.
If you get stuck for either type drop me a line, I think I've got spare examples of each around although you may have to get a second key cut for them.
Cheers
Guy

[mudhut]

Thanks Guy.

All the symptoms are that the switch is playing up and when I can work out how to remove it from the column, I'll get a better idea.

At the moment, it doesn't seem to want to move at all. The Mirafiore web site seems to suggest that it will just slide out once the spring loaded bit is pushe in and two seet screws have been located. Can only find one set screw so far - the other may be between the switch body and the steering column - need to have a good look.

[Chris J]

Peter,

There's a slot in the side of the ignition switch housing on steering column.
You need to push something like a thin punch or similar through it to depress a spring loaded button on the outside of the ignition switch. This'll free it from its housing. If I remember right, you need to have the key in the switch too.

I had to do a similar job on the one I've got now. I never touched that one in the dark blue car though!

[Chris J]

This is how I found that out:

http://www.stratossupersite.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4995&highlight=ignition+switch

Peter,

The whole switch and internal components rely on some very small hollow rivets that fasten the assemby together and give just enough clearance for everything inside to work as it should. To take the switch apart you must drill these small hollow rivets out and there's nothing small and neat enough that you can easily replace them with. Space inside near the heads of these fasteners is fairly critical.

[mudhut]

Right - the switch will come out although it's tight - the column had been painted and this has made things a little less free.

There are two set screws at 4 and 8 o'clock and the spring plunger that as you say Chris, you have to fully depress but the key has to be in and turned through about 90 degrees. It's OK if you had had a go at the switch Chris :) Nobody expects things to last forever!

I'm expecting to replace the rivets with a small screw, about M2 as per the Mirafiore instructions - might be able to find a suitable BA size around 8BA if I can find one long enough.

I'll leave it now until tomorrow when the light will be better.

[chris.richard]

might be able to find a suitable BA size around 8BA if I can find one long enough.


Or try some 8BA threaded rod and solder a nut on it to make a bolt (well, set screw technically) of any length you want. I think Namrick supply.....;)

[mudhut]

Yes - would do the trick but I've made a bit of a find:

M2 stainless set screws in a variety of styles
M1.6 stainless set screws which I think i would prefer as there is less obstruction to the circlip that holds the switch in the lock.

Will get these tomorrow - the place is local to me (A2A4 (http://www.a2a4.co.uk/) in Southampton) and I have known the chap there as a customer for nearly 30 years!

[Chris J]

It's OK if you had had a go at the switch Chris :)

Not guilty!

On the orange car, the one fitted was cosmetically challenged. I bought another which looked pristine, but was faulty. I made one good one out of the two.

[mudhut]

I didn't mean you had Chris!

Got the old one out now - the column had been painted with the switch in place so it was paint-bound.

The wiring spade connectors were not very tight on the switch - the switch may not be guilty but will test it properly now it's off the car. Meanwhile I have some really nice M2 x 25 stainless countersunk screws and some M2 x 20 socket caps - just don't have a hex key small enough for them!

[Chris J]

I didn't mean you had Chris!


Ah, right?

Don't you find Peter, that when you look inside a switch, there seems to be a great potential for them not to work? I mean, the difference between working and not working is very very small?