:help So I've been having very inconsistent starting problems. Sometimes it just flat refused to start. Most times I had to push in firmly on the key to get it to start. I ruled out the starter.

Today it refused, so I took the bottom cover off the steering column and reached up in the cramped little spot where the wires go into the back of the ignition switch. Holding the key turned I wiggled the wires and low and behold it tried to start.

So fairly certain it's the connector, I set about wiggling the wire connector off the back of the switch. When it came free, so did three little pieces of metal.

So now I have 3 little mysterious parts and no idea how to get them back in. Even if I had an idea of how they fit together I can't imagin them staying in position while I try to fit the connector back on in it's tight little, hard to reach home.

1) can anyone describe how these little things fit in the switch? Or better, point me to a diagram? They seem to make electrical contacts when rotated via the key.

2) I'd like to get the entire switch out for cleaning. Can anyone instruct me on removal of the switch from the steering column?

Help is greatly appreciated!

tia,
Nick

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you just broke your switch. You will be buying a new one tomorrow. Those little metal fingers are the contacts from inside the switch. When you pried the connector off, you actually pried the switch into 2 pieces. Only fix now is to pull it out, and replace it. Replacing it can be a pain, but it is not that hard. I did it several times in my E28, before finally wising up, and buying a brand new switch from the dealer.

You will see a tiny little set screw in the side of the metal housing that contains the switch. Use a jewelers screwdriver to remove it, and then the rest of the broken pieces should fall out. Very carefully slide the new switch up and in the housing, the same way the old one fell out. Make damn sure the hole on the new switch is solidly connected to the tumbler, and snug the screw up again. Reconnect the wiring, and give it a try.

Al

Thanks Al.
I had a feeling that it was toast.
So the little metal fingers are part of the switch and not part of the wiring plug? Also, when I remove the small set screw, the switch will slide out from the 'key' side? Have I got this right?

Thanks,
Nick

Yeah, you're on track there. Pull the little screw, extract the rest of the broken bits, and it will all make sense.

Al