Ignition Switch Not Turning
 

So I replaced a worn Ignition Switch, but now I can not get the ignition to turn. I put the key in, but it will not turn. I have everything hooked up correctly, I am sure. What am I missing?

Okay, I see there is a wrap of wires that go from the Ignition Switch. Where does this go?

Key does not match the barrel?

Well, good time, cause I just received my 82' owners manual in the mail and I was looking through it and noticed page 22; Ignition/Starter with Steering Lock

Do you guys maybe think this is why I cannot get it to turn? Is it in steering lock? I do have the steering wheel removed (even though I tried with it on)

It states there are 4 positions (3) but I cannot get past 0. It states all the electric circuits wired through the ignition switch are turned off when the steering is locked. The ignition key can only be withdrawn to "0" position.

This is what is happening to me, I believe.

However, it does not state how to unlock the steering. How do I go about doing this?

the steering always locks when the key is removed from the ignition. There is a spring loaded pin that engages into the steering shaft which locks the steering. there are a limited number of holesin the steering shaft so the steering will only lock in thse spacific positions. When you turn the ignition off and remove the key the springloaded pin will be in cnotact with the shaft and and if the steering shaft is aligned correctly it will engage the hole and lock. if it is not aligned with one of the holes the steering is not locked but if anyone tries to steer the car with out turning on the ignition at the steering turns and the hole ligns up with the pin the spring engaesit an lock the steering. If the steering is locked and there is any force on the pin it will be hard to get it to retrack and therefore hard to turn the key. the easiest thing to do to demady this if it is your problem is to reinstal the wheel and rock it back and forth while trying to turn the key. when you turn the wheel to ease the pressure on the pin the key should turn with little effort.

Did you try turning the key in the cycliinder before you installed it to make sure the key matched the ignition tumblers?

I just replaced the Ignition Switch itself.

This guy here,

http://www.fcpgroton.com/images/prod...6461301200.JPG

Maybe you installed the switch 180 degrees off - just a thought, tough to do but can be done -

I will check again, but everything seemed perfectly aligned. All the pins connected to the coordinating slots etc.

Remove the electical part of the switch and see if you can turn the key - sounds like teh steering lock is engaged!

I agree on steering lock. Put the steering wheel back on, you don't even have to bolt is on. Then jiggle the steering wheel back a forth an inch or so, and see if you can turn the ignition key.
Good luck.

this is my first thought. My second thought is a worn key. Why did you replace the switch? Becasue the starter would not engage or because the car woudl just shut down on its own?


If you replaced it becasue the starter would not engage, this is a sign of a worn key not a bad switch. I have run into this twice now. Thus if the key is worn it may no longer match the tumblers

Well, I wobbled the steering wheel around a a bit, and I was able to get the ignition to turn. I inserted the key, turned it once, and the electrics kicked on. Went back to 0 then up to 4 to attempt a start, but she did not fire up. I heard a real faint click down near the fuse relay board when I tried to fire her up.

Do you feel the return spring in the switch resisting you when you go all the way to the right?.
Try this - make sure you are in Park! or neutral on a 5 speed!
Remove the switch , put a X head screwdriver into the center of the switch, and turn to the right, just like you are turning the key, will it start now ? This bypasses the whole lock , column, etc mix!

No, it will not start. It only seems to turn once- and the electrics come on.