I have saw lots of threads around this and also had this problem from time to time when putting the key in the ignition nothing would happen. I would put it out and put it back in and some times I would get the click but sometimes I would have to do this multiple times before getting the click. Fellow Rennlister had a spare one from replacing his from this exact symptom- @Khloesdad - and he was nice enough to ship it to me so I had nothing to lose. Our ignitions are actually all generic, the key transponder is what the immobilizer is looking for so you can just swap these in and out. So I tore it apart to see what’s causes this. Turns out dirt collects on board and blocks engagement of the copper piece that closes the circuit when the key is pushed forward. Simply wipe it clean. Apply new dielectric grease. Reassemble and it’s brand new.

here’s how I did it.

Pop the trim piece off


unlock the ignition by spinning off the retainer. Push the ignition in and there is a little retaining piece in side the dash for the wire. Pop that up with a screw driver. Push it all the way to the back.


Spin and remove the clutch switch. This will give you room to pop the ignition down.


pull the ignition down and unplug it.


using several small picks work around the edge while putting back pressure on it so the clips don’t re-engage and get the front plate off.


next remove the back plate.



be very careful with these 4 little tab, work one side first and then the other. You can pivot the board this way properly.


get the board free, clean the board contacts and remove/ clean the copper contact


dirty


clean and new grease applied. Only apply to this and not the board so it’s not sloppy.


You can use any dielectric grease.


Reassemble it and boom. You have a brand new ignition switch. It’s actually way easier if you put the key back in it to fish it back up in. I pushed it up from the bottom and then grabbed the key to pull it through from the top at the same time.

If you put the key in without it plugged in it will get stuck so don’t do that.

cheers! I do have an extra one now so if anyone breaks theirs I would be glad to return the favor that khloesdad did for me.

 

Nice work👍
I am happy to see more DIY activity as our cars age and get into the hands of enthusiasts. Keep them running!

 

Good job. I just bought the switch as I didn't know these were serviceable. And I agree with the above, it's great to see people tackling more and more projects themselves.

 

They are super expensive for how generic they are.

 

Excellent! Now I know who’s house to go to when this happens to my ignition switch! 😆

 

any time