ignition switch queston?

[SVOJEFF]

I have a question and need some help? My key in my car is acting funny! when I start it I have a hard time unless I hold the key in the start position a few seconds for it to stay runing! But here is the funny thing the turn singals nor the blower for heater work? But radio and door chim work! Please help me out on this one? I did recently replace the lock cylinder with an auto part store one if that means anything? Thanks Jeff Dunevant

[GAboySVO]

Jeff,

According to my Haynes manual there is a 20 amp fuse for the Horn and turnsignal switch in position 16 of the fuse box.

If the fuse is ok and your headlights don't work, then check your fusable links coming from the starter relay.

[High Roller]

The ignition switch which is located on the side of the steering column on SVO's are known to go bad. They can cause all kinds of problems and have even been known to start fires. They are cheap and easy to replace. I would try that.

[Eyelawdoc]

My vote is for the ignition switch. The parts of the switch on the side of the steering collumn are held together by crimped over metal tabs. These break off or get loose with age and the 2 halves of the switch come apart causing electrical failures and fires. Replacements are readily available for $11-15.

[SVOJEFF]

switch

I see the part on the side of the colum, but how does the key switch tie in to the swich on the side? I just put a new key switch in and that is the part that feels loose! But would it be best to replace it all? Want it fixed and not to fool with later and take up my time! thanks Jeff

[Eyelawdoc]

The ignition lock is tied into the switch via a linkage rod that extends from the lock to the switch.

[venomizd93]

You have to drill out the snap off bolts that came with the original switch. I posted on proper thread size about 3 months ago. If you buy the Ford replacement it comes with new snap off bolts, security measure. If you buy the switch from autozone it's like $9 and it doesn't come with new bolts. home depot sells them for like $1.50 for a bag. Like i said check for my post on the proper thread size.

[SVOJEFF]

switch ?

So which one be better to use the Ford or the aftermarkrt one? I just have to get it fixed to drive it. Would the key cylinder have anything to do with this issue either? I just replaced it with the new key and should I do it again? thanks

[Pat_in_L.A.]

The key lock assembly has no detents. The position "feel" that you get is from the switch assembly, and replacing that should take care of things. If you need to have the car running right away, any switch will do.

[venomizd93]

From the standpoint of OEM and the bolts included maybe ford is the better but I used the autozone and it works great.

[ByteMe]

switch

i had a problem like that, my car would only run in the start postion when i let off of the key to the run postion it would die, other things wouldnt work either like the door locks and windows and so on. i replaced it with 1 from NAPA (since i work there) it came with security torx bolts, they have a pin on the inside of the torx, use a special bit to use. when i went to take my old one off i just used a small chisel at a angle to the side of the bolt and tapped it with a small hammer and backed the old ones out, when i went to pull the plug apart the whole switch fell apart in my hands, problem solved.........kevin

[SVOJEFF]

Well done!

I will get on that tomorrow! I got alot of the honey dues christmas tree and the rest of that stuff. Like Dr. Phil would say if Momma aint happy nobody is! Yeh I stay at home and that is one show that I watch! Can learn alot from others to help yourself. Thanks a million guys! Jeff dunevant:p

[SVOeric]

stop it Jeff -- you are scaring me!

[venomizd93]

next thing we'll be talking about diets for our cars....

[SVOJEFF]

Switch

Hey guys the switch is installed and indeed that was the problem! Now i have a blower motor and turn singals that blink. I finished just in time to watch the famous Jerry Springer show that is second to the Dr. Phil show! Thanks guys and now I have experinced a changing day in my life! jeff Dunevant

P.S. I only do this to get your attenion!