I went out to start my car this morning and got nothing. A few test with the multimeter showed that the starter solenoid was fine it just was not getting a signal from the switch inside. Also when I turn the key backwords the radio does not work.

My question is how do I replace that switch? Do I have to remove the wheel?

Thanks for your time,
Matt

 

Flash,

The ignition switch is not located in the steering column. Only the lock cylinder and linkage are insode the column. The switch is locate on top of the outer jacket of the steering column, near the base of the column at the firewall. Look near the brake pedal pivot and you should be able to crane your neck backward and see the switch and wiring once you remove teh lower trim panel.

You may have a bad swirtch, ot you may have a linkage problem in the column. You'll have to observe the switch actuation from under the column to determine that.

 

You may also have a blown fusible link, and not a bad ignition switch at all. Check to see what else doesn't work. If anything at all that normally works off of battery (power accessories, headlights, brake lights, etc. etc.) fails to work, then it isn't the ignition switch.

 

The ignition circuit works fine. I'll go check the linkage now, but it is kind of wierd that it would do that overnight. Also I forgot to tell you that the radio only position stopped working about a month ago if that makes any differance.

Thanks for the help, it was VERY helpful. I would have been looking everywhere for the switch.

Matt

 

Not quite sure what I did, but I can't get it to STOP starting now. There is some kind of lock or spring behind the large electrical connector that goes around the rod or another cable. I pulled it a little and now it starts everytime. I just hope I don't get stranded anywhere.

I'm guessing that I took some of the slack out of the rod. I'm going to fix my steering column now and hope that keeps this from happening again.

Matt

 

Sounds like your switch is breaking up. I'd plan on a replacement very soon, before you have serious problems.

 

Yeah, I'm hoping it'll hold until this weekend. Thanks again!