???

my ignition switch is on the way out on my RS (yes it has an airbag)

how do i go about replacing it?

 

The switch is on top of the steering column, near the base.
You should disconnect the battery for safety while working
near any SIR circuits or connectors (which happen to surround the
ignition switch).

This might give you an idea:

 

#80 on the diagram is the ign. sw.
It's bolted on behind the #83 (dimmer sw).

 

#80 on the diagram is the ign. sw.

 

Ignition cylinder and keys right... not the electrical portion ( Ignition switch ) Before starting You probley have vat's.. Get the right ignition switch and keys that carry the right resistance values


Procedure for air bag removal :

* Disconnect battery
* Remove SIR fuse in fuse block
* Directly under the steering column is a bright yellow wire..
Disconnect it. Now you can carefully and safly remove the airbag fro the steering wheel.

After wheel is removed and you remove the coil assy.. #3 ... becareful not to turn the steering or the inside of the coil assy.

Tilt wheel ? First time in, It should be fun.. Good luck

 

i beleive its the ignition switch itself

when i try to start the car, only the starter will turn, bendix/ solenoid will not kick out

then i can turn the key in a certain way and the car will start

i guess i might as well buy the steering wheel i want for the car then when i do this

thanx guys

 

Best thing to do is to disable the SIR system ( air bag ) and remove the front covers right below the column so you can drop down the column. Need to gain access to the switch adjustment....

Adjust the switch to see what the out come is. Replacing the electrical portion of the ignition switch doesn't require steering wheel removal. If it's just the adjustment than chances are something is either wearing out in the mechinisum that operates the switch in the column such as the rack if you have tilt wheel or is or has the tilt been loose ? #44 in Vaders picture is the rack assy....


or

You can replace the switch anyway why your there. Then when its out you can test the movement of the linkage too..

 

You shouldn't have to remove the steering wheel just to replace the ignition switch. You will likely have to remove the cradle nuts and lower the column slightly to gain access to the screws that hold the switch in place, but the column itself can remain intact.

If your problem is that the starter motor turns without he starter gear engaging (Bendix), the switch is not the solution. The switch only sends voltage to the solenoid on one wire. The solenoid must both engage the starter drive gear and close the high-current contancts for the starter motor.

 

There's no way the ignition switch can cause the starter motor to turn but the Bendix not to move out. That has to be the starter (including possibly the solenoid), it's the only thing that can cause it. It's not like there's 2 contacts on the ignition switch, one to spin the motor and one to kick the Bendix out; there's only one, and it energizes the solenoid, which shoves out the Bendix, and then when the solenoid plunger is completely bottomed out in the solenoid, it hits a contact that then sends power to the strter motor. If the motor is getting its power before the Bendix has fully moved out, then either the Bendix linkage or the solenoid is FUBAR.

In other words, don't waste your time and money on the switch, it isn't the problem.