Ignition switch?

[andymac0035]

Car didn't want to turn-over today.

Drove car, parked car, sat for maybe a half-hour.
Came back to car, starter didnt engage when key was turned to "start".
Dash lights ect. did all come on....so it's not a battery connection (new battery BTW).
Starter is new also. I have a 91' with the mini-starter. So even if my fender-mounted soleniod was going, I would think the one on the starter would still make it engage right?

I eventually tried turning the key all the way back to "accessory" and then forward again to the "start" position, and then the starter engaged.

After that, it's been fine.

My best guess is that it was either a fluke or my key-switch needs attention/replacement.

What do you guys think?

[87gtVIC]

Sounds funky...I had a similar problem, and it turned out to be my actuator between the key and the ignition switch. All the teeth were chewed off. But i had a lot of resistance while turning the key because of all the broken pieces. Sounds like your problem may just be a fluke.

[Archangel]

Toss the ignition switch out, put a toggle switch panel in, enjoy

[87gtVIC]

Hell no! Too easy to steal the vehicle.

[andymac0035]

Actually, I was thinking starter-button if the problem returns. My Dad did that to a 94' ranger after he got tired of laying a screwdriver across the soleniod to start it all the time. I always liked that because at oil chage time you could crank the engine over with the key off to circulate the oil a bit before starting it the 1st time.

Would that be easy on my 91'?
(I am NOT very experienced in wiring)

[86GmLsCoupe]

When my ignition switch went I'd lose all power, pretty much as if the key was out out of the ignition. It happened to me a couple of time on the highway and I'd have to jiggle the key just a tiny bit to get it going. Given the age of the car, and the fact that those switches are notorious it couldn't hurt to pop the column shroud off and have a look at the switch. The switch itself consists of two peices, metal and plastic. If it looks like it's sperating/comming apart, I'd replace it.

[SLIM]

the one on my stang came half way apart so every once in a while it wouldnt start... fixed that with a starter button!
and if you were gonna switch it just lock ur car if someone is gonna break in to steal it not like they just wouldnt rip apart the column and do that same thing anyway!

[andymac0035]

Hasn't happened again so I'll just hope it was a fluke........

[gadget73]

Don't bypass the switch with buttons. Replace it completely. They are known for coming apart, particularly on the pre-89 models and it can cause a fire. If you want to do switches and buttons, thats OK but make sure the original firestarter switch is completely gone.

[SLIM]

Don't bypass the switch with buttons. Replace it completely. They are known for coming apart, particularly on the pre-89 models and it can cause a fire. If you want to do switches and buttons, thats OK but make sure the original firestarter switch is completely gone.

i guess i wasnt clear mine is all gone

[andymac0035]

Well guess what happened to me today............(and after all this time too)

I'm trying to get to the parts store on my way to work.....(since it's the only place I can get a wix filter)....I get all my stuff.....get to the car (and I'm running later than I want to be)....NADA....nothing.....oh shit!!!!!

I have never shown up late for work so this is pissing me off really badly......
The ignition switch turns fine.....all the lights come on etc....
Fortunatly I carry a tool bag in the trunk! Used a screwdriver to bridge the solenoid posts....viola!

So does this mean my fender-mounted solenoid is the culprit??

Also, since I have a new mini-starter (also with a solenoid) did that one not work due to heat-soak?

And I know.....I know......I still need to check the key-switch.....but really it's not feeling sloppy or anything....

[gadget73]

did you jump the two big posts, or the big post to the small?

most likely the starter is just fine. I'm betting either the fender mount relay is dead, or the problem is upstream of that. Depending on what exactly you jumped I can guesstimate where to start looking.

[andymac0035]

did you jump the two big posts, or the big post to the small?

The two big posts. I didn't try the big to small posts.
The two times this has happened the engine was hot (as in recently shut off).

[gadget73]

try jumping to the small post. If nothing happens, replace the relay. If it starts, its either the switch, the neutral safety switch in the trans, or some wiring between all of that.

[andymac0035]

Car started normally tonight after I got off work.
I'll do the lage-to-small post test tomorrow.

.....will it matter testing it when it's not malfuctioning?