Ignition switch is a goner..........need your help please!

[Guest Kitskaboodle]

The ignition switch on my 90 coupe is going out. You know when you start the car and the switch is supposed to spring back to the on position? Well, it doesnt anymore! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Anyways, I was looking at an AC-Delco switch at Rockauto.com and they have one for $36.79. The AC-Delco p/n is D1456C / 26033390. Is this the correct one? Why does it also list another "ignition switch" that looks like a wiring harness with a square black plastic terminal block on it??

Last question...how hard is it to replace the ignition switch? Must I pull the steering column out?

Thanks, Kit / 90 Reatta Coupe / 86 Fiero GT

[D-a-n-i-e-l]

you will need a steering wheel puller, a plate compressor (not sure what it is really called ask the parts person),torx drivers. No you do not have to pull the steering column. what you are replacing is the key cylynder, not switch. the second part with the wires is thswitch (does not affect the working of the key cylinder)

In all it is not too hard to replace the cylinder.

[harry yarnell]

The part you put the key in isn't the ignition switch. It's just a lock tumbler. A rack and pinion (well, the rack part) goes down the inside of the steering column and activates the real switch at the base of the column.

All you may need is to lube the tumbler. It may be as simple as squirting some lube in the keyhole, or mabe removing the tumbler, and lubing it on the bench. To do that, you must remove the steering wheel and (here's the fun part), the lock plate.

[Vincent Vega]

You can buy an aftermarket ignition tumbler and key for about 5-10. It is a very easy job with the proper tools.

Steering wheel puller and lock plate tool.

Many will disagree about the need for a steering wheel puller. They are cheap and make the job very easy. The lock plate tool is a must.

OH, Don't forget this: The horn button wire attached to the steering wheel. Push it in and give it a quarter CCW turn. The plastic is old and brittle. It will break easily.

[Guest Ranger]

And, if you pull the steering wheel on your '90- DON'T FORGET THE AIRBAG!

[Machiner 55]

After you've replaced the lock cylinder (the thing that you stick the key into) you'll probably still have the problem of the key not returning to the ON position once you've started the car. If that is the case then you will have to replace the RACK-SWITCH ACTUATOR. An example can be seen in the attachment included with this post. I've had to replace two of them in the last three years. On two different Reattas.

[Machiner 55]

To replace this part you will have to remove the steering column. It is part #19 in the attached exploded diagram. The lock cylinder is part #16, and the ignition switch is part #50. Replacing the lock cylinder isn't too difficult a task. On the other hand disassembling the steering column is an entirely different matter. Should you have to do this (and you will if the actuator is broken) and decide to do it yourself... I offer this advice... Be patient, take your time, follow the directions in the FSM and pay close attention as to how things are oriented during disassembly. Don't force anything. A clean, well lighted work area is a must. Take pictures. Set aside a good portion of a day, perhaps all day. Eliminate as many interuptions as possible before starting. Gather all tools in advance. Don't get it all apart, set it aside and think that you'll be able to get it back together in a couple of days. Once apart, start putting it back together while how it all came apart is still fresh in your mind. Save the consumption of mind / mood altering agents for later, like when celebrating your successful re-assembly or for drowning your misery when you find that you have a box of parts that don't fit together the way the did before you took the thing apart.

Oh yah... Good Luck.

P.S.

Contact me via P.M. if you feel the need.

P.P.S.

The figure in the attachment is for the 88-89 model years. Not sure if the 90's are the same aside from the air baggy thingy.

John F.