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Topic: ignition key (Read 1260 times) previous topic - next topic

ignition key

hi guys

my ignition key didnt work the accesories and now it wont stay started. i wrapped a bungie cord on the lock cylinder so i could keep the car running.
i got a new key lock assembly ... should that do the trick or is it the ignition switch its self?
thanks
eddie
eddie

my rides well some of them work:hick:

1995 towncar in black 246 K non running
1989 continental 110K waiting for a part
1984 cougar head gaskets done almost ready!
Yikes the daily ride ...1998 chevy lumina:hick:

ignition key

Reply #1 –
More than likely its the ignition switch I would say.
87 TC
HO Swap, T5 Swap, Mach Springs, CHE Upper and Lower control arms, Mach Chin spoiler, soon to be Procharged.

:evilgrin: Nitrous is like a hot chick with an STD you want to hit it but are scared of the consequences. :evilgrin:

ignition key

Reply #2 –
The ignition switch is cheaper then the lock. When the switch goes bad it could burn your car to the ground. You need to swap it out.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

ignition key

Reply #3 –
Yep,swap the switch asap.It only takes a few minutes,and ignition switches are cheap.It'll need the torx bit with the hole in the middle.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

ignition key

Reply #4 –
It's is not likely to be the lock cylinder itself. The lock cylinder just moves a rod that engages the slide in the ignition switch to move the contacts. The ignition switch is definitely worn out and no longer making contact in the right places. Bad contacts can definitely cause a poor connection if they are not touching each other firmly when they should and it will cause resistance which will overheat and possibly cause a fire.

I replaced mine recently as a precaution when I was having trouble with my old Ford starter drawing so much current that it was seizing the solenoid closed causing the starter to keep starting after I released the key. After all these years with the original switch still intact I figured I would take the advice around here and just do it. Inexpensive and easy to install. Also this is the kind of part you always want to buy new and not used.

ignition key

Reply #5 –
If you don't change it out soon, at least unhook your positive battery cable so nothing gets toasty.
'98 Explorer 5.0
'20 Malibu (I know, Chevy, but, 35MPG. Let's go brandon, eh)

ignition key

Reply #6 –
There are no electrical connections in the lock, change the switch and the others are correct, you could have a fire if you don't...

ignition key

Reply #7 –
thanks guys for the info.. i got the switch today .i think i better put it in to nite then.
shop manual says something about drilling out the bolts. so i can just use a torx then?
eddie

my rides well some of them work:hick:

1995 towncar in black 246 K non running
1989 continental 110K waiting for a part
1984 cougar head gaskets done almost ready!
Yikes the daily ride ...1998 chevy lumina:hick:

ignition key

Reply #8 –
Not a regular Torx.It's the "safety" torx. The Torx bits will have a little hole on the end.You can get them at Autozone or any place that sells tools.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

ignition key

Reply #9 –
Some cars they are riveted in and you will need to drill them out and re-tap them.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

ignition key

Reply #10 –
well it is done it was very easy too like you said. didnt need to drill didnt need to use torx... my friend cut a slot in the top of the bolt and i used a screw driver to get them out and in.
thanks :)
eddie

my rides well some of them work:hick:

1995 towncar in black 246 K non running
1989 continental 110K waiting for a part
1984 cougar head gaskets done almost ready!
Yikes the daily ride ...1998 chevy lumina:hick:

ignition key

Reply #11 –
Sweet.Congrats on the success.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

ignition key

Reply #12 –
On my 85 I was able to grab the screws with vise grips and turn them out easily.
CoogarXR : 1985 Cougar XR-7
 

ignition key

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Haystack;328481
Some cars they are riveted in and you will need to drill them out and re-tap them.


This is true... and don't some have the screws where the head breaks off when you tighten them? Well, I do know some cars that do have this if it's not a Ford I am thinking of.

Anyway, I was fortunate to have a car that used not torx screws, but a small hex head. The ignition switch replacement is a breeze.