Ignition Switch problem

[Stewart A.]

I have finally detected the problem with my car not starting and stalling while running. I have traced it back to the ignition barrel. I have disconnected the wiring from the rear and have finally been able to unscrew the ignition nut 3770494. But the ignition lock is not wanting to come apart from the switch assembly 1116577. I thought the nut assembly would go over the key barrel but the key barrel cap is larger than the nut assembly hole. Am I missing something ? How is the ignition meant to be removed from the dash !! After the nut is removed does the unit separate ? Stewy

[Peter L.]

Re: Ignition Switch problem

Stewy - You need to remove the ignition lock cylinder from the switch (using the paper clip) and then the nut can be removed. Pete

[Stewart A.]

Re: Ignition Switch problem

I'm trying the paper clip but it wont pop. Stewy

[Richard M.]

Re: Ignition Switch problem

Stewy.....the key must be in the cylinder. Can't recall but you may have to turn it to off or lock or start too. Insert the paperclip in the hole, turn the assy and it'll pop out. Be careful you don't loose the little spring and brass tip. Sometimes they pop out of the housing.

Rich

[Donald L.]

Re: Ignition Switch problem

With the key in the cylinder push the paper clip into the hole to the left of cylinder and turn key all the way counter clockwise. Cylinder should release at that point.

PS If the ignition switch is defective and is the original 577 housing save it. You can rebuild the switch from the guts of a similar switch. Delco 577s are getting mighty hard to find.

[John H.]

Re: Ignition Switch problem

Mine have always released by having the key in the cylinder, turn fully counter-clockwise as far as you can, then insert the paper clip to depress the pin, and turn more CCW, and the cylinder will pop out.

[Jack H.]

Re: Ignition Switch problem

Agree! The sequence of removal tool (paper clip) has importance. You're trying to depress a spring loaded release shaft. If the tool is inserted before the lock is rotated to the position where the access hole is directly over the release shaft, the tool will strike the release shaft sideways instead of pushing it in.

That's the gist of what John's telling us...

[Stewart A.]

Re: Ignition Switch problem

GGRRRRRRRRRRRR This thing is doing my head in !!!!!!! Now I need to know the sequence from go to wow.
I insert the key in the Lock position then with the paper clip insert into the hole and press the spring in. This is where I'm getting lost ! Do I keep the clip depressed all the way around to the start position.
Or do I depress the clip in Lock position and release the clip then turn the key around to the start posi and then depress the spring again in the start posi ? My thumb is so bruised I've tried it so many times. I can feel the spring when it's in the start position but when I turn the key it comes off. I'm doing something wrong. The angle grinder is about to be launched. Stewy

[Peter L.]

Re: Ignition Switch problem

Stewy - One more time with feeling. First to double check, you can turn the ignition lock cylinder to the LOCK position with the key? If the answer is yes, do as John and Jack have said, with the key in the ignition turn the ignition lock cylinder fully counterclockwise (to the left). Now insert a paper clip in the hole in the bezel (before we go any further does the bezel face have 1 or 2 holes?) and when you push in on the paper clip you should feel some push back because you should be pushing in on a spring loaded pin. Keep holding in on the paper clip and still with the key in turn the lock cylinder more in a counterclockwise direction (to the left) and the lock cylinder should come out of the switch.

If you have an ignition lock cylinder bezel with 2 holes still do the same thing as above using the upper hole.

Pete

[Stewart A.]

Re: Ignition Switch problem

Thanks Pedro ! I will try when I get home. I have 1 pin hole and when I feel the resistance with the key in lock I have been going clockwise I never realized it's counter clockwise. I think that's where I'm going wrong. I will try and let you know. Stewy

[Stewart A.]

Re: Ignition Switch problem

I did it I did it !!!!! Thank god for that ! I was so engulfed in going clockwise I never tried to go counter clockwise. Thanks guys that was doing my head in.
Stewy

[Peter L.]

Re: Ignition Switch problem

Stewy - EUREKA!!!!!!!! Good job. We were all pulling for you. Pete

[William C.]

Re: Ignition Switch problem

Stewart, a few years ago I did an article for the Restorer that showed how to replace the electrical "Guts" of an original switch with parts from a similar pass car unit. Might be worth looking up Vol 27 #3 (Winter 2001) of the "Restorer"