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How to rebuild your ignition Switch


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#1 _Lamo_

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Posted 02 November 2007 - 11:41 PM

I have heard quite a bit around the place that the ignition Switch (renamed thanks to Rodomo) fails all the time. It had on mine so I looked on eBay and they were going for $80 new!! So I decided to pull it apart and see what I could do myself.

This is the part in question.
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Start by opening up the clamp on one end.
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***GENTLY*** prise it open being extra carefull not to loose the three bearing and one guide.
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At this stage you can see all the black crap accumulated on the most left terminal. Give them all a good clean even the spring.
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Give the contacts bearings and guide a clean whilst you are there.
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Now most of us who are in to cars started with the radio controlled variant. Go and rummage through your old RC parts box and pull out the grease you used to use. Give the contacts a bit. Below is also the configuration of where the springs go.
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Grease op the contacts on the other side
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Now you can see on the 'lid' of the part where the bearings and guide slides. Give that a clean and some new grease.
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Now carefully place the black sliding section back into the cavity and grease the other side with the bearings and guide.
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Now there is no use in cleaning up the inside and leaving the external contacts dirty so give them a quick srcub with your favourite zero residue cleaning solvent.
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So that is that. I put mine back in after that and she started first go! Hope this helps a couple of others.

Edited by Lamo, 02 November 2007 - 11:54 PM.


#2 rodomo

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Posted 02 November 2007 - 11:49 PM

What you have repaired is called an ignition switch.

An ignition module takes the place of points in electronic ignition to turn the ignition coil on and off.

Top job! :spoton: The switches are an issue too, and I'm sure members will benifit from your post!

#3 _Lamo_

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Posted 02 November 2007 - 11:53 PM

Oh, one more thing. The blackened ternimal is the one that is used to start the engine(I Think;-)). Have a look at the copper contact that is used on this ternimal, it may be worn down a little. Just reverse it when you put it back in.
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Edited by Lamo, 02 November 2007 - 11:57 PM.


#4 _Lamo_

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Posted 02 November 2007 - 11:55 PM

Thanks Rodomo, I have edited the title thanks to your input.

#5 rodomo

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Posted 02 November 2007 - 11:58 PM

Your last pic points out the main problem with these switches :spoton:

#6 TerrA LX

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Posted 03 November 2007 - 07:23 AM

It may be o.k. to reverse the copper contact but do not turn the up side down as they are different shape end to end.
I use a fine file to clean up the ends of the contacts then once reinstalled I also install a relay to take the heat off the contacts.

#7 Heath

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Posted 03 November 2007 - 10:59 AM

Tech Article.

#8 77_LX_HATCH

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Posted 03 November 2007 - 07:17 PM

If only i knew this when i cracked mine open...i did end up losing one of the ball-bearings!

Great Article!

#9 _darrenmark1_

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Posted 10 April 2009 - 01:22 PM

Thank you it works a treat!!

Darren

#10 _cruiza_

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Posted 12 April 2009 - 08:52 AM

I think back to all the things I learned the hard way and wish there had been guys like you with threads like this that have could have saved me so much time and money. Good thread thanks for posting.




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