I have been problems with my turn signal/column shift/steering all day. I think that whatever has broken and dropped chunks between the steering column and the column shift was part of my ignition switch. Now when I drive, for no reason, it will just stall intermittently or die on me. The alternator continuously shows 14 volts, so not the problem. As it is messing up, the tach will flare up for a second even though the rpms don't, then it will stall either for a split second or die. I can now start the car in gear, it doesn't have to be in P or N to start. And, when I turn my key to "Start" it doesn't feel like it is coming all the way back to "On", so I think what is wrong is the "click" between "ON" and "START" is gone so the key roams back and forth between the two, dying somewhere in between. If it dies, it may start right back up within a second or two, as if it was a standard trans and it just push starts itself back on, so I think maybe the starter is spinning constantly??? on and off. I guess my question is: How do I replace the ignition switch? and while I am in there, what should I do with the column shift now that it is just flopping around (I installed a floor shift). Can I take off all the crap that is not being used, such as the collar that used to have the shift handle, etc? Does someone have a Chilton manual for the 74 Maverick with column shift who can scan and e-mail the disassembly instructions? EDIT--On second thought, if I have to replace the ignition switch, I would rather put it on the dash like the older cars, and lose the ignition switch and the shift collar off the column. Any suggestions how to accomplish this and make it look tasteful? Or should I go ahead and install a row of switches like a pure drag car and eventually put them on my center console?
Ignition Switch Replacement (from my Chiltons): 1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. 2. Remove shrouding from the steering column, and detach and lower the steering column from the brake support bracket. 3. Disonnect the switch wiring at the multiple plug. 4. Remove the two nuts that retain the switch to the lower column. 5. On models with a steering column-mounted gearshift lever, disconnected the ignition switch plunger from the ignition switch actuator rod and remove the igniton switch. On models with a floor mounted gear shift lever, remove the pin that connects the switch plunger to the switch actuator and remove the switch. 6. To re-install the switch, place both locking mechanism at top of column and switch itself in lock position for correct adjustment. To hold column in lock postion, place automatic shifter lever in PARK or manual shift lever in reverse, and turn key to LOCK and remove the key. New switches are held in lock by plastic shipping pins. To pin existing switches, pull the switch plunger out as far as it will go and push back in to first detent. Insert 3/32 in. diameter wire into locking hole in top of the switch. 7. Connect the switch plunger to the actuator rod. 8. Position the switch on the colunn and install the attaching nuts. Do not overtighten them. 9. Move the switch up and down to locate the mid-position of rod lash, and then tighten the nuts. 10. Remove the locking pin or wire. 11. Attach the steering column to the brake support bracket and install the shrouding.
Jamie, thanks for typing all that up for me. I will print it out and see if I can make sense of it when I look at the column. I am not "all up on" "actuator rods", "switch plungers", etc. but I am sure that it will make sense when I start tearing into it. Is there an exploded diagram with it? If so, can you scan it for me? my e-mail is scooper-at-sbcglobal-dot-net. Ed, see you at 11:30-ish. The wife and I will eat a couple of hot-wings and then we can head out. I am bringing the camera, so I can shoot the cars at the show, and those couple of things I want to look at on your car.
scoop, keep an ignition key in the loop somewhere. if someone breaks into my truck and i dont have my brake pedal ATD on, they get a free truck. it already happened once when i stopped for lunch. luckily got it back, and bought the ATD. a key wont stop a pro, but it will keep the temptation level down for a common thug.
What car show? Where? What time? (I must've missed a post somewhere). Don't be holding out on me, guys. :16suspect
It is not a "car" show, it is a Corvette show...not worth mentioning on a Ford website. It is at Hooters at 45 and 1960 in spring, 10am Sunday. The wife and I will see the cars, take some pictures, eat some hotwings, and head over to Ed's. I am going just to get ideas for paint, interior color schemes, and also to meet Ed (fan2488) for some Ford car talk, maybe take a look at his car.
Maybe? id spend the whole day in your garage looking at your mav and talking about it. Of course im a little strange that way
scott i was'nt going to say anything about the "C" show. i hope we dont get barred from the site now. rick you going to go?
scoop, the nice thing about replacing the ign. switch is you don't have to pull the steering wheel or the key tumbler... it is mounted "on" the steering column... jamie, good write up ...frank...
I tried not to mention the "C" but I didn't want Rick to think we were holding out on him...I had to mention it. I threw in a good excuse, though, about looking at paint and interiors....We should get away with it with THAT excuse Even better, should just say we are going to Hooters just for the Hot wings
my ignition switch is on top of the steering column... i had to drop the column a bit to get at it.. and take out two bolts.. then discon the rod... unplug the wires,... put it back in the same way as removal...takes like 1 hour,... if that..
