Has anyone ever replaced this switch or had one go out? Anyone know how to test it? (Will buy a new one anyway, only $12) Would this cause my car to lose all electrical (ie shut off) intermittently while driving? I took the entire column out and found nothing wrong with the keyed switch, steering column bearings, etc. So, I guess whatever was in there finally worked it's way out and fell out. So, this must be the culprit for the stalling. Pt#CS78BWD. It mounts about halfway down the steering column with a small-diameter rod connecting to the keyed switch...when you turn the key to START into the spring-loaded part of the turn, the rod pushes this thing on to start the starter. I am guessing that this thing was telling the electronics that the ignition was OFF while I was driving causing the entire thing to shut down for brief seconds, and sometimes stalling completely. EDIT--If faulty, could this switch somehow let the car start in gear even though I have a neutral safety switch on my floor shifter?
I had them go out on me. I just replace them, don't know how to test them. Its easier to replace. No they will not allow the car to start when in gear. That part is controled by the neutral saftey switch.
the old switches bad wiring could have been shorting out to bypass the neutral safety switch. did you find all of the shaved pieces and check all the wires down the tube for damage? when my neut switch went out it wouldnt crank unless i took it out of park.
I took the entire column apart and found that the plastic ring inside the column that used to be where the neutral safety switch mounted had broken to pieces. I assume that was my binding. Removed it, but fear I might have to replace it or the steering shaft might wiggle around. May fabricate or try to find a bearing that will fit in there. Bought the part...$65. They quoted me $12 but it was the wrong part. I got it, since I need it to run, regardless of price.
