Ignition switch and rod

Discussion in 'Technical' started by rotorr22, Sep 5, 2023.

  1. rotorr22

    rotorr22 Member

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    Came across a head scratcher when installing a new ignition switch. When I was putting my car back together a while back, I decided to replace my ignition switch, since it is a bit of a pain to access. I bought it off of Ebay as an NOS part. It plugged in to the connector under the dash without incident. When I tried to turn the key to ACC (CCW), it would not fully go into the ACC position. I figured "adjustment", except that I was already at the limit of the slots in the switch frame. My column is a floor shift configuration. The link rod is too short for this switch. The old one works, but the start detent spring is weak, hence replacing the switch.

    Has anyone else run across this?
     
  2. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

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    If it won’t go ACC position, switch may be defective. I replaced my switch, floor shifter configuration with reproduction Unit some years ago w/o issue.
     
  3. rotorr22

    rotorr22 Member

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    I ordered a new SMP switch, so we'll see how it compares. The one I have might be for another Ford application. I just find it strange that it fits the harness, fits the column, but doesn't appear to have enough stroke within the limits of the adjustment range.
     
  4. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

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    Agreed, I've never seen switches for same year that didn't interchange.
     
  5. rotorr22

    rotorr22 Member

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    I bought an SMP ignition switch. As you surmised, the stroke was identical to my current switch. For some reason, the link rod was too short. I finally filed the slots slightly on the switch mount to allow link rod to attach when the key is in the ACC position. It worked perfectly thereafter. I even checked the link rod to see if it was bent. It wasn't. The whole scenerio will remain a mystery.
     

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