I went out this morning to start my car in the 20-ish degree air, but I couldn't get it to run. The battery had enough juice, and it would turn over, but as soon as I pulled the key back to the "run" position, it just died. It did this over and over again and would not start. It did this to me once before when it was real cold, so I put some graphite in the ignition switch and it worked. But not this time. Do I have a bad ignition switch or do I need to look elsewhere? Thanks, -Ford Guy
Trouble shooting electrical long distant is hard to do. Before throwing parts at it I would check and see if bypassing the ignition switch helps. Run a wire from the batter positive post to the coil terminal marked ‘BATT’ or ‘+’. Turn the starter over with the key. If it starts up fine the problem is either the ignition switch is bad or a relay. I had the same problem one time but it happen in the summer. I ended up replacing the starter solenoid (relay)
What do you mean by you "pulled the key back"? It should just automatically go to the run position on it's own when you release it. (I'm sure you know that, lol)
It does pull back, Jamie, but I just worded it wrong. I'm pretty certain it is the ignition switch so I think I'll get me one before too ling since they're only like $11. Ok, thanks for your help, I just wanted to make sure tere wasn't something I was missing. -Ford Guy
you do know the...ignition switch...is on top of the steering column under the dash? ...:Handshake...
Oh, I was talking about the igntion lock cylinder. Do I need the switch instead? How much does that cost?
If it only happens in the cold it is probably just the lubricant on the switch itself. You can remove it and check to see that it is properly lubed or replace it with a new one. With age they get dusty and cruddy and need to be cleaned and lubed just like all the other parts in your car.
How do I get to the switch? I see it on my steering column, but it is underneath the dash. Do I have to drop the column to get to it?
Disconnect the negative battery cable, Remove the shrouding from the column and detach and lower the column from the support bracket. disconnect the wiring at the plug and remove the two nuts that hold the switch to the column. If you have a column mount shifter: Disconnect the ignition switch plunger from the switch actuating rod and remove the switch. If you have a floor shifter: Remove the connecting pin where the plunger and rod meet and remove the switch.
