Jump to content
  • When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Ignition Switch Replacement


Demo
Go to solution Solved by esty,

Recommended Posts

I'm a newbie to the 02 community, but have restored several other cars ( mosty British). I am replacing the ignition switch on a 71 sedan. Two questions: do I need to cut the bolts holding the ignition to the column? Second, how do I remove the ignition wires from the side of the barrel in order to install them to the new ignition?

Thanks,

Demo

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm a newbie to the 02 community, but have restored several other cars ( mosty British). I am replacing the ignition switch on a 71 sedan. Two questions: do I need to cut the bolts holding the ignition to the column? Second, how do I remove the ignition wires from the side of the barrel in order to install them to the new ignition?

Thanks,

Demo

Edited by percy
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The search function is your friend.  Another friend is a shop manual or similar. :)

 

The switch is actually two parts.  Forward is the locking mechanism where the key is received.  Because it is a lock, it is not the easiest thing to remove.  I am certain there are posts covering this.

 

The rear portion of the switch contains the electrics.  It is from where the wires protrude and should be easily removable.  The barrel shaped mechanism "slides" out of its position.  HOWEVER, it is retained by an easy-to-overlook grub screw.  A manual or one of several posts on the subject should suffice in locating the screw.  The wires usually have a modular plug that should not ordinarily require cutting, splicing or soldering.  Previous modifications change the equation.

 

Not having a clue what part or parts of your ignition switch require attention, I would vote for trying the rear portion first, since it is easiest to remove.  In my experience, it is also the most likely part of the entire mechanism to keep you off the road.

 

Good luck.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm a newbie to the 02 community, but have restored several other cars ( mosty British). I am replacing the ignition switch on a 71 sedan. Two questions: do I need to cut the bolts holding the ignition to the column? Second, how do I remove the ignition wires from the side of the barrel in order to install them to the new ignition?

Thanks,

Demo

why you think or know it needs to be changed will help us help you...the key cylinder and the plug on the back with the wires are both fairly easy to get out...to remove the lock cylinder you'll have to drill out the lock pin that holds it it place

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks  for the info.  I am changing the ignition so the door locks match the ignition key, if that helps in any way.

 

Drilling the bolts out could prove to be a challenge, as the heads are slightly rounded.  The wires should be easy to remove you say.  Is there a trick to removing the clip containing the wires?  Or is it a grip it and rip it thing?

 

Cheers,

 

Demo

Link to comment
Share on other sites

you don't want to or need to drill out the assy that fastens around the steering column...you just want to remove the key cylinder...no need to remove any wiring either....take all the trim off around the steering column so you can see just the ignition, look low on the passenger side and you'll see a lock pin (?)  going into the cylinder...that's what you want to drill out....then the cylinder will slide out

 

to replace the cylinder and keep in from coming out when you pull the key our, use a very small screw in the hole you drilled out to lock it back in place...or not

 

do a search for lock/key cylinder removal

Link to comment
Share on other sites

post-47412-0-72872100-1406675240_thumb.j

 

Im sorry for the confusion.  I am referring to the wires on the side of barrel red/green and green/red.  These terminate as shown in the photo.  The black clip holding them to the barrel is what Im trying to remove.  Do I need to remove the key tumbler to get it out?

 

Thanks.

 

Demo

Link to comment
Share on other sites

iirc, the wires are part of the surround around the steering column...but if you are just trying to change the cylinder so your keys match, you only have to remove the round cylinder that you put the key in

 

just drill out that pin and your key & cylinder will slide out, slide in your new cylinder...did i misunderstand what your goal is...

 

" I am changing the ignition so the door locks match the ignition key"

 

if that's what you want to do, no need to remove anything but the key cylinder

Link to comment
Share on other sites

When I wanted to replace the keys, the ignition came in a kit. Door handles and ignition yoke with key tumbler.  With your help I was able to remove the key tumbler from the original yoke and salvage to plastic clip that holds the two wire and ignition contact.  Thanks again for your help.  I'm sure to have more questions in the future.  Nice to know where to go the get answers.

 

Cheers,

 

Demo

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 11 months later...
  • 5 years later...

IIRC,  the ignition barrel is held in from below by a drillable pin.  I believe a locksmith would drill it out to fix the tumblers ( if that's what they're called) so the barrel rotates properly. 

 

I would suggest discussing this with a locksmith or replace the ignition. 

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1

73 Inka Tii #2762958

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • BMW Neue Klasse - a birth of a Sports Sedan

    BMW Neue Klasse - a birth of a Sports Sedan

    Unveiling of the Neue Klasse Unveiled in 1961, BMW 1500 sedan was a revolutionary concept at the outset of the '60s. No tail fins or chrome fountains. Instead, what you got was understated and elegant, in a modern sense, exciting to drive as nearly any sports car, and yet still comfortable for four.   The elegant little sedan was an instant sensation. In the 1500, BMW not only found the long-term solution to its dire business straits but, more importantly, created an entirely new
    History of the BMW 2002 and the 02 Series

    History of the BMW 2002 and the 02 Series

    In 1966, BMW was practically unknown in the US unless you were a touring motorcycle enthusiast or had seen an Isetta given away on a quiz show.  BMW’s sales in the US that year were just 1253 cars.  Then BMW 1600-2 came to America’s shores, tripling US sales to 4564 the following year, boosted by favorable articles in the Buff Books. Car and Driver called it “the best $2500 sedan anywhere.”  Road & Track’s road test was equally enthusiastic.  Then, BMW took a cue from American manufacturers,
    The BMW 2002 Production Run

    The BMW 2002 Production Run

    BMW 02 series are like the original Volkswagen Beetles in one way (besides both being German classic cars)—throughout their long production, they all essentially look alike—at least to the uninitiated:  small, boxy, rear-wheel drive, two-door sedan.  Aficionados know better.   Not only were there three other body styles—none, unfortunately, exported to the US—but there were some significant visual and mechanical changes over their eleven-year production run.   I’ve extracted t
  • Upcoming Events

  • Supporting Vendors

×
×
  • Create New...