Ignition Switch

[loogie1]

Hi, I believe my plastic ignition switch has warn out. Has anyone got one for sale or know the part number please.
Thank you in advance.

[Brianmoooore]

Part number is 61 32 1 374 871.
They do fail, but check that it hasn't come unclipped on one side, and that the plug and socket for it (about half way down the steering column) is pushed together properly.
Another common failure is wear in the plastic slot of the switch where it engages with the drive peg at the back of the switch barrel. This can be bodged for a few years with something along the lines of a hot melt glue gun.

[loogie1]

Fitted a replacement switch, was having no success refitting the inner barrel gubbings, nothing wanted to lign up, I fear the AA guy who came to my rescue may well have twisted or bent some parts. clueless and unable to rotate the ignition beyond position 1. There was a ping and the inner gubbings flew out and I lost the spring! What i have ended up doing is removing the steering lock pin and now the inner barrel gubbings are minus the spring. As the key barrel compresses the spring on the pin to locate and activate the switch and disengage the steering lock. I'm hoping all will be ok. anyone have experience of this and can advise or are aware of any potential issues.
Thank you

[Brianmoooore]

First question is why did you have the inner barrel apart? Nothing to do with the switch.
If you've disabled the steering lock, it's important that you've totally removed the peg that engages with the steering wheel boss, so that it cannot engage under any circumstances when driving. Steering locks were only compulsory from 2001.
Barrel can only be removed when in position one, by inserting a stiff wire into the small hole in the face. I'm not sure what you've done, but with the barrel out and the key fitted, all of the brass plungers should be flush with the barrel at both sides. Any that project slightly can be filed down.

[loogie1]

First question is why did you have the inner barrel apart? Nothing to do with the switch.
If you've disabled the steering lock, it's important that you've totally removed the peg that engages with the steering wheel boss, so that it cannot engage under any circumstances when driving. Steering locks were only compulsory from 2001.
Barrel can only be removed when in position one, by inserting a stiff wire into the small hole in the face. I'm not sure what you've done, but with the barrel out and the key fitted, all of the brass plungers should be flush with the barrel at both sides. Any that project slightly can be filed down.

Early days, before i was made aware of the plastic switch at the rear, i took the key barrel out to investigate and the internal workings came out. It shouldn't have done but it did as I was turning the internal mechanism with a screwdriver. Previously i had put spacers in so it would rotate sufficiently to start the car, this would last a few months then i would have to repeat it. Somehow that internal workings ended up popping out (a key way should have prevented that i believe), with some fiddling i got it back in and lined up. I got caught out one day (left the job too long) and had to call the AA. He completely dissassembled it. I hear it's common for the AA to destroy the steering lock so they can safely drive home and no need for relay. Thankfully i could assist from a social distance to disable the steering lock and he didn't resort to smashing it.
Yesterday i attempted to reassemble it and as i say was struggling and then lost the spring. It occured to me that if i replaced the internal spigot without the spring it would work but only if, as you say i removed the steering lock peg. My concern is that there may be movement within that may cause the mechanism to jam or disengage. Importantly though the steering lock can't engage. I watched the mechanism in the boss move freely as i turned the key back and forth and seems ok. Not proud of it but all looks normal from the outside now. i've cable tied the plastic switch, as you mentioned they can sometimes pop off, possibly more likely now the spring is no longer in place?

[magpie]

this might help

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/133550810970? ... 1555.l2649

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/133549867118? ... 1555.l2649

[loogie1]

this might help

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/133550810970? ... 1555.l2649

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/133549867118? ... 1555.l2649

Thank you, quite cheap too!