high_on_rock Posted January 4, 2008 Posted January 4, 2008 1991 Mazda Miata with 250,000+ miles. Key will not turn the ignition switch, tried lots of stuff, time to move on. I can get a new set up for $240 and spend a couple hours changing it, but other ideas come to mind. First idea: Can I just bypass the entire switch and put in a toggle switch for on/off, and a “big red button” for a start button? How would I “unlock” the steering wheel? Second idea: Can I bypass the switch with a “remote start” button? (Manual transmission). Again, how would I “unlock” the steering wheel? Any motorheads out there with knowledge or great ideas? Quote
ketch Posted January 4, 2008 Posted January 4, 2008 Usually on a car like that I take the switch out of the column. then just remove the little steel cover and dump all the tumblers out. Reinstall switch. As long as the switch terminals are good it works fine. Just don't leave the door unlocked. Quote
high_on_rock Posted January 4, 2008 Author Posted January 4, 2008 Ketch, that is exactly the wisdom I was looking for. I am fairly mechanically inclined, but know little of the locks. When I remove the switch will it be fairly obvious what you are talking about "removing the tumblers"? I already have a kill switch hidden in the vehicle to prevent theft, so the key issue is not that important to me. Thanks Ketch!! Quote
whirlwind Posted January 5, 2008 Posted January 5, 2008 tumblers are the parts that form to the key basically gut the inside of the key hole and the asibly will turn. think of the inside of a combination lock when its lined up the lock comes apart, the key basicaly is like the part that comes out and the tumblers are the part that form to the key, or in the comb lock move to lock and unlock the insert. hope that helps Quote
ketch Posted January 5, 2008 Posted January 5, 2008 Whirlwinds pretty much got it. When you pullout the switch assembly you will find it in one of two basic variations. One is essentially a cylinder. On the outside opposite of where the teeth of the key are you will find a series of what look like little soft plugs. File em off and dump the guts out. It may also be a smaller cylinder with a rectangular extension. On the top will be a little metal cap. pull that off and dump the parts out. Like whirlwind said it should be a spring and at least two little brass pins per hole. The should be one set per point on your key. Easy enough the key or whatever will turn it. Give me a shout if ya get stuck of course I will be out most of the weekend. Quote
high_on_rock Posted January 5, 2008 Author Posted January 5, 2008 Thanks Ketch and Wirlwind. It will probably be early next week before I get to take a shot at it, but I will let you know. consider the beer free if we ever meet. e Quote
whirlwind Posted January 5, 2008 Posted January 5, 2008 well Ketch explained it will much more detail, but hell who am i to refuse a free beer, good luck man. Quote
high_on_rock Posted January 15, 2008 Author Posted January 15, 2008 I just wanted to give some credit. After PMing with ketch, and a short telephone conversation; I had the knowledge to tear into my ignition switch and make it work. The guy saved me about $250 and a few hours work. I vote Ketch and Wirlwind the Members of the Month for January! Thanks guys! Quote
Dechristo Posted January 15, 2008 Posted January 15, 2008 I vote Ketch and Wirlwind the Members of the Month for January! Thanks guys! "Member" is an euphemism for many things. Just what are you inferring? Quote
KaskadskyjKozak Posted January 15, 2008 Posted January 15, 2008 I vote Ketch and Wirlwind the Members of the Month for January! Thanks guys! "Member" is an euphemism for many things. Just what are you inferring? Did someone say Motorhead? Quote
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