Ignition switch?

[Tom L.]

Had to replace the turn signal switch in the '72. After it's all said and done the ignition switch seems real tight. Any ideas what I may have screwed up?? Haven't explored yet. Just hoping for a clue. Thanks!!
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[Mark E.]

Re: Ignition switch?

Tom,

Did you fuss with the ignition lock, switch or the rod in between? It's been awhile, but I think the turn signal switch can be R/R'd without messing with the lock/switch?

What do you mean by "tight"? Is the key harder to turn? Make sure the transmission interlock is not binding.

[Larry M.]

Re: Ignition switch?

Is the turn signal switch wiring pressing against the rod between the ignition lock and ignition switch?

[Edward J.]

Re: Ignition switch?

Tom, is it possible that the lower shift bowl is not rotated all the way. if you have a Auto try shifting from drive to park, 4 spd. car in and out of reverse.

[Tom L.]

Re: Ignition switch?

Didn't mention it but I did replace the shifter interlock cable, and it is an automatic. Not sure what to check there. I'll give a try in neutral and see.
didn't fuss with anything on the lock itself except for cleaning the contacts on the switch. Not sure what the lower shift bowl is but I'll report back after I get a chance at looking at all of it. Thanks!!

[Edward J.]

Re: Ignition switch?

Tom the interlock cable can be a issue if not properly adjusted, try in-hooking cable under hood and make sure the lower is rotated all the way . the lower plastic bowl rotates when shifter is moved through the gears.I hope that this explains operation.

[Tom L.]

Re: Ignition switch?

Finally got to try the switch when in neutral. It's just fine. I did replace the interlock cable with this one. Haven't disconnected the cable to check operation though, hopefully tomorrow. If everything works smoothly with the cable disconnected, what next? Thanks!!

[Mark E.]

Re: Ignition switch?

With the cable disconnected from the column, check for binding of the interlock collar (the part around the column which rotates) and its linkage by rotating it back and forth. Then shift in and out of park while watching for smooth movement of the cable. Then connect and adjust the cable following the procedure in the CSM.

[Tom L.]

Re: Ignition switch?

Worked with the cable more today. In any position other than park the switch is just fine. The cable detached and connected also moves freely. When looking that the cable at the column end, in park, the cable is not straight. It's bent a little as if it's too long and pushing against the lever on the column. With my helper I tried the switch with the cable disconnected. I pushed it up into the park position and with hands off it was fine. Then I pushed up on the lever the way the cable did and it was tight again.

I looked in the CSM and can't find any reference to an adjustment. Either I'm blind or worse... Any help on which section it's in??? A page would be better, thanks!!

[Mark E.]

Re: Ignition switch?

I looked in the '70 CSM and guess what... the cable adjustment procedure for Muncie cars is on 7-13. But I don't see a procedure for automatics.

Paraphrasing the procedure for Muncie cars, and substituting "Reverse" for "Park":

1. Disconnect the cable
2. Check the shift linkage adjustment for proper operation (PRND21)
3. Loosen two nuts at steering column to dash panel bracket
4. Place trans in Park; put ignition in LOCK position
5. Rotate lock tube lever fully counter-clockwise (viewed from front of column), putting it in locked position
6. Adjust cable bracket so cable eye passes over its retaining pin.
7. Hold bracket in position while an assistant tightens steering column nuts
8. Install cable's cotter pin and washer.

You're working with a poor design that uses a cable to PUSH a lever. When the mechanism binds or is forced, the cable bends at the end further reducing its ability to PUSH the lever. When a cable is bent, even a new one, it may need to be replaced.

When fixed, remember to be gentle going into PARK, and address any binding or resistance.

[Tom L.]

Re: Ignition switch?

Thanks Mark, during some of the work I did this winter I did loosen the nuts at the dash panel bracket. Might be where I caused the trouble. It all makes better sense now. I may have overstated the amount that the cable "bent". It barely bowed, I think it should be fine. I hope : ) Thanks for taking the time to help out!

Tom

[Tom L.]

Re: Ignition switch?

Finally got a chance to get this issue corrected. Problem solved, a simple adjustment. Thanks to all for the help!