ignition issue

[DMCL2023]

Hi guys.

My 1997 4.0 sohc won't start as something broke in the ignition. I heard a piece break when I tried to start her. I think it might be an assembly behind the barrel that pushes the actuator bar.

Does anyone have any experience in this type of repair? Thanks

 

[Howard]

Do you mean that you turn the key and nothing happens? If so the upper part of the column connects to the actual switch with a small pin in a plastic bar. I had one where the pin had fallen out. See pics.

 

[DMCL2023]

Thanks Howard for getting back to me. I have a feeling that it is the same problem as you had. When I turned the key there was a sound of something snapping and then the key turns freely without any resistance. Nothing happens. There is only a bit of spring pressure at the end of the turn (like the pressure you feel on the last quarter turnn when you turn it to start it).

Would you advise an amateur like myself to tackle this job? I want to avoid having it off the road so ideally I would buy the parts and then give it to the mechanic.

Thanks for the pictures. Is it tricky getting into the bit where the pin is?

 

[Howard]

It is quite a strip down. I had to take the entire top part of the column out and separate the top pivot part of the device. But there are no special tools needed. It just looks bad. I got lucky and found the pin still inside so no parts required. It might be easier to just get another complete column and swap the ignition barrel over. Here are some more pics to show you.