Ignition problem

[damarble]

So today out of nowhere my ignition switch stopped working and I can't start the X. When I turned it the accessories came on and then it rolled forward sloppy with no resistance. At the end of the turn it kills all lights like it's going to crank over but nothing happens.

I push started and got home (manual tranny FTW) but then I couldn't shut it off, rolled the key back and nothing. Stalled it to shut off but the accessories remained on so I disconnected the battery.

So before I tear into it any ideas? Am I looking at a lock cylinder replacement or ignition switch? The part you turn with the key doesn't even feel like it's connected to anything anymore.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Do you have an alarm or a remote start?

 

[damarble]

No, nothing. But it feels like something is physically broken.

 

[BrooklynBay]

How do the battery cables look? Sometimes bad cables could cause intermittent failures when the starter applies a load.

 

[Fabbed4d88]

The rod that connects the tumbler to the actual ignition switch may have broke. The switch is located on top of the column near the fire wall. See if the metal rod is broke.

 

[damarble]

How do the battery cables look? Sometimes bad cables could cause intermittent failures when the starter applies a load.

Good, just replaced battery/cables a few months ago.

The rod that connects the tumbler to the actual ignition switch may have broke. The switch is located on top of the column near the fire wall. See if the metal rod is broke.

That's along my line of thinking. I assume when you turn the key the rod slides down in the switch? I could slide the switch up on the rod but I couldn't budge the rod. So the tumbler must be broken?

 

[damarble]

That's along my line of thinking. I assume when you turn the key the rod slides down in the switch? I could slide the switch up on the rod but I couldn't budge the rod. So the tumbler must be broken?

Looking at the wrong thing. Found the problem though. The actuating rod is disconnected. Now to figure out how to hook it back up.

 

[damarble]

I ended up pulling out the whole column, it was easier to get apart that way. Removed the two side bolts where it pivots for tilt, and the spring retainer on the shaft at the firewall end. Disconnected all the wiring and pulled apart the two halves. (Careful here not to spin the wheel and break the clockspring!) The pin that joins the two rod halves together was loose inside and fell out. I reused it, shoving it all the way into the hole, it was very tight it should not become dislodged again or at least not for a long time. I wanted to use a rivet but there was no room for the heads.

Reassembled in reverse order, testing as I went. Everything works perfect again and didn't cost me a dime!

 

[BrooklynBay]

Thanks for the update!