So if it isnt the Ignition switch, then what?

[MartyMcFly]

So I was having problems with my car only periodically starting. Sometimes itd start no problem, other times it would just sit there, no sounds, no clicks nothing, other then then the fuel pump priming. It wasn't the starter because that was replaced a short while ago and the problem still arose every once in a while.

I made a post earlier asking what the problem could be, there was a resounding "Ignition Switch" response. So what do you know, I was sitting in a parking lot tonight, went to start my car and....nothing. I sat there in the Conoco parking lot for going on 2 hours periodically trying to start the car. It was time to take action. I got out my tool kit and took off the ignition switch, stuck a screw driver in the bad boy, turned, and what do you know, it fired right up!

I havnt had the problem since. Its slightly annoying having to start my car with a screw driver, but as long as it starts Im fine with it. So my question to you guys is, could it actually be a problem with the ignition cylinder?

There is a little rod inside the ignition cylinger, when you put the key in should that rod release and work its way into the ignition switch? I can feel the rod turn when I put the key into the cylinder, but it doesnt do anything else. I hope Im making sence and I hope someone can add some insight.

TIA,
Marty

[alzahakar]

So we told you it was the ignition switch. Did you replace it? With a NEW one?

[MartyMcFly]

no I didnt replace it, I just took mine out, and started using a screw driver too turn the ignition switch. The ignition switch is fine. Im curious if an ignition cylinder could be at fault.

[alzahakar]

That just proves that your ignition switch IS bad. As those switches age, the two discs inside the switch wear into the plastic around them. This makes them lose their alignment with the contacts, so the starter never engages. You can turn the switch further with a screwdriver when it's out of the lock cylinder than you can turn it with a key. Buy a new ignition switch, they are like 50 bucks... unless you like being able to start your car with a screwdriver. BTW, that means anyone else can start it like that too.

[MartyMcFly]

makes perfect sense, you are a stud my man!

is there anyway to rebuild my current ignition switch?

[VanduzerLancerES]

get a push start button.................

[alzahakar]

get a push start button.................

That's about the stupidest fucking thing to suggest to anyone.

There's no way to rebuild them that I know of, but buying a new one will be better in the long run. It will last you another 10-15 years.

[g6civcx]

It will last you another 10-15 years.

Maybe more. You're replacing old technology with new technology, or at least it's supposed to be that way in theory.

[95se]

makes perfect sense, you are a stud my man!

is there anyway to rebuild my current ignition switch?


Rebuild rebuild.. WHY? Just by a new one and get it over with. Whats the point in doing that.. you are just waisting time and money in the long run.. plus its just hassle! Get a NEW ONE and be done with it already!!!!!

[MartyMcFly]

Ok Ok Ok, you guys got me, get a New one. I found a cool guy selling his used one with 115k miles on it for 10 shipped, but why have the same thing happen in another year or 2.

Do I have to get this badboy straight from Nissan? What about an ebay one?

[S14TEENZ]

they cost like 20 bucks at a autozone...
the ignition switch..

[alzahakar]

I think you can get these from any major parts store.

[95se]

DO NOT BUY IT OFF EBAY. Just buy the one from the auto parts store and see if it has a lifetime warranty.. some parts do or get a nissan genuine part from dealership if not.

[g6civcx]

That's about the stupidest *** thing to suggest to anyone.

I am not sure I agree. The only real purpose of the ignition switch is to provide the steering lock.

I don't see any harm with a separate ignition switch for the electrical components.

[alzahakar]

I've had to clean up after a couple of push button starter setups because previous owners were too cheap to replace the ignition switch. Nobody ever does clean jobs on them, they just do the 10 minute cut/twist/tape jobs to get the car running again. Sorry if I'm biased against them, I just don't think they belong in a street car.

[MartyMcFly]

20$ at Autozone eh? Ok Ill have to go grab one. Now the car wont start with the screwdriver, really weird. I went to go take off my starter to have it checked out and now the damn starter wont come off. All the nuts are taken off but the thing wont budge!! Any tips on this one?

[g6civcx]

Nobody ever does clean jobs on them, they just do the 10 minute cut/twist/tape jobs to get the car running again. Sorry if I'm biased against them, I just don't think they belong in a street car.

I would be very careful about saying "everybody". Does everybody include myself?

Push buttons belong on cars that see both track time and road time where the tech inspection at the track requires the steering lock to be removed but state law requires that the steering lock be kept.

If you have a better suggestion than I am all ears, unless you say something like trailer queen or break the law.

Got anything?

[idlafie]

I would be very careful about saying "everybody". Does everybody include myself?

Push buttons belong on cars that see both track time and road time where the tech inspection at the track requires the steering lock to be removed but state law requires that the steering lock be kept.

If you have a better suggestion than I am all ears, unless you say something like trailer queen or break the law.

Got anything?

State laws vary from state to state. Pick up a Penal / Vehicle Code book from several states & have a blast reading them. Toss in Federal laws to the mix & confuse yourself even more!!!

Most, (if not all vehicles), come with a steering column lock installed in the ignition switch so as to prevent vehicle theft. That's probably the main reason behind it as the insurance industry probably won't want to pay for a bunch of stolen cars....see any new car keys lately?? A good majority now have anti-theft microchips installed in them.

As for Push "START" buttons on cars, most new cars don't come with those unless it's a sports car or some other high-end or performance car. It's mostly a marketing ploy to get people to think they are in an "exotic" performance car. As for tracks requiring the removal of steering column locks, it's mostly for liability purposes. They don't want the driver doing something stupid like accidently engaging the steering column lock while he's hauling ass on the track. Don't ask...it's probably been done. If you've been to the track enough, you know what some drivers are capable of. Why do you think they have tech inspections???

As for ignition switches, most people don't understand how they operate. The key portion that you stick into the ignition switch, (on the right side of your steering column), is not what actually runs the car. Think of the key portion as the unlocking mechanism which controls the module switch. The MODULE switch is what actually send all the current to your electrical system and is located on the left side of your steering column & is responsible for powering your car. THAT module is what goes bad on your ignition switch & not the key cylinder portion.

Now if you are crazy enough to stick a screwdriver into the key cylinder portion of your switch, pray to god you NEVER get pulled over by the cops!! If you do & the cops see a punched ignition switch, you'll be looking down the barrels of their guns as they'll be thinking you just stole the car!! Have fun lying on the ground with their knees in your back as they cuff you....

And as for bypassing a busted "START" positon on an ignition switch by installing a ghetto push button switch so as to get the car running again, it shouldn't be done, but as Alzahakar said, some people will do it because they are too cheap to replace the switch. Hell...just look at some of the wiring jobs some of our fellow Zilvian's have done on THEIR cars just to save a buck!!!....

Anyhow, I've ranted enough....but that's my opinion...your's may vary....

America...ain't it a great country!!!:naughty::naughty:

ID

[idlafie]

... now the damn starter wont come off. All the nuts are taken off but the thing wont budge!! Any tips on this one?

Pry bar or BIG [email protected]#'in hammer!!!....

Oh!..... careful it doesn't fall on you once you get it loose!!....

ID

[MartyMcFly]

Thanks for all the responces guys, got the starter off and replaced. Going to buy a new ignition switch tomorrow at Vato Zone. I can tell I like this community already :)