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  #1  
Old 10-17-2005, 08:39 AM
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Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Louisiana
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83 300SD I Need Some Help

I went to go to work this morning. I turned the key and nothing happened, I mean nothing. No warning lights, glow plug light, and no start. When you turn the key you can feel no detents and the key will go to the start position and will not "spring back" to the normal run position, it will stay there. I know that the problem is in the key switch somewhere. It was fine Saturday and gave no indication that something was going wrong. Do you think it is in the tumbler or has the whole ignition switch assembly gone bad? I am usually pretty good with finding the problems but this one has me scratching my head. At least it did it at home. If anyone has any insight into this problem, please let me know. I will greatly appreciate it. Have a good day.
Rodney

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  #2  
Old 10-17-2005, 08:46 AM
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Location: Blue Point, NY
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You have already decided that the ignition switch is bad.

However, if it were me, I would check my cabling at the battery and be absolutely sure that I was getting 12V to the fuse box and the ignition switch before I condemned the switch.

If you are correct, and the switch is the culprit, the tumbler is not the problem. The problem is in the switch contacts and it would need to be replaced.

BTW, electrical issues rarely give any warning. They will be working fine on Saturday but the vehicle won't start today. No surprise there.
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Old 10-17-2005, 09:31 AM
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Thanks for your reply. The reason I was thinking it was something mechanical in the assembly is because I can feel none of the key position detents or when the key hits the start position, it will not spring back to the run position. It is like a limp noodle and just turns freely. I don't think it is battery or wiring problem to the fuse panel because I jumped the solenoid and cranked the car. I really do not know where to start with this. This is the one thing that I have not worked on yet on this car, I guess it is time now. I just need a little direction on what to do now.
Thanks,
Rodney
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  #4  
Old 10-17-2005, 09:48 AM
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I does sound like the switch has gone south. Replacement is not too difficult. I have not had the pleasure yet.

Do a search on "ignition switch". There should be a slew of posts with some tips on R & R. Watch the vacuum line connections on the back of the switch.
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  #5  
Old 10-17-2005, 09:54 AM
t walgamuth's Avatar
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Location: Lafayette Indiana
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if it is

the tumbler, you can remove it and work the electrical part with a screwdriver. as a test to see if it is the tumbler.

btw, i have changed out several switches. i am not sure if it ever solved the problem or not. it is a pita to do too.

tom w
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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.
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  #6  
Old 10-20-2005, 08:57 AM
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Smile Update, Found The Problem

I pulled the instrument cluster and was preparing to pull the ignition assembly. I reached back and pulled on the assembly and the switch part almost fell off in my hand. I pulled the wiring harness off and two of the three screws that hold the switch on fell out and the third one had about three threads holding it on. I lined the key tumbler and the switch up and it slipped right back together. It was very tight but I was able to put the screws back in without taking the assembly off the column. So if you run into the symptoms that I had you might want to check that out before you pull the assembly.
Thanks for all your help.
Rodney

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