TIP: Ignition switch replacement (smoking)

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by Anastasio, Jun 21, 2005.

  1. Anastasio

    Anastasio Guest

    1990 CRX Si, 181,000mi
    A few times a year I have had a problem starting the car. Car would
    start up when the key is turned but die as soon as the key is let go.
    Had the problem this week, got it started but then 15 miles later when
    I stopped at a light I saw wisps of white smoke coming from the
    steering column (never good!).

    Turned out to be the ignition starter switch. It was wearing out (dirty
    & worn inside). One of the contacts was arcing and heating up, enough
    to melt the solder on one of the leads!

    This switch sits behind the ignition lock and is attached with 3 screws
    (you get to keep the same keys).

    Instead of just cleaning it, I bought a replacement switch from Auto
    Zone. Got a Wells part #LS883 for $60. Direct replacement except one of
    the screw holes was too small for the existing screw - replaced screw.

    Now, the car starts right up and even appears to idle much more
    smoothly.

    Hope this helps someone else in the future...

    A
     
    Anastasio, Jun 21, 2005
    #1
  2. Anastasio

    motsco_ _ Guest


    ------------------------

    Honda replaced several MILLION ignition switches a few years ago in a
    huge campain. All three of my (slightly older) Hondas qualified for the
    free fix. One had been dying at the most innoportune times :-(

    'Curly'
     
    motsco_ _, Jun 21, 2005
    #2
  3. Anastasio

    TeGGeR® Guest


    Which one? There's no such thing as an "ignition starter switch". You must
    mean the RUN contact.



    Oh, you mean this?:
    http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/startproblems.html#ignitionswitch
     
    TeGGeR®, Jun 22, 2005
    #3
  4. Anastasio

    shellbell Guest

    How do you clean it?
     
    shellbell, Jul 3, 2005
    #4
  5. Anastasio

    shellbell Guest

    are they still replacing them free if it was in the recall?
     
    shellbell, Jul 3, 2005
    #5
  6. Anastasio

    SoCalMike Guest

    if its anything like my VW rabbit, the switch is under the column, and
    attached to the lock cylinder. it all comes undone, and the switch MIGHT
    be able to be popped open to clean all the burned pitted crap out, but
    im sure its easier to just replace.
     
    SoCalMike, Jul 3, 2005
    #6
  7. Anastasio

    SoCalMike Guest

    yes. if it was involved in the recall, it should have already been
    replaced.
     
    SoCalMike, Jul 3, 2005
    #7
  8. Anastasio

    Bozo Guest

    Safety recalls do not normally have a time limit. Goodwill on the other
    hand (such as extended warranty) does
     
    Bozo, Jul 3, 2005
    #8
  9. Put it out first.
     
    Gordon McGrew, Jul 3, 2005
    #9
  10. Anastasio

    shellbell Guest

    What does it look like i took the dash boards away and the only thing I
    fount that was held together by a few screws was a little white box that
    had a piston thing coming out of it..
    Also is there a diagram or directions to do this stuff??
    Thanks a bunch for all the help!!
     
    shellbell, Jul 4, 2005
    #10
  11. Anastasio

    TeGGeR® Guest


    Jeez. Turn quoting on, will ya? And please, learn to type proper English.

    http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/startproblems.html#ignitionswitch
     
    TeGGeR®, Jul 4, 2005
    #11
  12. Anastasio

    motsco_ _ Guest


    ------------------------------


    Probably, YES. Call your dealer and tell them you're having these
    troubles. Don't mention you've been screwing around with it or they may
    say Forget It. Their tech can change one of those units in fifteen
    minutes with one hand tied behind his (/her) back. Get it done.

    'Curly'
     
    motsco_ _, Jul 4, 2005
    #12
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