ignition switch and tumbler

[Ranch91]

Can anyone tell me; does the key tumbler have to be seated flush in the ignition switch of a '76 bronco. My ignition switch went and although I thought I had assembled the new one correctly, the tumbler in the ingnition switch wouldn't release like it should and the starter remained engaged. OK....thought I had bought a faulty switch. Bought a new switch and tumbler. I asked a Bronco techie about installation instructions. I was told the tumbler has to sit flush inside of the switch. I know the 1st replacement didn't as about 1/4" of the tumbler was still exposed. My 2nd replacement arrived and with a little work the tumbler fit into the switch. However, there is 1/4" still exposed. Am I doing something wrong or was the techie wrong and I've actually assembled it right but the 1st one may have been faulty? I haven't tried the 2nd one yet as I don't want to wreck the starter.

HELP.........

Thanks.

Doug

 

[Bully Bob]

Hi Doug.,

Yah., something is amiss..it should go in flush then remove the key.

RU using the paperclip in the lil' hole..?

I think it goes in --in the Acc. position-- then the paperclip removed... Then the key turner to off (straight up-n-down)& key removed.

 

[Ranch91]

Yes....removing the tumbler was easy....used the paper clip etc. My problem is getting the new tumbler to slide in so that it's seated all the way into the ignition switch without any of the tumbler being exposed at the top of the ignition switch housing.

I'm not sure hat it has to be seated all the into the ignition housing?

Thanks........

 

[Bully Bob]

Looking at mine.., it's actually "recessed" in almost 1/4 inch in its hole.

I don't think that keyswitch changed over the 11 yrs...

I removed mine., cleaned & oiled...& re-inserted (couple yrs. ago)

Seems it just went in., turned the key & pulled the key out.

 

[Seabronc]

Yes....removing the tumbler was easy....used the paper clip etc. My problem is getting the new tumbler to slide in so that it's seated all the way into the ignition switch without any of the tumbler being exposed at the top of the ignition switch housing.

I'm not sure hat it has to be seated all the into the ignition housing?

Thanks........

Did you use the method that Bully Bob mentioned to put it back in? It is not clear from your answer that you did it that way.

Good luck,

 

[Ranch91]

OK....figured out the tumbler problem. Now a new problem exists. When I turn the key to start it up the starter won't disengage. I'm thinking I may have crossed some wires or I have a wiring problem somewhere.

Hopefully somebody can give me an idea as to where I should start looking into this new problem. (it never ends)

 

[Bully Bob]

"When I turn the key to start it up the starter won't disengage."

Is the key switch spring-loaded., meaning does the key self-spring-back fr. start to the run position.? (as it should)

Could also be the solenoid on the pass. side fender well. They can sometimes "stick" in the "start" position..

I would start there... you can "wack" the solenoid with a screwdriver handle & see if it lets go.

Take the big red wire (that leads to the starter) off the solenoid & cycle the solenoid with the key-switch ..... it should "click" ea. time the key is turned to start. If not., it's stuck.

Not to worry.., all these lil' problems are fixable..!!! >< <'>

And.., "All systems operate in failure-mode" .... even new stuff... :-B [-o<

 

[Ranch91]

Thanks B.B.

I'll give your tips a try as soon as I get home.....hopefully that's it...my fingers will be crossed....

Thanks again....

Doug

 

[Ranch91]

Thanks B.B.......we thought it was the sticking solenoid as you described because after a light tap it actually tried to start without the starter staying engaged. Replaced the solenoid and gave it one more test.....back to the old problem....the starter wouldn't disengage. Tried a remote switch set up connected directly to the solenoid and it started fine. Had a ohm meter test on the switch wires and it appears that I probabaly have one or two options for possible problems. The neutral safety switch or a wiring problem between the ignition switch and the solenoid. Both look like ugly jobs.

Thanks for your help though.....it still never ends. A beautiful Bronco just sitting there and not being able to fire her up.

Doug.