I think I messed up!

mexicanjoe

Full Access Member
Joined
Aug 4, 2018
Posts
267
Reaction score
202
Location
texas
today my '89 decided it would not start. I thought the ignition switch was bad. Replaced it.... now I can't turn the key far enough to start. I do have the actuator rod properly placed in the switch but I think the actuator rod that runs from the key cylinder to the switch has come dismounted at the cylinder. Anybody else run into this?? Your humble writer asks for your wisdom and advice..
 

Cubey

Van dweller
Joined
Oct 18, 2017
Posts
4,066
Reaction score
1,580
Location
USA
So take it back apart and fix it? I'm not sure I understand the problem.

If I remember right, its a worm screw type setup with the cylinder. If you you don't put it in just right, it won't work right. It's been a couple years nearly since I had to replace my broken actuator rod.

Are you sure its not a broken one?
 
Last edited:

Macrobb

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 12, 2016
Posts
2,380
Reaction score
1,234
Location
North Idaho
The ignition switch itself, on the top of the steering column has slots in it. You can adjust the position up or down to match with the key positions.
 

The_Josh_Bear

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 1, 2016
Posts
1,916
Reaction score
1,498
Location
Western WA
today my '89 decided it would not start. I thought the ignition switch was bad. Replaced it.... now I can't turn the key far enough to start. I do have the actuator rod properly placed in the switch but I think the actuator rod that runs from the key cylinder to the switch has come dismounted at the cylinder. Anybody else run into this?? Your humble writer asks for your wisdom and advice..
This is possible if the linkage from the rod to the tumbler snaps. Happens when the old grease/wax they use is cold and thick. It happened to me. Its just a cast magnesium POS and is fairly common to break. Till you junkyard annother and fix it right, some needle nose pliers on the actuator rod should be able to push the switch down enough to start. Maybe vice-grip needle nose
 

Cubey

Van dweller
Joined
Oct 18, 2017
Posts
4,066
Reaction score
1,580
Location
USA
This is possible if the linkage from the rod to the tumbler snaps. Happens when the old grease/wax they use is cold and thick. It happened to me. Its just a cast magnesium POS and is fairly common to break. Till you junkyard annother and fix it right, some needle nose pliers on the actuator rod should be able to push the switch down enough to start. Maybe vice-grip needle nose

Why would you get a junkyard one? Oreilly sells the actuator rod. I cant remember if they had it on the rack in the help section or if they had to order it. I did the mod of cutting off the elbowed end that prevents the automatic shifter from moving out of park with the key off. It makes for much easier replacement if it breaks again, but it could be a safety hazard if you have kids, since they can put it in neutral without a key. But then again, that's no different from a manual transmission. But it cuts the labor in half to replace it later if you ever need to again.
 

The_Josh_Bear

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 1, 2016
Posts
1,916
Reaction score
1,498
Location
Western WA
Why would you get a junkyard one? Oreilly sells the actuator rod. I cant remember if they had it on the rack in the help section or if they had to order it. I did the mod of cutting off the elbowed end that prevents the automatic shifter from moving out of park with the key off. It makes for much easier replacement if it breaks again, but it could be a safety hazard if you have kids, since they can put it in neutral without a key. But then again, that's no different from a manual transmission. But it cuts the labor in half to replace it later if you ever need to again.
Well I went the junk yard route either because nobody carried one or I was already going to the JY. I don't remember. And it's not the rod he thinks he broke-- that part is steel. Is the linkage that breaks. Or whatever that goofy shaped part is called that connects the rod to the gear rack the tumbler actuates.

Edit: good lord for $11.50 you can get one of those?!?
 

Cubey

Van dweller
Joined
Oct 18, 2017
Posts
4,066
Reaction score
1,580
Location
USA
Well I went the junk yard route either because nobody carried one or I was already going to the JY. I don't remember. And it's not the rod he thinks he broke-- that part is steel. Is the linkage that breaks. Or whatever that goofy shaped part is called that connects the rod to the gear rack the tumbler actuates.

See link above. :)
 

Forum statistics

Threads
91,217
Posts
1,128,517
Members
24,045
Latest member
Ramtough01

Members online

Top