Ignition Switch Help

[ComancheNewbie]

I have to pull the center plug on the distributor to shut off my engine because when I turn the key off, the damn thing keeps running! :dunno: I've been told that I can adjust the ignition switch. How do you do that? Anyone have pictures?

[Comanche County]

Not sure if they can be adjusted in the lock cylinder, I doubt it. If the problem is the switch itself it isn't too hard to replace. You'll probably need a steering wheel puller and also another special tool for depressing the horn button ring which is under the steering wheel. You can do it with out the horn button tool but it makes things much easier.

 

Some of the other guys on here are electrical geniuses and should be able to chime in on the specific cause.

[AmJay]

The ignition switch is mounted with 2 bolts on the steering column. The ignition switch can be slid up or down by loosing those 2 bolts. That is how you adjust it. With the key in the off position and the 2 bolts loosened slightly, move the switch up or down (don't remember which) until the engine shuts off. Then tighten the bolts. Test it to make sure all the key functions work (on, off, accessories) and adjust again if needed. The switch is located on the top of the steering column down by the brake pedal. I think the 2 bolts will be slightly to the left. I'm not at home right now or I could do better.

[crooner]

I thought the switch is up near where the key is inserted?

 

If there is a switch down by the brake pedal on the column, and it were loose, could it also prevent the engine from running after the key is moved from START to RUN? In otherwords, is there a risk of adjusting it too far?

[Comanche County]

AmJay is exactly right, I'm sorry I was a little confusing in my reply.

[AmJay]

I lot of people think the switch is by the key. The key just moves a rod up and down on the column. You may be able to feel this if you put your hand on the top of the column while turning the key. The 2 bolts that hold the ignition switch to the top of the column also adjust the switch. The plate the switch is attached to has elongated holes and when you loosen the 2 bolts (don't remove them or you'll have to do a lot more work) the switch will move up and down on the column about 1/2 an inch. It's definately possible the switch has worked loose. I can show you some pictures, tomorrow.

 

 

However, I worked on a jeep once that wouldn't shut off and someone had done some re-wiring and the alternator was feeding the ignition so even when they shut the Jeep off the alternator voltage was keeping it running.

[AmJay]

I thought the switch is up near where the key is inserted?

 

If there is a switch down by the brake pedal on the column, and it were loose, could it also prevent the engine from running after the key is moved from START to RUN? In otherwords, is there a risk of adjusting it too far?

 

 

That sounds like a different problem. The ignition switch has a spring in it that moves the key from start to run when you release the key. If that part seems to be ok, I'd look for something else.

 

You can adjust it too far but that usually only affects the extreme travel of the switch. You can't turn the key to Start the engine or you can't turn the key to accessories or you can't turn it off.

[ComancheNewbie]

I took off the bottom dash piece for a better look....I felt the bar that slides up and down the steering column when I turn the key, and I loosened the 2 bolts on the ignittion switch...amazinlgy it works just fine now. When I turn the key off, the engine shuts off everytime now....wtf? I didn't do anything yet! haha BUT... my question is, what is the device called that the bar is actually sliding in and out of? It's mounted more on the side of the steering column vice the top. The "ignition switch" I bought from Autozone (Part# LS442) is not what the bar slides into, but is mounted on top of the steering column. These are the two bolts I loosened.