Technical Electrical accessories won't start unless car is "kick-started"

[whodat]

Howzit guys and girls,

My mum's Uno Mia 1.1 has a quirky electrical problem. The wipers and interior fan/heater won't run while is the motor is running.

They work when the car is off and the ignition is in the "half-way" position but as soon as the motor is started then the accessories switch off. The radio and all lights work normally (in fact the radio works even if the key's are removed from the ignition!).

A little work-around I'm using is that while the car is going I change to neutral, switch off, switch ON (but don't turn the key all the way!) and then change back to relevant gear (basically kick-starting) and then the wipers will work!

Any ideas as to what's wrong here?

Thanks,

Kiran

 

[tattyoldvan]

sounds like the ignition switch is dodgy, mine actually does it now and again and turning back once started usually resurects everything. occasionally the starter will continue to run after starting too, think just spring gone.

 

[whodat]

Thanks tattyoldvan.

Specifically are you referring to the ignition mechanism or some internal part? Is it user-serviceable or is it not worth the effort (just replace the whole ignition)?