Technical Ignition Switch

[Bernied]

I have a 1981 Convertble Spyder Turbo w/40K miles (really). Today, I went out and couldn't get home (again). When I turned the key in the ignition, the fuel pump activated and nothing else. No starter, no nothing. I got it push started and got back home and tried it again. Same result. Charged the battery, tried it again and same result. This has happened twice before and both times it was the ignition switch which had to be replaced.

So, I have 2 questions: a) why is this happenning so frequently since I only get about 50 starts before the switch goes up? and b) what is the procedure for doing R & R on the switch?

Thnx for any advice you can offer.

 

[Davren]

Would seem like a good candidate for fitting an after market ignition relay. (Is there an echo in here?)

If your fuel pump ran and the car started with a push then the ignition supply through the switch is OK. It would seem that the problem is restricted to the starter solenoid supply (terminal 50) which is probably a thick red wire.

If the problem is continually occurring, it would suggest either a short somewhere in the soleniod supply wire or too much current being drawn by the solenoid. Both of which could burn out the switch contacts.

I don't think it would be practical to repair the switch, it would need new contacts which are not available as a seperate part.

Dave.