73E9er
Member
Took the coupe (1973 3.0 CS) out for a spin a week, or so, ago - on one of the best days of the year (weather-wise) so far this year here in Oregon. Just HAD to get out of the house and get some seat time. Returned home with a BIG smile on my face, pulled into the garage, parked the coupe, and shut it off. Was half way out the door when I sensed something was wrong. The car was still running! Not herky-jerking like it might be when experiencing after-shutoff carbon buildup firing, but idling right along at 1000 RPM, smooth as silk.
I looked in my hand to make sure I was not mistaking my previous actions, and sure enough, there were my keys. No indicator (accessory) lights were on on the dash. I inserted the key, turned it clock-wise all the way (no effect), then counter-clock-wise to the "neutral) (running) position - this should have shut off the car, per normal. But noooo... I next turned the key counter-clock-wise again (no effect), and then back to neutral(center), at which time the accessory lights came on. I then pulled the key out, fearful that if I turned it clock-wise again I might engage the starter circuit and really mess things up. I opened the hood and pulled the hot lead from the coil top and, of course, the car stopped running. Mission accomplished. Hmmmm.... Left the car to sit. Dinner was awaiting.
The next morning, I replaced the coil lead, got in and inserted my key and turned it to the accessory position - lights all lit up. Then I turned it to "start" and it fired up just fine, the key returning to the "running" position. I tried shutting it down and experienced all the symptoms from the previous day. Pulled the coil lead to stop the car again. Took the steering wheel off and separated the clam shell halves of the steering post cover. "Nothing to see here, folks." No obvious detached wires, etc. Saw sufficient complexity in the dismounting of the ignition switch itself that I knew doing so was not readily a project for me.
So, at present, I can actually drive the car, but need to shut it down by brute force. Questions for the group: Does this seem to be a de facto ignition switch problem? If so, suggestions on where to locate a replacement? Assuming one can be found, will I have to re-key my car (or at least carry a separate key for just the ignition) or is the pin/tumbler part of the switch able to be transplanted to another switch housing?
Any help here will be appreciated. Thanks.
I looked in my hand to make sure I was not mistaking my previous actions, and sure enough, there were my keys. No indicator (accessory) lights were on on the dash. I inserted the key, turned it clock-wise all the way (no effect), then counter-clock-wise to the "neutral) (running) position - this should have shut off the car, per normal. But noooo... I next turned the key counter-clock-wise again (no effect), and then back to neutral(center), at which time the accessory lights came on. I then pulled the key out, fearful that if I turned it clock-wise again I might engage the starter circuit and really mess things up. I opened the hood and pulled the hot lead from the coil top and, of course, the car stopped running. Mission accomplished. Hmmmm.... Left the car to sit. Dinner was awaiting.
The next morning, I replaced the coil lead, got in and inserted my key and turned it to the accessory position - lights all lit up. Then I turned it to "start" and it fired up just fine, the key returning to the "running" position. I tried shutting it down and experienced all the symptoms from the previous day. Pulled the coil lead to stop the car again. Took the steering wheel off and separated the clam shell halves of the steering post cover. "Nothing to see here, folks." No obvious detached wires, etc. Saw sufficient complexity in the dismounting of the ignition switch itself that I knew doing so was not readily a project for me.
So, at present, I can actually drive the car, but need to shut it down by brute force. Questions for the group: Does this seem to be a de facto ignition switch problem? If so, suggestions on where to locate a replacement? Assuming one can be found, will I have to re-key my car (or at least carry a separate key for just the ignition) or is the pin/tumbler part of the switch able to be transplanted to another switch housing?
Any help here will be appreciated. Thanks.
