Adjusting ignition switch?

[terryk]

Is there a way to adjust the position of the ignition switch at the base of the column relative to the position of the key lock cylinder or increase the spring tension so the switch comes back out of the start position?

I just spent 2 hours trying to figure out why the power master, windows and AC blower were dead when no of the fuses were blown.

Turns out, after you start the car, the keylock doesn't rotate back far enough to turn on some of the ignition switches. I can just rotate it back a little and those circuits power up.

I looked at the switch but couldn't see where the slop or spring tension might come into play.

Anyone experienced this?

Terry

86TT

 

[terryk]

I'm thinking it might be going bad. It's getting pretty flakey. I can wiggle the key and some circuits go dead.

 

[turbo todd]

switch position

Hello, I'm not sure on the buicks (because I havent had to go into the switch yet) but on older gm cars there is a little adjustment there. Insead of a hole thier is a small slot. Also do you have alot of keys or key chains on the key ring? This extra weight will cause (over time) some of the same symptoms. This is due to the extra weight on the tumbler. Hope this helps.

 

[terryk]

I don't think the problem is up at the cylinder. It appears to be down at the base of the column at the switch assembly. I think a new one is in order.

 

[turbo todd]

reply

Yea, thats were they start to go. (not springing back all the way) Should not be to hard. Good luck.

 

[terryk]

Crap! This is going to require luck?!!! "If it's weren't for bad luck......"

Yeah, I think I need to get another. It's pretty flakey now.

Boy, the manual is pretty skimpy on details. "No System Power - Igition Switch is Bad. Good Luck".

 

[terryk]

I figured it out. The Johnson valve was out of sector region. A few tweaks with my Foxworth 2000 Dominator Spanner Wrench and voila, all is well.

Thanks!

Terry