Classic Alfa Forums

Ignition switch packed in today on my S2 sud.

Key goes in, but won't turn.

I got the column surround off and bridged the wires to get the ignition on........then started with a link on the starter motor.

But.......how do I get the old switch out?? Key won't turn.

Dave. Give the Key a good jiggle Whilst ensuring the column isn’t putting pressure on the steering locking block by wiggling in the steering wheel that may help release the mech.
There a small Screw the holds the switch in the housing Take that out aswell. Failing that you’ll have to drill the switch out but that’s a bit drastic and hopefully shouldn’t be necessary.

Oh yeah you’ll also need to pull the wires out of the plastic plug to feed them through the column when you do get it out .

Thanks Lou
I did try jiggling the key today, and the steering lock was off.
Will remove the small screw tomorrow and try again.
I did push the chrome pin in, and could feel it moving as I tried to turn the key.

I think this has happened to me before, and I replaced the switch.
But could I fit a push button instead?

Yeah if you don’t mind the “No Key” Security issue then of course you can fit a simple switch and a push button to start. I do it to race cars as we have to remove the locking mech anyway

Funnily enough I was talking to a locksmith today and he said that all locks should really be lubricated every 6 months, but NEVER with anything like WD40, in fact that invalidates the warranty on a lot of his new locks.
The thing to use is graphite powder lubricant which I have seen work wonders on the safe at work, years ago it got progressively harder and harder to open but after a quick pump of the powder it opened perfectly!
Locksmith suggested every 6 months to just put a dusting on the key then operate it a few times and most locks will last years and years, even padlocks.
Pays to listen to the experts so I'll be ordering myself some.
Might be worth a try if it's the key part that's jammed rather than the electrical portion..

I sprayed some WD 40 in earlier today!! Gulp.

As regards security......the car sits on the street full time.
Security is a Disklok.

Id be tempted to wash some brake cleaner in it then Dave, but don't try operating it until that's dried out as it is quite flammable
I too would have tried lubing it with WD so don't feel bad, but worth a try with the graphite powder which seems to be available in many places. Could be a cheap simple fix

I’ve got small bottle of that graphite powder somewhere. It’s about the size of a big bottle of superglue

Could you not rub a pencil on the sides of the key until you get some graphite powder?

I’ve got the race car set up with the button. I take the battery master out and just in case I’ve a second switch if I was ever leaving it for a long time.

The WD40 strips the oil off - PTFE is about the only useful thing you can buy in Homebase these days since they stopped selling mars bars.

For lost keys. I Melt some chocolate in a pan and then inject it into the lock with a syringe. I then Let it cool and hey presto instant key replica with the added bonus of being a tasty snack if you get hungry

Lou, would that be Cadbury's or Mars?

Got some graphite powder from the local locksmith.......managed to turn the key slightly, enough to push the pin in, and get the ignition switch out. Had a good fiddle with it.....tried both keys, but can't get the key to turn.
Replacement used one ordered from Justsuds........but I'm thinking of fitting a switch for reliability, as the car is used regularly.

Does it have to be a push button......could any other type of switch be used?

Dave. It Can be Any switch you like but it needd to be able take the Starter Current and not one that stays in the ON Position for obvious reasons that’s why most people go for a simple Push.
I’d avoid the Flimsy cheap plastic On/Off type . I use metal Toggle switches they have a nice firm “Kerchunk “ when you use them And you can get the red flip cover for them aswell So they look a bit Gucci

Thanks for that Lou.
Just remembered today there is a car locksmith near me!
Swampys Old Skool Lock Shop. He has an Ebay Shop.
I'll get him to have a look at the barrel tomorrow.

"Swampy's Old Skool Lockshop" now he sounds like a proper car bloke.

I wonder if he learned His Lock skills from the inside of other peoples RS2000s in the 80s

No, its was Golf Gti's
He also has a website.
I'll ask him what sort of chocolate he recommends

He's come out from his tunnel then?

No, he's still on Lockdown!

Swampy fixed the ignition switch for me.
Had to remove 2 bent levers.
Cost was £20.
Worth knowing......used ones are becoming rarer.

Correction.
The levers were ok.
It was the barrel that was worn.
Anyway, all turning freely now.

Good news Dave. Maybe worth putting a link to his place in the trader index
I know I want some replacements cutting for my IGN barrel And Also the doors.

Good idea re the trader, good sparky who doesn't charge th earth is always nice to know of