65GS.com - Buick Gran Sport Enthusiasts!
General Discussion => How To's => Topic started by: Loren At 65GS on July 24, 2021, 01:46:55 PM
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Have you ever wondered what the inside of the ignition switch is like. Maybe it is just me, but I have and so I decided to take one apart.
After testing the switch for resistance and finding resistance in excess of 1.8 Ohm, it was obvious there was an issue. High resistance creates heat. Heat melts wires. Melted wires can cause running problems and possibly fire. Can't count how many melted ignition switch wires I have seen, it's been many.
The first picture is just that of the back side of the switch. The trick is to get the switch open with out breaking the plastic or the cast body.
I found that I can tap the three swaged spots open by gently tapping those areas with a small chisel or punch with a hammer. Once these are opened up enough , the plastic part with the terminals can be removed.
Picture two shows the two separated. Not really much to an ignition switch is there? I cleaned all the contact surfaces with a wire brush in my Dremel tool.
The two switches I did both had a burned surface for the Accessory position. The burned spot had a rough point. So, I gently filed it , then polished with fine wet dry sand paper. Then lubed all contact points with a special Lubriplate for electrical switches, reassembled the switch and retested.
I now had 4 tenths resistance through all points, which is good. This switch is now good as new.
Loren
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Interesting, Loren. You are the king of refurbishing electrical components!
The switch does look pretty simple inside. And that makes possible the refurbishing that you've been able to pull off. Well done!
:cheers2:
Chuck
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Thanks Chuck. Not sure if it was a case of inquiring mind or ? LOL
Loren
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I think I need a new switch for a 66. When I shut the key off one idiot light stays on sometimes and drains the battery.
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I think I need a new switch for a 66. When I shut the key off one idiot light stays on sometimes and drains the battery.
I'm fairly sure your issue is not the ignition switch, but rather the voltage regulator. Most likely a contact is remaining closed in the regulator and causing the drain.
That said, it would still be wise to check the switch for having too much resistance.
Loren
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Interesting, Loren. You are the king of refurbishing electrical components!
The switch does look pretty simple inside. And that makes possible the refurbishing that you've been able to pull off. Well done!
:cheers2:
Chuck
Thanks Chuck for the compliment.
I've always had an interest in "How does this work" and enjoy taking items apart to see if I can repair it.
Loren
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Dear Loren, Chuck, Jim, and curious mid-60s Buick caregivers,
Have you ever wondered what the inside of the ignition switch is like. Maybe it is just me, but I have and so I decided to take one apart.
. . . .
Picture two shows the two separated. Not really much to an ignition switch is there?
. . . . .
Thanks Loren for sharing! Indeed I never thought an ignition switch would be quite that simple. However, on second thought - the simpler the better!
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14: