81 Ignition replacement

[giuliot60]

Has anyone ever replaced their ignition (and key). My Spider's PO added a push button start to mine and I'm not vey thrilled with it.

Any thoughts?

[rlux4]

Just about everyone either has or will replace the ignitions switch at some point. I've done mine and it's pretty easy. The only thing is though, you need the key to get the old one out. I didn't have it and had to drill mine out.
Ron

[vandor]

Did he do it because the original switch went bad, or just because he wanted to? If the latter, then you may be able to just reconnect the red wire to the #50 terminal on the ignition switch.

If you ever have to take out the switch, remember that to pull it out of the steering column the key has to be in the horizontal position, then put a pin in the hole on the right side and push to release a lock tab. You have to look at it to see what I am talking about.

[giuliot60]

Thanks guys.

I believe he added it because it was bad, Csaba. How can you get a replacement? Is NOS available, or do you have to get one from a parts car?

I'm in no rush, but would eventually like to do it.

[giuliot60]

How things change.

After a no-start, after reconnecting my aftermarket wiper, and a link to Mirafiori on how to rebuild the switch from Csaba, I decided to take the plunge. I haven't installed it yet, but the rebuild labor time was about 3-3.5 hrs and I really took my time.

Next step is to remove my push button start and rewire it back to stock.

Wish me luck.

[sixcharlie]

Luck is wished. I have an extra ignition. And key. And I'm 20 minutes away.

[giuliot60]

OK. Why didn't I ask you first?

[sixcharlie]

OK. Why didn't I ask you first?

Because you knew, that I'd know, that you'd find the answer her, like I did.

[giuliot60]

UPDATE:

After installing the rebuilt ignition, cleaning the fuse contacts and changing the fuses, I had the same electrical/no-start issue that I had before the rebuild.

A bit bummed out, I decided to review the electrical diagnostic manual PDF (Artigue) which led me to check the G3 (ground under the dash by ignition switch). After unscrewing it and screwing it back in, all my electronic components came back on. Relief!

Now that that was resolved, I removed the push button start, reconnected the brown, red, red/black wires, and started the car up with the rebuilt ignition on the first try!

I'm a happy man.