Trouble removing switch

[FirstSpider]

Hey guys, I believe my ignition switch has gone bad and I ordered a new one. I looked up the International auto parts video and Autoricambi instruction guide, but I cant fro the life of me seem to be able to get the old switch out of the dash. Any special tricks? Thanks for your help in advance.

[FirstSpider]

this is as far out as I could get it. http://www.flickr.com/photos/72984020@N04/8873424774/

[obdulio39]

don't waste your money buying a new switch. rebuild it like i did. all you do is take it completely apart and clean the contacts (you'll se what i mean when you see them) and if there is one pitted; just turn it around and readjust. my switch is the original cleaned and regreased and works as new..

[aj81spider]

I took mine out this weekend and struggled like you are so I know exactly where you are!

There is a bar on the left side of the switch that retracts a little when the key is lined up with the arrow. On mine it was right under the plate on the left side of the switch. The bar slides in a slot. When retracted it will clear the end of the slot. Mine (I ascertained later after finally getting it out) hung up a little side to side even when retracted.

Make sure your key is lined up with the arrow (or the bar won't be retracted and you'll never get it out) then push from the back and jiggle it a little. It took me a couple of minutes to get it free.

[fiat218]

Do you have to take the column ou to replace the ignition?

[FirstSpider]

Thanks Guys, took me a good 10-20 minutes but I got it out in the end. Sucker was really in there.