'72 - Can only start by hotwiring

[Bytor36]

Hi all - I'm trying to get my 72 ready for sale and hoping to fix this issue with the ignition before doing so.

My Spider: a '72 1608cc
Seems when I go to start car with key I get power to dash lights, etc.. but nothing beyond that.
The only way I can actually get the car started is to hotwire using wires in back of ignition (MacGyver would be so proud) with the key turned to right allowing fuel pump to run, etc..

Also note: I'm seeing some strange things with other lights/signals now - headlights stopped working and some turn signal issues, etc.. Now, that said - *I can get them to work if I futz with where I terminate wires behind ignition once I get the car started - - - so they work, but clearly I'm getting all sorts of derivitive issues of something that's gone/going bad - - perhaps the ignition itself?

Appreciate any advice and input - sorry if this is addressed elsewhere in forums - I made effort to find but perhaps not searching with proper phrase, etc..
Regards,
Troy

[Snoopy]

ignitionswitch ... ?
Video:
http://www.youtube.com/user/Internation ... zLLWd0o-JY

[mdrburchette]

I vote ignition switch too. People part out cars all the time. It's possible someone has a used one cheaper than what you can buy new. Make sure you post in the parts wanted section.

[surfingfreeman]

The aftermarket ones made in Russia are junky, no offense to my Russian brethren. There is a fine article out there in the ether on rebuilding though.

[james124]

The best is a reliable second hand switch. However, switches for a 72 may be getting harder to find.
If you are going for the Russian switch, you may want to consider one of these (no Russian interest).
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LADA-NIV ... ccessories
This will allow to keep your original key but does require some fooling around with the connections to get it working properly.
Good luck with whatever you choose. Jimmy G

[baltobernie]

Thanks for the link, Jimmy. I've ordered one for S&G. Will post a review once received.

[Bytor36]

Followup: This turned out to be ignition switch. Ordered new switch from international auto parts and good to go.
PS: The new switch wasn't very solid -- meaning, the thing was loose and when testing startup before placing back into steering column, I noticed the terminal core had about 1/16 inch play before it stopped at the wire band/loop in the housing. Pushing on the back of the terminal core was the only way things inside the switch seemed to work. Had to rig something up to keep the terminal end firmly in the housing. Strange.

[mdrburchette]

As expensive as these switches are, I would have considered returning it for another one. IAP is usually good about taking care of their customers.