328 Ignition Switch | FerrariChat

328 Ignition Switch

Discussion in '308/328' started by surfdwn, Jan 26, 2022.

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  1. surfdwn

    surfdwn Karting

    Sep 28, 2005
    127
    Freeport, Fl
    Just a "heads up" to anyone who thinks they may need a new ignition switch. They are tough to come by now and expensive.

    I had determined that my intermittent starting issue was due to a faulty ignition switch. Going through the Ferrari Chat archives, I found that a BMW 2002 switch, 61 31 2 682 120, was a direct replacement, and in those days, very inexpensive.

    I did a search and found a half dozen sites for the part, ranging in price from $275 to $340. I placed orders for the two least expensive options, only to be informed that they were not in stock and did not expect any replacements in the near future. I ended up buying on off ebay from MrFiat, for $340.

    I guess the BMW part is either not being made anymore, or it is a victim of current supply chain issues. In any event, be prepared to beat the bushes for one of these if you need it now.
     
    john a barnes likes this.
  2. thorn

    thorn F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Aug 7, 2012
    3,322
    Tallahassee, FL
    Damn, not cheap. I'd be hitting a local pick/pull junkyard.
     
  3. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Feb 24, 2006
    15,517
    Cerritos, CA.
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    Mike
    Time to install a push button starter switch
     
  4. Lawrence Coppari

    Lawrence Coppari Formula 3

    Apr 29, 2002
    2,149
    Kingsport, TN
    Full Name:
    Lawrence A. Coppari
    A flyback diode can help preventing a problem.
     
    lm2504me likes this.
  5. lm2504me

    lm2504me Formula 3
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    Aug 26, 2004
    1,086
    Nipomo, CA
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    Richard
    Before buying the contact block, ensure it has Bosch Germany or SWF Germany cast in the black plastic, otherwise you are getting a Chinese made item (not as reliable).
    A flyback diode on the starter circuit extends the life of the contact block copper.
     
  6. surfdwn

    surfdwn Karting

    Sep 28, 2005
    127
    Freeport, Fl
     
  7. surfdwn

    surfdwn Karting

    Sep 28, 2005
    127
    Freeport, Fl
    Thanks for the heads up about the switch and the flyback diode.
     
  8. lm2504me

    lm2504me Formula 3
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    Aug 26, 2004
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    #9 lm2504me, Jan 26, 2022
    Last edited: Jan 26, 2022
    Yes, great price. I would buy it, but I have a stash of the Bosch / SWF contact blocks and Neiman ignition barrels for my 308 and Alfa 1750 Roundtail to last my lifetime.
     
    thoke likes this.
  9. surfdwn

    surfdwn Karting

    Sep 28, 2005
    127
    Freeport, Fl
    I have seen some used ones for sale, but replacing a failing part with a used part makes me nervous.
     
  10. lm2504me

    lm2504me Formula 3
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    Aug 26, 2004
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  11. surfdwn

    surfdwn Karting

    Sep 28, 2005
    127
    Freeport, Fl
    That is a good price.
     
  12. lm2504me

    lm2504me Formula 3
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  13. lm2504me

    lm2504me Formula 3
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    1,086
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    JohnnyTS likes this.
  14. JohnnyTS

    JohnnyTS Formula Junior

    Jun 3, 2012
    898
    Pretoria East, RSA
    Full Name:
    John
    so they can be serviced or renewed if you can't find a new one ?
     
  15. lm2504me

    lm2504me Formula 3
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    #16 lm2504me, Jan 28, 2022
    Last edited: Jan 28, 2022
    No, cannot be repaired. Once the contact block is disassembled and damaged internally they cannot be repaired. No spare internal parts available. This one had rust inside it. Must have been in humid location.

    You can replace the ignition barrel in your ferrari ignition switch using similar barrels. I have some with German text, Italian text, and Roman numerals.
     
  16. JohnnyTS

    JohnnyTS Formula Junior

    Jun 3, 2012
    898
    Pretoria East, RSA
    Full Name:
    John
    I see, thank you.
     
  17. thoke

    thoke Karting

    Jul 31, 2011
    136
    Ridgway CO
    Full Name:
    T.Hoke
    Has anyone installed a push-button starter switch? Any info on how this can be done?
     
  18. surfdwn

    surfdwn Karting

    Sep 28, 2005
    127
    Freeport, Fl
    I just got the replacement switch yesterday and installed it today. The car starts right up now. The swap is relatively easy, but the positioning you have to get into to access the mounting bolts was an adventure for my 70 year old body!
     
    john a barnes, lm2504me and maurice70 like this.
  19. Vonbarron

    Vonbarron Formula 3
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Aug 26, 2014
    1,986
    Westside Mofo
    Full Name:
    S B
    It’s an easy thing, the outlaw will be started this way. Most of my old race cars are button start with either a relay or the big Amp start button wired direct. I almost did it to the 83 when the valet destroyed the ignition switch but found a new key tumbler at the last minute
     
    thoke likes this.
  20. Harry-SZ

    Harry-SZ F1 Rookie

    How to change this ignition switch?
    I have a 1983 308 GTB QV and there are many many cables under the dash (big ones that cannot be moved away easily) and I cannot even see this ignition switch, let alone loosen those 2 screws.
    Is there a trick for this? Should I remove parts from the steering column or something?
     
  21. lm2504me

    lm2504me Formula 3
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    I removed the steering wheel to allow me get under dash and access to the rear of the ignition switch.
    what is your ignition switch issue?
     
    Harry-SZ likes this.
  22. Harry-SZ

    Harry-SZ F1 Rookie

    The starter sometimes keeps running when I let go of the key after starting the engine.
    I have already pulled and refurbished the starter motor but that seemed okay.
    So I got a new ignition switch and want to put that in too.
     
  23. Harry-SZ

    Harry-SZ F1 Rookie

    I think I can see it on this picture. At least one of the 2 screws..
    Taking the picture was already very difficult so I hope there is some kind of trick to replace it :)

    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  24. lm2504me

    lm2504me Formula 3
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    Aug 26, 2004
    1,086
    Nipomo, CA
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    Push the driver seat all the way back.
    I put a 1 inch rubber pad over the lower door threshold. While lying on my back, I slid under the dash. Use good lighting. Your wiring diagram will help with colored wires to correct switch terminal when reinstalling.
    I marked the back of the switch at the top to ensure proper orientation. Silver sharpie mark at top. You may have to Tyrap some wire bundles out of the way.
     
    surfdwn and Harry-SZ like this.

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