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Ignition Switch removal question

Discussion in '348/355' started by Saint Bastage, Aug 9, 2011.

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  1. Saint Bastage

    Saint Bastage F1 Rookie

    Jun 1, 2007
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    Lane
    #1 Saint Bastage, Aug 9, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    need a little help here. I've got a problem with my ignition switch. There is some mechanical reason the switch will not move past the run position. I'm trying to remove the switch to investigate the matter but have come across a barrier. It seems the screws (#42) were disrupted or tack welded to prevent removal. Is there a special tool used to remove these or am I supposed to drill them out?
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  2. 2NA

    2NA F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner Professional Ferrari Technician

    Dec 29, 2006
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    Tim Keseluk
    #2 2NA, Aug 9, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    They are special tamper-proof screws. The heads are broken off when they're screwed in.

    They're pretty soft steel so will be easy to drill out, just be careful.

    You can replace them with ordinary 8mm allen heads.

    Good luck disassembling the lock. I've had a couple apart, they're not too robust inside and are pretty much junk. I'm not aware of any repair parts available to fix it. It's fairly easy to remove the parts that lock the ignition and steering column so you can drive the car but it can be started with a screwdriver then so security is a problem.

    A replacement switch/lock assembly comes as a matched set with new door cylinders keyed alike. As you might expect EXPENSIVE!
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  3. plugzit

    plugzit F1 Veteran
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    Bruce Bogart
    #3 plugzit, Aug 9, 2011
    Been there. Can you remove the tumbler only? There's a pushbutton in a recess that you can push in to get the tumbler out once you remove the one screw that's holding it in. Maybe you can access the problem from there.
     
  4. Saint Bastage

    Saint Bastage F1 Rookie

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    #4 Saint Bastage, Aug 9, 2011
    Drilled off the bolts and got the switch assembly out. The tumbler was extremely difficult to remove and had to be "driven" out. Its now apart and I can see what the problem is but cannot fix it due to vision and extremely small part limitations. I'm going to try a local lock smith but will more likely be investing in a new switch with keys. Ouch!!! Maybe just dis-assemble the steering lock and install a push button switch for now.
     
  5. bcwawright

    bcwawright F1 Veteran

    Jul 8, 2006
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    Bruce
    #5 bcwawright, Aug 9, 2011
    I took the tumbler mechanism apart and tiny little tumblers and other parts bounced into the 4th dimension.....lost forever.

    Next time I'll take it to a locksmith.
     
  6. Saint Bastage

    Saint Bastage F1 Rookie

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    #6 Saint Bastage, Aug 9, 2011
    For those that search this and hope to gain knowledge of the process...Let me tell you, its challenging to get that friggen switch out. Drilling the bolts is necessary and you can't get a square angle on the heads unless you dis-assemble a bunch of crap. I ended up removing the adjustable wheel bolt allowing the column to drop down away from the dash. This was the challenge since the dash try's desperately to restrict lateral motion of the stud. I ended up having to cut a piece of protective sheet metal for my leather and calling my son for additional hands. You can bet the replacement switch will be attached with hex bolting or Allen screws. You can also bet the steering column lock will be removed from the new switch. (Those things scare me anyway)
     

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