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How hard to replace ignition switch?
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amishman
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PostPosted: Fri May 16, 2008 5:49 pm    Post subject: How hard to replace ignition switch? Reply with quote

Just wondering how hard or easy it is to replace a ignition switch on a 1989 Syncro Vanagon? I am not sure mine is necessarily bad but I wanted to replace it now as once in awhile after a drive, it does not want to start. Just get lights on dash light up, no sounds, no clicks, just the lights. After a minute or so she starts right up. Just one of those once in awhile things and I figure lets start by replacing the switch in case it gets bad contact.

Also, if I buy this switch mechanism, does it mean my old key no longer works? Or do I take the ignition part to a locksmith and tell him to key to my main key before sticking it in.

Any advice would be nice.

Thanks

tj
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Crughy
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PostPosted: Fri May 16, 2008 6:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Do a search on the web, esp. Gerry, the vanagon list. It's well documented.
It's very easy for a non mech.

Disconnect battery.
You have to unscrew the steering wheel (remove klaxon pad).
Take the SW off.
Remove (unscrew) the 2 panels around the S. column.
I think you have to unplug the wipers and the other indicators. Take them off.
You should be able to access it. A couple of screws.

The web has it in easy well doc. steps.

JP
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1621
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PostPosted: Fri May 16, 2008 6:39 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Follow what Crughy says. It's fairly easy. If you haven't taken it out before (or the PO) you'll need to drill a small hole as per the Bentley in order to gain access to the spring clip that holds it in place. Then all you need is a pen tip (or something like it) to remove the cylinder. Then take it to a good locksmith and have him rekey it to whatever you want. My Westy is now a one key van. Fairly easy. Have fun!
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amishman
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PostPosted: Fri May 16, 2008 6:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

1621 wrote:
Follow what Crughy says. It's fairly easy. If you haven't taken it out before (or the PO) you'll need to drill a small hole as per the Bentley in order to gain access to the spring clip that holds it in place. Then all you need is a pen tip (or something like it) to remove the cylinder. Then take it to a good locksmith and have him rekey it to whatever you want. My Westy is now a one key van. Fairly easy. Have fun!


So you have to rekey this thing?

I thought I would only be replacing the electronic switch part and not the actual keyed mechanism?

I need to track down my Bentley in whatever box I have it stashed in. <grin>

I did find a Been There Done That on a ignition and it made no mention of rekeying.

tj
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Crughy
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PostPosted: Fri May 16, 2008 6:45 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Oups. I forgot your second question.

No, the ignition switch is just an electric connector, underneath the key mechanism. It's a different part.
Same key. Don't worry about that, you won't need to touch that part.

I just read what 1621 said. I can't remember needing to drill something, it was all easy. Just like a lego, disassemble, reassemble.

JP
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Dogpilot
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PostPosted: Fri May 16, 2008 6:48 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The actual procedure is relatively easy. There are a few pitfalls. You should use a puller to get the silver part (the housing for the switch, lock and column lock), to come off the shaft. Or you can use a soft mallet to try to coax it off. The part that is tricky is the U-joint at the bottom near the pedals kind of falls apart, no big deal to put back together, but then you have the indexing issue. So putting a block of wood in there to keep it from collapsing makes assembly a lot easier.

The switch itself comes out after removing the one screw. It makes no difference to your key.

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1621
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PostPosted: Fri May 16, 2008 7:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Embarassed Sorry, I guess I should read through more thoroughly before I post. No, you don't need to even pull the key cylinder out. All in all, a fairly simple task. You shouldn't even need the Bentley, so don't bother looking through your boxes to find it. Smile
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ftp2leta
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PostPosted: Sat May 17, 2008 3:39 am    Post subject: Re: How hard to replace ignition switch? Reply with quote

amishman wrote:
Just wondering how hard or easy it is to replace a ignition switch on a 1989 Syncro Vanagon? I am not sure mine is necessarily bad but I wanted to replace it now as once in awhile after a drive, it does not want to start. Just get lights on dash light up, no sounds, no clicks, just the lights. After a minute or so she starts right up. Just one of those once in awhile things and I figure lets start by replacing the switch in case it gets bad contact.

Also, if I buy this switch mechanism, does it mean my old key no longer works? Or do I take the ignition part to a locksmith and tell him to key to my main key before sticking it in.

Any advice would be nice.

Thanks

tj


It's all there:
http://www.benplace.com/dash.htm

Ben
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ZimmerVan
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PostPosted: Sat May 17, 2008 9:40 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I did this last week and followed the procedure outlined here:
http://www.carboncow.com/vanagon/

click on "procedures" then "ignition switch"

piece o' cake.
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