I am having problems with my ignition switch or ignition tumbler. I just bought the car ( ex Police SSP ) and the previous owner had problems starting it and rigged up a toggle switch to supply power to the selenoid in order for the car to start. I got a replacement ignitioin switch from the Dealer as they are prone to fail, so I have learned. I found specail screws/bolts holding the old one on. Looks like rivets or specail tool needed to remove it. I unplugged it and connected the new switch to the harness, it still would not start. The car would not turn off. Does the switch have to be grounded ( with the bolts) in order to work. Maybe I need a new ignition tumbler. The selenoid is new. The battery and starter are fine. The car starts right away after I turn the key on, depress the clutch and turn the toggle switch , which applies power directly to the selenoid.

1. How do I removed the bolts/ screws for the old switch.
2. Does the switch have to be grounded to the column to work.
3. How do I remove the ignition tumbler.

any help would be appreciated..

 

Hi Brad,

My 89's ignition switch failed with ~28k in it. It was an easy replacement.

I am a bit confused with what you are saying you did.

It sounds a bit like you are saying you did not remove the existing switch but just plugged the new switch in to the harness to see if it would start the car. No, it won't.

You need to remove the existing switch using the key and, my memory is fuzzy, a paper clip. I may be confusing this info with another car but it goes something like putting the key in and turning it to accessory, shove the paper clip in the little tiny hole and then pulling out. If you go off prematurely you have a different problem You pull out the old switch and then install the new switch. Then life will be good.

 

I keep thinking about this and it seems to me you will see a button. Instead of using the paper clip you push the button while the key is in accessory.

 

Great advice and good luck

 

P/M me your email address and I will email you the electrical schmatics for your 1986 Mustang - very detailed and directly from Ford. This will tell you if the colum has to be grounded and will no doubt serve you well throughout the rest of your build. I'd post them here but the file is too big.