Does this sound like a bad ignition switch?

[qwik1320]

The last few times I ran my 73 it would start AFTER you let go of the key. You could turn the key and crank forever and it wouldn't start until you let go. Now I can't get the car to start at all. The starter is turning over the engine, got fuel, new battery, etc - does this sound like the ignition switch bought the farm?

[zbugger]

Sounds like it to me. But I've been wrong before. But it sounds like it to me. But I've been wrong before. But it sounds like it to me.

[smittys69]

Sounds like you are not getting juice to your coil during while you are cranking but once you let off, you have it. More than likely is your switch it if worked before. Check juice to coil with ignition on and I bet you have it. Check it while someone is cranking and you probably don't.

[Madspeed]

If you dont use the original wiring with the resistor wire and backffed during crank from the starter to the coil then its a no brainer Yes Replace the switch
Is on top of the steering colum
Its off the pic to the right. you can kinda see it

[qwik1320]

Thanks guys, I'll try and pick up a switch this week and swap it out.

Thanks Madspeed for the picture, I was wondering where it was.

[Madspeed]

Your Very welcome bud we are all here to help..

I will warn you the switch cahnge is not fun.
It is in a very akward place to work.
to make it easyer you can setup a board from the rocker to a milk crate or somthing so you can lay down to work under the dash.

I have a special board from matco tools with a nice headrest for these jobs. Its kinda like a creeper with a fold out leg thats adjustable.

[MrQuick]

its fairly easy on 2nd gens cause of the long steering shaft. just remove lower plastic dash cover, un bolt the column and hang er down. It hangs down far enough to keep you off of your back.
It sounds like a wire problem like smitty suggested. Have you replaced a starter or changed ignition systems recently?

[qwik1320]

Haven't touched a thing, ignition and starter have been in for years. Maybe it's a problem resulting from the accident the other year, it was a pretty hard hit from behind and then the front so it may have shook something loose...and it finally just went.

[69keith]

The electrical part of the switch could be out of adjustment...
The switch adjusts up and down the column, just an idea..

[qwik1320]

Thanks guys, I replaced the switch tonight. Took about 1/2 hour, not bad at all. Car still doesn't start though, looks like my carb is out of whack.