ignition switch

[timbotim]

i need help how to change out the ignition switch on my 1972 charger..?

 

[Jonnyuma]

You'll need a steering wheel puller. A lock-plate spring compressor is helpful too...they're pretty inexpensive (don't even bother getting a loaner from AutoZone or whatever...the ears are gonna break off and you'll end up buying the thing anyway). Aside from those two things there aren't any other special tools involved. If you have the key getting the old one out is easier. The new one should have some rudimentary instructions with it.

Make sure the front wheels are straight before you pull the steering wheel. Depress the lock plate against the spring enough to remove the snap ring. If I remember correctly the turn signal cam has to be unscrewed and moved aside, then you can access the small spring-steel tab that holds the lock cylinder in place. Turn the key, depress the tab, and remove the lock cylinder. Installation is the reverse of removal. Not a difficult operation, but it may take some patience and, as a bonus, you'll gain an understanding of how things work inside the steering column. Knowledge is good.

 

[timbotim]

ignition change out

You'll need a steering wheel puller. A lock-plate spring compressor is helpful too...they're pretty inexpensive (don't even bother getting a loaner from AutoZone or whatever...the ears are gonna break off and you'll end up buying the thing anyway). Aside from those two things there aren't any other special tools involved. If you have the key getting the old one out is easier. The new one should have some rudimentary instructions with it.

Make sure the front wheels are straight before you pull the steering wheel. Depress the lock plate against the spring enough to remove the snap ring. If I remember correctly the turn signal cam has to be unscrewed and moved aside, then you can access the small spring-steel tab that holds the lock cylinder in place. Turn the key, depress the tab, and remove the lock cylinder. Installation is the reverse of removal. Not a difficult operation, but it may take some patience and, as a bonus, you'll gain an understanding of how things work inside the steering column. Knowledge is good.

thank you jonnyuma for your in put, ell give it a shot......timbotim

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Thank you Jonnyuma, ell give your advise a shot...........Timbotim

 

[cbunt1]

If your Charger has the same column as my Satellite (also a '72, but the origins of most of the parts on this car are questionable), it's fairly easy, just tedious. Pull the wheel, remove the turn signal assembly, pop the snap-ring over the bearing in the switch housing.

Here's where it gets a little tricky (or it did for me, until I figured it out) -- according to the service manual you need a special puller to get that press-fit bearing out...but I did it with gentle pressure with two screwdrivers between the housings -- just don't force it--gentle pressure. Don't freak when the shaft pulls forward just a bit -- it has a good 1/2" of slip in the coupler down on the steering box....but don't pull it TOO hard, or TOO far...it's a judgement thing, and you just have to feel for it.

Then comes the lock plate. Pull the ring-cover off (gently pry it off with a thin screwdriver, and work your way around it), then drive out the roll pin. The service manual says you can't drive it out with a punch, but I did--gently. WHat you're trying to avoid is breaking the plastic "holding" tabs in the collapsible shaft. After looking at it, IMO, it's not easy to break those tabs...

Then you'll pull the half-plate over the ignition lock, and get the lock out. The ignition switch is held in with three screws. Now the PITA is getting the wiring harness through the column slots--but it'll all fit.

I may have a couple of things out of order, I ended up pulling the entire column (for an entirely different reason) and going all the way through it (in fact, I'm putting it all back together right now), but I think I'm more-or-less right on.

You can get 'er done. lots and lots of screws, but they're all different, and thus won't go back in the wrong places.