Page 1 of 2
ignition switch issues
Posted: Sun May 14, 2023 3:16 pm
by johnscf
I’m having trouble with my ignition switches on 2 different cars. On one In order to get it to fire up the car I have to be pushing the key forward (in) and up (hard) If I just turn the key normally nothing happens. Sometimes even when I push it in and up nothing happens. Afraid to drive anywhere for fear I’ll get stranded. Thoughts on what the problem might be or suggestions on how to diagnose? It’s a 68 2000.
The second car has an ignition switch that works ok but only if you stop turning it before it goes to a full stop. If you turn the key normally all the way clockwise nothing happens. If you turn the key 3/4s of the way clockwise the car starts. Thoughts? It’s a 67 1600
Re: ignition switch issues
Posted: Sun May 14, 2023 3:37 pm
by Habitat.pat
Charlie, the first one sounds like either a bad connection on the switch, a loose switch, or a bad switch. The second one sounds like a bad switch. New switches are getting harder to find but they are still available. There are several different switches but look @ where the lock goes into the switch & find one that matches. As I recall there are a couple different pinouts so if you have to change to a different pin out, be sure to swap the wires around.
Peace, Pat
Re: ignition switch issues
Posted: Sun May 14, 2023 3:40 pm
by Habitat.pat
Oops, I missed that the second car is a 67. The switch & lock are all one piece. If you feel adventurous, you can cut slots around the crimp on the back & gently pry the switch out & clean the contacts.
Peace, Pat
Re: ignition switch issues
Posted: Sun May 14, 2023 4:50 pm
by redroadster
Your having trouble getting it to crank over ?
Right , that's a big amp draw so quite a few problem spots to check
Re: ignition switch issues
Posted: Sun May 14, 2023 5:24 pm
by johnscf
redroadster wrote: ↑Sun May 14, 2023 4:50 pm
Your having trouble getting it to crank over ?
Right , that's a big amp draw so quite a few problem spots to check
when i hold the key as described it turns over and starts easily. fairly certain the problem is in the ignition switch
Re: ignition switch issues
Posted: Sun May 14, 2023 5:25 pm
by johnscf
Habitat.pat wrote: ↑Sun May 14, 2023 3:37 pm
Charlie, the first one sounds like either a bad connection on the switch, a loose switch, or a bad switch. The second one sounds like a bad switch. New switches are getting harder to find but they are still available. There are several different switches but look @ where the lock goes into the switch & find one that matches. As I recall there are a couple different pinouts so if you have to change to a different pin out, be sure to swap the wires around.
Peace, Pat
any potential sources for a new switch?
Re: ignition switch issues
Posted: Sun May 14, 2023 6:01 pm
by DAC21
johnscf wrote: ↑Sun May 14, 2023 5:25 pm
Habitat.pat wrote: ↑Sun May 14, 2023 3:37 pm
Charlie, the first one sounds like either a bad connection on the switch, a loose switch, or a bad switch. The second one sounds like a bad switch. New switches are getting harder to find but they are still available. There are several different switches but look @ where the lock goes into the switch & find one that matches. As I recall there are a couple different pinouts so if you have to change to a different pin out, be sure to swap the wires around.
Peace, Pat
any potential sources for a new switch?
Paul up in Oregon seems to have most all options. The 1968, if just the electrical portion you should be in good shape with what Paul has. The 1967 will not be as fun as you will need to find someone to rekey it to the rest of the car lock of go with two separate keys.
https://datsun-roadster-parts.com/?s=ignition+switch
Re: ignition switch issues
Posted: Sun May 14, 2023 6:11 pm
by johnscf
Has anyone tried using the bluebird or 240Z switches it looks like they are the same but on the right side of the steering column. If placed on the left side the wording would be upside down and I guess the key would turn counter clockwise but the connections in the back look identical
Re: ignition switch issues
Posted: Sun May 14, 2023 6:50 pm
by redroadster
You need to get to the connections to test volts and or ohms guess it doesn't stay running after started
You just have to push In on the key to get it to work then
Re: ignition switch issues
Posted: Sun May 14, 2023 7:21 pm
by johnscf
redroadster wrote: ↑Sun May 14, 2023 6:50 pm
You need to get to the connections to test volts and or ohms guess it doesn't stay running after started
It stays running once it starts
Re: ignition switch issues
Posted: Mon May 15, 2023 7:51 am
by DAC21
johnscf wrote: ↑Sun May 14, 2023 3:16 pm
I’m having trouble with my ignition switches on 2 different cars. On one In order to get it to fire up the car I have to be pushing the key forward (in) and up (hard) If I just turn the key normally nothing happens. Sometimes even when I push it in and up nothing happens. Afraid to drive anywhere for fear I’ll get stranded. Thoughts on what the problem might be or suggestions on how to diagnose? It’s a 68 2000.
The second car has an ignition switch that works ok but only if you stop turning it before it goes to a full stop. If you turn the key normally all the way clockwise nothing happens. If you turn the key 3/4s of the way clockwise the car starts. Thoughts? It’s a 67 1600
I forgot to mention that a Niles Brand Datsun 520 ignition switch should work for your 1967. There are a few listings on eBay
Re: ignition switch issues
Posted: Mon May 15, 2023 10:31 am
by johnscf
DAC21 wrote: ↑Mon May 15, 2023 7:51 am
johnscf wrote: ↑Sun May 14, 2023 3:16 pm
I’m having trouble with my ignition switches on 2 different cars. On one In order to get it to fire up the car I have to be pushing the key forward (in) and up (hard) If I just turn the key normally nothing happens. Sometimes even when I push it in and up nothing happens. Afraid to drive anywhere for fear I’ll get stranded. Thoughts on what the problem might be or suggestions on how to diagnose? It’s a 68 2000.
The second car has an ignition switch that works ok but only if you stop turning it before it goes to a full stop. If you turn the key normally all the way clockwise nothing happens. If you turn the key 3/4s of the way clockwise the car starts. Thoughts? It’s a 67 1600
I forgot to mention that a Niles Brand Datsun 520 ignition switch should work for your 1967. There are a few listings on eBay
The Niles ignition switches I see on ebay have 3 soades on the back 2 parallel to one another and then a 3rd perpendicular to those and directly above. The ones I see for the 68 roadster (and the one I have) have 5 spades. 3 in a straight line and then 2 above those parallel to them.
Re: ignition switch issues
Posted: Mon May 15, 2023 10:33 am
by johnscf
DAC21 wrote: ↑Mon May 15, 2023 7:51 am
johnscf wrote: ↑Sun May 14, 2023 3:16 pm
I’m having trouble with my ignition switches on 2 different cars. On one In order to get it to fire up the car I have to be pushing the key forward (in) and up (hard) If I just turn the key normally nothing happens. Sometimes even when I push it in and up nothing happens. Afraid to drive anywhere for fear I’ll get stranded. Thoughts on what the problem might be or suggestions on how to diagnose? It’s a 68 2000.
The second car has an ignition switch that works ok but only if you stop turning it before it goes to a full stop. If you turn the key normally all the way clockwise nothing happens. If you turn the key 3/4s of the way clockwise the car starts. Thoughts? It’s a 67 1600
I forgot to mention that a Niles Brand Datsun 520 ignition switch should work for your 1967. There are a few listings on eBay
I haven’t taken the 67 apart yet to see the configuration on it but I hope you’re right about the Niles I saw several on ebay that were affordable. Thanks.
Re: ignition switch issues
Posted: Mon May 15, 2023 11:36 am
by DAC21
johnscf wrote: ↑Mon May 15, 2023 10:33 am
DAC21 wrote: ↑Mon May 15, 2023 7:51 am
johnscf wrote: ↑Sun May 14, 2023 3:16 pm
I’m having trouble with my ignition switches on 2 different cars. On one In order to get it to fire up the car I have to be pushing the key forward (in) and up (hard) If I just turn the key normally nothing happens. Sometimes even when I push it in and up nothing happens. Afraid to drive anywhere for fear I’ll get stranded. Thoughts on what the problem might be or suggestions on how to diagnose? It’s a 68 2000.
The second car has an ignition switch that works ok but only if you stop turning it before it goes to a full stop. If you turn the key normally all the way clockwise nothing happens. If you turn the key 3/4s of the way clockwise the car starts. Thoughts? It’s a 67 1600
I forgot to mention that a Niles Brand Datsun 520 ignition switch should work for your 1967. There are a few listings on eBay
I haven’t taken the 67 apart yet to see the configuration on it but I hope you’re right about the Niles I saw several on ebay that were affordable. Thanks.
Yours will be a three terminal. You might consider putting in a Starter relay, only about $15 or so with harness. The ignition gets hit with a lot of amperage during the start process which the switch gets the brunt of. The relay takes that on, cheap when they burn out. From what I read Bosch makes more reliable relays.
Re: ignition switch issues
Posted: Mon May 15, 2023 11:40 am
by devo