1979-1993 & 94 Conv [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
 | [Main C900 Bulletin Board | BBFAQ |
Prev by Date | Next by Date | Post Followup ]
Member Login / Signup - Members see fewer ads. - Latest Member Gallery Photos
Tumbler/interlock Posted by Ari [Email]  (#2847) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Ari) on Fri, 13 Jun 2003 10:40:48
In Reply to: Ignition trouble..and maybe a possible solution?, Angelo, Fri, 13 Jun 2003 09:20:43 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
Turning the ignition key in a 900 does two things - it makes a bunch of switch connections, AND it's part of the reverse interlock (assuming a manual tranny). You could have trouble with the tumblers in the lock, or it could be binding in the interlock assembly.
First, if you haven't tried lubricating the lock, do so. I recommend some of the teflon sprays. Chances are good that dust, dirt, and maybe a spilled Coke have made the tumblers a bit sticky.
Beyond that, there is more to the ignition switch than starting. The ignition switch has Off, accessory, run and Start positions, and each makes and breaks different sets of electrical contacts. So yes, you could go to a 'universal' key lock and give up the reverse lock. But a universal ignition switch would have all four positions, so why go for a start button? The issue would be finding one that would fit the rather unique mounting of a Saab.
Remember how a lock works. There is a cylinder assembly that accepts the key. The key goes in and pushes little tumblers up and down, and if the key matches the tumblers just right, you can turn the cylinder. Once the cylinder turns, it makes switch contacts and the reverse interlock.
Usually the lock cylinders are interchangeable. Let's say the problem is that the lock cylinder is just dirty, sticky, and worn. I haven't tried it with an ignition lock, but I'll bet you could swap the ignition lock cylinder with, say, the passenger side door lock cylinder - which I'll bet has had very little use.
My recommendation - lube the crap out of the lock. If that doesn't do it, get in there and check it out - make sure it isn't an issue of something simple binding. Next, pull the lock to see if the problem is a binding lock cylinder, or the switch itself. If it's the cylinder, swap it for your passenger side one. If it's the switch, find a used one and swap cylinders so your old key still works.
If you're willing to go through the hassle of trying to retrofit a lock with a 'universal' (i.e. doesn't fit anything well without modification) and install a start button, you might as well try and troubleshoot/fix the existing one.
posted by 192.249....
, Fri, 13 Jun 2003 10:40:48 <-- Viewing This Message
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
