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Ignition Switch Failure?

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Ignition Switch Failure? - 3/14/2005 8:43:25 PM   
jrmdir

 

Posts: 39
Joined: 1/17/2005
Status: offline
My '99 Montero (109,000 mi) has a progressively worsening problem when the key is turned to the start position. It sounds as if the start contacts are failing to make good contact and a clicking or buzzing sound results. It always eventually makes good contact and there is no problem with starting, but if you don't turn the key quiclky or with added force, the buzzing will persist.

Has anyone had a similar problem? If the switch contacts are failing, I hope that the electrical switch section of the key/interlock mechanism can be replaced without drilling out the whole unit, but I haven't gone in to find out. Can anyone confirm?

Many Thanks

Ron
Post #: 1
RE: Ignition Switch Failure? - 3/16/2005 8:37:22 PM   
pc

 

Posts: 156
Joined: 3/2/2005
Status: offline
On my 92 there are three parts to the ignition assembly; steering lock cylinder, ignition switch, and steering lock housing. The lock cylinder can be removed from the housing by removing the plastic column covers and turning the key to ACC and pressing a lock pin with a philips screwdriver then pulling the cylinder out. The ignition switch plugs into the back of the steering lock housing. You can un-plug the ignition switch wiring connector while leaving the switch and lock cylinder in place, use an ohm meter to test the various postion and contacts continuity while turning the key. The switch is a separte item that can be replaced on it's own without drilling out the lock housing. Make sure the noise you here is not coming from the starter as it could be bad.

_____________________________

92 Montero - Owned since new - 118K

(in reply to jrmdir)
Post #: 2
RE: Ignition Switch Failure? - 3/18/2005 8:58:44 AM   
DarkManC


Posts: 87
Joined: 11/15/2004
Status: offline
It sound like the electrical portion of your ignition switch has begun to go bad.Mitsubishi Part# MB903639 Cost about $40 bucks

(in reply to pc)
Post #: 3
RE: Ignition Switch Failure? - 3/20/2005 9:48:45 PM   
jrmdir

 

Posts: 39
Joined: 1/17/2005
Status: offline
Thanks to pc and DarkmanC for the helpful replies. I did a little more research and determined that the "buzzing" sound is comming from the Security System Module mounted below the steering column. There must be a starter relay in that module and when I turn the switch to start, that relay is cycling on and off like a buzzer. Therefore, the problem could be with the module, but I'm betting on the ignition switch unit since I can still avoid the buzzing by applying lots of torque to the key. My guess is that the start contacts in the switch are worn or pitted and that the average key twist only makes enough contact to get partial voltage to the relay coil.

I'll dig deeper with a meter to verify and report.

Ron

(in reply to DarkManC)
Post #: 4
RE: Ignition Switch Failure? - 4/6/2005 9:36:22 PM   
jrmdir

 

Posts: 39
Joined: 1/17/2005
Status: offline
My follow up as promised -----

It indeed was the ignition switch and it did only cost $40. After a 10 minute swap-out project, the problem is solved.

Thanks again, DarkmanC and pc!

(in reply to jrmdir)
Post #: 5
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