Cleaning the Ignition Switch: I really screwed it up

My 2000 Intrigue has been getting harder and harder to start so I took the plunge and cleaned the igntion switch. Man did I screw this up!!! I followed the instructions which were great. I got a little overzealous when cleaning the connections. I decided, for some stupid reason, to take the cover off the back of the switch to give it a thorough cleaning. Dumb Dumb move. The cover exploded off along with two very key metal pieces. I found the pieces and put the switch back together....later to discover the wrong way. Now none of the lights come on when you turn the key to the "on" position. No cranking, nothing. Well, the radio and HVAC come on.

It's off to an auto part store tomorrow for a replacement ignition switch. Are there any brands I should avoid?

I don't think that there are many manufacturers of these switches. I am assuming that there is only one factory that makes them because if you think of how complicated this switch really is, why would more than one manufacturer make it.

I would say as long as you put everything back together without bending the switch contacts too badly you will be able to get it going again.

I appreciate your confidence in me Hoppy but I don't think I can put this thing back together correctly. I've done some basic searching and it appears the major auto part stores do carry this switch. I think it helps that GM used this same switch for a few other cars. I also must have this fixed this afternoon since I have an overnight business trip tomorrow that I cannot miss.

I think I re-gained my manhood.

I picked up a ignition switch at Federal Auto Parts. The switch is made by Standard (cost $98 + tax). Having disassembled the dash the day before made it much easier and quicker today. Installed the new switch and my car started right up. I'll find out tomorrow on my two hour trip if the ignition switch solved all the problems.

sorry man, when i started reading your post and picturing in my head what you said i was LMAO!!! sorry but it was a halarious site!!!good for you it was'nt to expensive.Hope all is fixed!!

I've been known to be the butt mof many jokes. I think my wife is happy that I got it fixed. I was not in a good mood Sunday night. All is well with my Intrigue now. It starts with no issues. No stumbling when downshifting.

I took some pictures... not all of them came out tho

http://www.geocities.com/psiberoptik/files/igntion-switch.htm