Replacing the ignition switch

[B. Wilson]

Replaced the ignition switch in my daughter's 1999 Regal the other day. I had all of the problems before; lights on the dash on and off, can't shift into gear, turn signals turning off the engine, all the "classic" signs of an ignition switch gone bad.

Well, thanks to all who chimed in on this. New switch installed, all problems gone away! Installation wasn't hard at all, if you have that special tool to remove and install the upper screw that holds the switch on. Thank goodness for JB Weld!

Thank goodness for all of you, also. It's so cool to log in to this site, and find answers to problems like the ones I've had. Or, from what I've seen, most any problem on any car. My hat is off to all who contribute. Once again, thank you.

[Marnav1]

What did you need JB Weld for?

[B. Wilson]

The two screws that hold the switch in are the external star type. An H-4 size socket fits the screw head. I had a 1/4" drive H-4 socket, but I couldn't get on one of the screws because of the location of the screw. I needed a long (about 4 inches), thin, kind of like a nut driver, to get the one screw. So, I cut off the end of the socket, found an old screwdriver, and used the JB Weld to mate the two together.

The screws aren't very tight, but it was the only way I could see to get the one out. It worked well enough to change out the ignition switch, and now everything works as it should!! As it was, because of a plastic guard around where the ignition key goes in, it wasn't even a straight shot.

I'm sure someone makes that particular type of special tool, but sometimes you have to make do with what you have. I don't have a welder, so JB Weld is it!!

[Marnav1]

Lisle makes a deep E4 Torx socket just for that, $4.95. That's what I used if you are worried about it coming loose. Nice job on the improvised tool!. Lisle #27490 Lislecorp.com $4.95