How to Replace the Ignition Key Switch in a 1970 Mustang
- 1). Open the hood and loosen the negative battery cable clamp with a box-end wrench. Twist the cable from the negative battery terminal. Push the cable aside where it will not come into contact with the negative battery terminal.
- 2). Remove the screws from the underside of the plastic steering column trim cover with a Phillips screwdriver. Lower the cover from the column and place it aside.
- 3). Follow the wires from the ignition switch to the wiring connector. Pull the connector apart from the vehicle wiring harness.
- 4). Locate the small pin that attaches the ignition switch to the steering column locking linkage. Pull the pin out with needle-nose pliers and place it aside.
- 5). Twist off the two retaining nuts on top of the ignition switch assembly with a socket and ratchet wrench. Place the nuts aside.
- 6). Pull the switch and its wiring out of the steering column. Position a new switch in its place, ensuring that the two mounting holes are aligned over the threaded studs protruding from the column. Ensure the narrow part of the pin that protrudes from the end of the switch is placed between the two tabs on the steering column locking linkage. Replace the retaining nuts, but leave them loose.
- 7). Push the small pin back through the small holes in the tabs of the linkage and the ignition switch pin until it is fully seated.
- 8). Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it to the accessory position. Slide the switch -- its slotted mounting holes will allow for this -- downwards towards the floor of the car as far as it will go. Tighten the two ignition switch retaining nuts with a socket and ratchet wrench.
- 9). Route the switch wiring down the side of the column where it will not impede the replacement of the column trim cover. Push the wiring connector into the car's wiring harness connector until it is fully seated. Replace the plastic steering column trim cover, and tighten the retaining screws with a Phillips screwdriver.
- 10
Replace the negative battery cable onto the negative battery terminal and tighten the clamp with a box-end wrench. Close the hood.
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