ignition difficulty on my 1990 miata

The only link on the miata.net garage section is for the M2, which is strange. They cover almost everything.

It is a pretty easy job except that the ignition switch assembly is held on with two self-shearing bolts for security. When you get the plastic parts off of the steering column area, you will see two cone-shaped bolt heads securing the assembly. It will be obvious since this is where your key goes in.

These will need to be notched to take a screwdriver before they can be removed, I used a dremel tool and a couple of cutting wheels.

Assuming that you have a new lock assembly, it will come with two new bolts that you tighten until the heads tear off. When I did the replacements, I put used assemblies in, so I had to re-use the screws that I had notched. They have held securely and nobody has stolen the cars yet. Someone else here just used allen head bolts. I will probably go that route next time.

HTH,

Pat

geeze! I won't argue that there may be some specialty lubricants for this application but this sort of knee jerk 'WD-40 turns gummy' statement seems inappropriate. I've used WD a million times and although I know what the designation stands for, I also know that it has decent lubrication properties if not for the long term, at the very least, for the medium term. I've also never seen it term 'gummy'. It has solved ignition switch problems for me more than once.

Chris

Aren't WD-40, a roll of duct tape, and a set of vise grips the only tools that one needs in a toolbox? ;-)

Pat

that is really interesting. makes sense and clears up some of the myths i seem to have learned as fact.

True, and I have actually used vise grips without causing damage.

Give me two pair of pliers and I can rip any car part to shreds....Then I can fix it with the duct tape and JB Weld, which I left off the first list.

So, for a toolbox:

That should cover 99.9% or more of any car repairs....

Pat

But Pat !!!!

Don't forget the BFH for your toolbox.

Bruce Bing '03 LS

Big Fluffy Hamster? Please elaborate on the use of such a creature in a toolbox. :-)

Pat

No toolbox is complete without an assortment of cardboard wedges. :)

The hamster is to chew the insulation off the wires so you can splice them together and wrap them with duct tape, silly Pat. ;-D

Iva & Belle.) '90B Classic Red.) #3 winkin' Miata

Oh Pat, You know, the little guy you send out for beer :-) ( to get Hammered )

Bruce Bing '03 LS

Chris, could you send me information on the process on how to remove and re-install a key switch in the 90 Miata, thanks for any help.. Trent me e-mail address is snipped-for-privacy@yahoo.com

I though that it was food for the next Hollywood hit movie, "Snakes in a Miata". I would actually go see that one..... :-)

Pat

How is the hamster going to buy the beer? They die long before the legal U.S. age of 18 to 21. Even a BFG, (big fluffy hamster), would also be very limited in beer transportation capacity.

I still think that the hamster is a replacement for one of the four gerbils that currently pretend to power the miata. He can be used for one additional rodentpower on the treadmill or can take over if one gerbil gives out. The miata does not run well on only three gerbils... ;-)

Pat

Ok, you got me, what are the cardboard wedges for?

Pat

Pat, If the hamster takes the "BFH" with him to buy the beer, he will get the beer with no problem ! The "BFH" is a "Big Fxxxxxg Hammer" To see a hamster with a BFH in his paw will frighten the store keeper so much, he will give him anything ! :-)

Bruce Bing '03 LS