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Ignition Switch Problem, Geo Metro

New ignition switch?

1990 Geo Metro. When I bought the car, the tip of the ignition key had already broken off inside the switch, and remains there. No problems until yesterday when I parked, switched the car off, took the *key* out ... and the car continued to run.* Even when I can kill the engine (car in gear, foot on the brake, let the clutch out), the dash lights remain on. (I was advised NOT to allow this *dash lights on* condition to continue too long at any one time due to possible coil/car damage: advice I have taken.)

New ignition switch? (In this case, a *universal* key/ignition switch for $10, since the replacement switch for the Geo is $140.)

Harry Truman

*Actually, once or twice prior to the above problem and while the car was running, the keys fell out of the switch and the car continued to run. Weird.
Reply to
Harry
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I'm thinking that you have two problems:

1) the lock cylinder has a bit of key stuck in it. A good locksmith should be able to rectify this for you however, and hopefully cut you a new, complete key. However, you shouldn't theoretically be able to remove the keys while the engine is running. So I am guessing that the lock cylinder is toast. 2) the lock cylinder is no longer engaging the electrical portion of the switch properly, and/or the electrical portion is toast. Or both. Won't really know until you get it out of there.

now that basically says to me that you have to replace both pieces. I would stick with the factory switch, unless you also defeat the steering column locking mechanism somehow... (think about it...)

nate

Reply to
N8N

You might be able to pick the key out of the lock with bent wire. I've got a broken key out of a door lock. Leaving a party late at night I tried to get into the car with the house key. I'd squirt oil generously into the cyclinder.

If removing the broken key doesn't help, you might try calling wrecking yards for a lower price on a replacement.

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Reply to
William R. Watt

I would not rec. a junk yark for anything but hard parts.

Lets first fix the first thing that we know is bad,.....the cyl. lock.After installed, make sure the rod controling the ing. switch is working. If it is and the problem still occures, the replace the switch with a new AC Delco.

Reply to
Drewzella

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