Thread: ignition switch failure

I had a similar problem with my 1994 Tdi Defender a few years ago with the back of the ignition coming apart. I would have though the TD5 ignition barrel would different to the Tdi. Does anyone know if they are the same?

James.

Originally Posted by hans

hi all
turn key on to start 2002 defender , nothing no resistance in switch ,no power lights nothing , anyway pulled console cover off and found the back of the ignition switch has come apart ,thought about it and the only way to repair switch was to remove steering lock however they have anti tamper screws fitted , drilled 1/4 inch hole in the head of the screw and used a ezeout drill bit removed the steering lock and found that the lugs on the steering lock that hold the switch were not pressed in far enough, after finally put the switch (don't lose the ball bearing ) back together all is good. just have to find 2 bolts to fit steering lock hope this may help some one in the future

Too late now but those screws come out quite easily, either with some pointy nose vise grips or by using a center punch on the outer edge of the bolt top and tapping it in the correct direction with a hammer. They are usually finger tight after a few taps.

Good for you for fixing it regardless.

Erich.

Same thing with my 2002 Defender. The ignition switch lost its spring, went all loose and would not start. I lived at the time 400km from nearest dealer/garage and local RACQ bloke was on holiday!! I managed to somehow get it started by touching the lead at the back when measuring with a multimeter. Drove all the way to dealer. They ordered a new switch and then stuffed up the new one when trying to make it work with my original key. So another couple of days in Cairns waiting for new part to arrive from Melbourne. 5 days in all. The joy of living remote and the joy of owning a Defender.

Exactly the same thing happened to a mates Defender in Braidwood on the way to Cooma 60th in 2008. Ended up temporarily fixing it with some cable ties (may even still be the same )

Martyn

Just had a similar problem with my RRC and the back of the switch was hanging out. Couple of zip ties did the job , to hold it back in place