The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk ignition switch

On my thrifmaster the ignition switch has had the guts busted in it I think, because you don't need a key to turn it.Do you think that it can be fixed?I would like to save it,it's the only one I have ever seen that has a little thum lever on it that you don't need to turn the key to turn the cyl.Also,I tried to remove the cyl,using the instructions from a recent post and I couldn't get it to come out.The strange thing is I feel the spring that was talked about,in the off postion but I can't in any other.Any ideas?

Your ignition switch may be operating normally. For several years, Chevrolet, and others, I think, had a lock position on the ignition switch that locked the switch when you removed the key. The normal Off position allowed removing the key, but also allowed turning the switch on without inserting the key. That was thought to be a convenience at the time.

As for repairing your lock cylinder, probably it can be repaired, but you have to get it out of the switch housing. It sounds like you are going in the right direction to remove it. When you depress the spring as you said you can, turn the cylinder to the left- then it should slide out. Then take the cylinder and key to a lock shop or hardware store that can re-key locks. They can replace the tumblers and springs, and probably keep the same key code- same key.

Harvester

So it might be working right,just needs a key to go to the lock position.If I can get it out I might be able to make a key,probibly not much diffrent than the door lock.Or better yet I might be able to find a locksmith with a key that will work in it.


I'll try the door key in it,maybe there's a chance it'll work.

Thanks Harvester.It worked,the lock cylinder was stuck and it needed a key to be removed,I just used the key I made for the door .Also you were right,it needed to be turned left,I was turning it to the right.

Now it works great!

Glad to hear you have everything working.

Harvester