Any simple tests to see if ignition switch is bad?, 1974 914 1.8 Options

[brcacti]

Hello, any simple tests to see if ignition switch is bad? I have a multimeter, am slowly learning how to use it

[ClayPerrine]

Directions.

1. Disconnect the battery.

2. Remove the steering wheel.

3. Get under the dash and disconnect the wiring to both the ignition switch and the turn signal/wiper plugs.

4. Remove the 4 screws in the turn signal/wiper switch assembly and gently pull the whole assembly to you.

5. Remove the two big flat head screws in the column holding in the ignition switch.

6. Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn until it is in the run position.

7. Pull gently on the key and the ignition switch assembly should come out. DON"T FORCE IT.

8. Once the switch assembly is out, you will find a small, recessed flat head screw on the side. Remove the screw, then you can pull out the electrical portion of the ignition switch assembly.

Reassembly is the reverse of disassembly. (I always wanted to say that!!!)

[brcacti]

Directions.

1. Disconnect the battery.

2. Remove the steering wheel.

3. Get under the dash and disconnect the wiring to both the ignition switch and the turn signal/wiper plugs.

4. Remove the 4 screws in the turn signal/wiper switch assembly and gently pull the whole assembly to you.

5. Remove the two big flat head screws in the column holding in the ignition switch.

6. Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn until it is in the run position.

7. Pull gently on the key and the ignition switch assembly should come out. DON"T FORCE IT.

8. Once the switch assembly is out, you will find a small, recessed flat head screw on the side. Remove the screw, then you can pull out the electrical portion of the ignition switch assembly.

Reassembly is the reverse of disassembly. (I always wanted to say that!!!)

Thanks Clay is it hard to locate the wiper/ direction, ignition switch wires to unplug when changing out the ignition switch, repost, as I put the question into the quote on my last post

[ClayPerrine]

Directions.

1. Disconnect the battery.

2. Remove the steering wheel.

3. Get under the dash and disconnect the wiring to both the ignition switch and the turn signal/wiper plugs.

4. Remove the 4 screws in the turn signal/wiper switch assembly and gently pull the whole assembly to you.

5. Remove the two big flat head screws in the column holding in the ignition switch.

6. Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn until it is in the run position.

7. Pull gently on the key and the ignition switch assembly should come out. DON"T FORCE IT.

8. Once the switch assembly is out, you will find a small, recessed flat head screw on the side. Remove the screw, then you can pull out the electrical portion of the ignition switch assembly.

Reassembly is the reverse of disassembly. (I always wanted to say that!!!)

Thanks Clay is it hard to locate the wiper/ direction, ignition switch wires to unplug when changing out the ignition switch, repost, as I put the question into the quote on my last post

Not really. If you look up through the bolt holes for the steering column on the bottom of the knee pad, you will see the plugs. You should be able to pull them off from behind the knee pad easily. Getting them aligned going back together is usually the hard part. If you can't quite get it, then remove the knee pad to provide more access to the plugs.

If you have A/C, all bets are off on this. Betty's car has A/C, and I have to reinstall the plugs with a pair of needle nose pliers up through the steering column bolt holes. It is a royal PITA to do, but I would rather do that then drop the A/C unit. The plastic on it is approaching 50 years old, and getting really brittle.

Make sure you do this before you put the steering wheel back on. That gets you some extra clearance to get upside down under the dash.

Also, if you are a big guy, you may need to remove the driver's seat for more room.

Good Luck!