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Technical => Electrical Tech => Topic started by: CoogarXR on July 20, 2009, 10:37:34 PM

Title: Does 1985 have the bad ignition switch too?
Post by: CoogarXR on July 20, 2009, 10:37:34 PM
Hello,

I think my ignition switch is going bad on my 1985 XR-7. It starts but stalls immediately if I don't let off the key in a certain spot. While going down the road, if I tap the key, it stalls.

I'm gonna replace it this week anyway, but I just wondered if the 85's were equipped with the fire-pr0ne switches...

CoogarXR
Title: Does 1985 have the bad ignition switch too?
Post by: mercury-man on July 20, 2009, 11:12:36 PM
CoogarXR , After thinking we had the same problem "Ignition switch" just recently my mechanic found that our Tfi Module needed replacing. So you might check that also friend. :poke:
Title: Does 1985 have the bad ignition switch too?
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on July 21, 2009, 09:58:37 AM
The '88 up are the ones recalled...

Good chance the switch is failing, all will eventually wear out... Had a Aerostar that cut off randomly, they used the same switch...
Title: Does 1985 have the bad ignition switch too?
Post by: CoogarXR on July 21, 2009, 10:19:58 AM
I am certain that it's the switch, since the accessory position is almost non-existant. You have to slowly turn it, millimeters at a time, and watch for the clock to light up, heh. That didn't annoy me too much, but now it is similar on the starting side.

I will probably replace it today. I just wondered if it is gonna catch fire in the mean time like the recalled ones, lol.

My 87 that I used to have would stay running, but the gages and radio would cut out if you jiggled the key (or hit bumps in the road).

CoogarXR
Title: Does 1985 have the bad ignition switch too?
Post by: CoogarXR on July 21, 2009, 01:32:33 PM
New switch fixed it. The old one fell apart when I tried to disconnect the connector!

Then there was those dumb "break-off" bolts... I looked in the haynes manual, and it says to drill them and use an easy-out. Screw that (pun intended!). You can get them with vise grips pretty easy. I just replaced them with allen-head cap screws.

Starts fine now, and I actually have an accessory position again!

CoogarXR
Title: Does 1985 have the bad ignition switch too?
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on July 21, 2009, 04:52:11 PM
Yep clamp the Vice-Grips to the lip on the head, they'll turn right out...

Glad you have it fixed...