Need some advice on how to replace the key ignition. It would not start so I had to hot wire to get the car started. When I pulled the steering wheel it appears bolts holding it to the steering column are accessed from the top. The console blocks this access. Do I need to remove the console #^*@!%$ or am I missing the obvious to install a new one?

 

the ignition switch is just a toggle switch in the back of the key part. pull the steering column cover off, and there should be access to it from there somewhere... never actually replaced it on a 7 though...

Jeff

 

If you have the steering wheel off, you're nearly there. Loosen the bolt clamping the signal and light switch and it will come off over the end of the steering shaft with the wires still attached. Lay down on the floor and look up under the steering column. There are 2 bolts holding the shaft up to the bottom of the dash. When these bolts are out you will be able to pull the column down a bit. On top of the key switch housing there is a clamp held on by what looks like 2 bigheaded rivets. These are actually bolt heads that you will have to grab with pliers or vise grips to turn. When you get them started turning they should come out easily and the whole switch will come off after you unplug all the cables running in to it.
Don

 

I thought that by removing those bolts under the steering column could be part of the solution but they looked to be rather solid and not likely to be removed easily. In fact if my memory serves me well there were three bolts. The ignition just quit working and the internal contacts wouldn't make to energize the starter. My only solution was to replace the entire ignition because it appears to be a closed unit. Thanks fo r any other insight to this problem.

 

I thought that by removing those bolts under the steering column could be part of the solution but they looked to be rather solid and not likely to be removed easily. In fact if my memory serves me well there were three bolts. The ignition just quit working and the internal contacts wouldn't make to energize the starter. My only solution was to replace the entire ignition because it appears to be a closed unit. Thanks fo r any other insight to this problem.