Is it my ignition switch?
 

Before I buy a new switch ($129 on ebay sound right?) I wanted to get other opinions.

Lately, I have noticed it would sometimes take 2 or 3 turns of the key in order to get the ignition to turn over. A few days ago, it would not start at all. I popped the plastic guards off the steering column, and noticed that if I pushed the soldered wires (5 or 6 of them) at the end opposite the key towards the key while turning the key, the car would start. I guess a connection is worn and I'm pushing it close enough to make it work. Obviously, this won't last long and I'm not one for pushing my luck. Do you guys agree that it's the switch and not just a loose wire? Is there anything else I can do to test/confirm my suspicion before buying the new switch? The job looks relatively straight-forward and easy - is that too good to be true?
Thanks for your opinions...
Pete

Pete,

Separate the switch from the lock assembly and turn it with a screw driver and see if there is any difference. If it starts without pushing the wires against the connections then it is the lock assembly but I suspect you just have a bad switch.

It was the ignition switch. Thanks to those who sent me private emails to further assist.

I posted a related question, also on this forum, to see if anyone could help me with photos prior to me taking the ignition apart. Nobody responded. So, when i did the job, i took a couple of photos. Here's a picture of the switch while in place, one showing my defective switch, once removed, and a photo of a switch I am hoping to have someone explain to me.

http://picasaweb.google.com/TheWeinm...60762939853346

If you look closely at the photo of the removed switch, in the center (for those not familiar) there's a notch. The lock assembly sticks into that notch and when the key is inserted, it allows the notch to be turned. In the center of mine, a piece of the plastic broke, turning the notch into a half-circle.

http://picasaweb.google.com/TheWeinm...60778726290690

The last photo is a tiny spring released switch that bolted to the side of the ignition. i broke one of the two pins the held it in place (you can see I even broke the one I was removing). I used electrical tape to hold the new one in place, though it did not seem to matter whether the part was attached when I tried to start the car. does anyone know what the switch is? Something to do with a light maybe?

[IMGl]http://picasaweb.google.com/TheWeinmanFamily/Ignition1985MazdaRx7Gs?authkey=Gv1sRgCKuL66SHg_WRi gE#5339560791214101474[/IMG]

Pete

EDIT: I guess I am not permitted to post photos, since they are not showing up. I can email them to anyone who asks. pete

Since my photos did not upload here, I made an album and uploaded them https://www.rx7club.com/album.php?albumid=1195

Pete

That is the ignition key reminder switch. It sounds the buzzer when you open the door with your keys in the ignition.