Why doesn't anyone every have ignition switches for sale?
 

I've noticed a LOT of cars being parted out in the '3rd Gen Parts For Sale' section (ever since Ramy turned me onto it - thanks Ramy! :) ) but for some reason there are NEVER ignition switches for sale. Weird. I mean people are parting cars out to the friggin' trim screws but no ignitions switches.
Mine went south several years ago and I have been using a concealed push-button since then, though I still have to have the key in the ignition and turned to 'ON' and then push the button to start the car.
I've contemplated changing out the switch but REFUSE to pay the un-Godly bucks for a new one. And I am not really sure if I want to post a 'WTB' ad in the For Sale section at this time....I want to get my new engine in and the car back together first.
I can live with the push button, the only time it is a hassle is when I am having the car serviced, I have to go over the starting routine with the service tech, and they kind of give you this, "Okay...so you've got this kick ass car and you have to do WHAT?" look. I just tell them it is for anti-theft purposes....lol!

Still...how come there aren't any used switches ever offered?

"I've contemplated changing out the switch but REFUSE to pay the un-Godly bucks for a new one."

what's the part #?

I don't have it, it seems to me that there are actually TWO parts that comprise a switch, essentially the mechanical and the electrical.
I can get the part # tomorrow though probably....

try mazdapartscheap.com and see what they charge for it.

Tim

Dude, post a WTB thread in the For Sale section. This is just not a high-demand part, and many don't feel the need to post them up for sale.

I'm not sure on the FD ignition switch, but on the FC the electrical part and the mechanical part were totally separate. The key simply turned a tab that fit into the electrical part of the switch. You could easily swap out and get the electrical part only.

Just checked my parts diagram - just the electrical component *is* available. Part number is FD0166151A and Mazda Parts Cheap has it for $144 - Malloy is normally around there. But, you should be able to easily find a used one for a VERY reasonable fee.

BTW, that same part shows for the '95 MX-3.

Dale

Thanks Dale!

Why do you think nobody has these for sale? Have you actually asked people if they have one for sale or are you just goin off what they list forsale in their threads? I mean, I highly doubt somebody will go to that effort to list all the little things for sale when parting out a car...Im sure you can get one if you post a WTB. Shit, I bet Fritz has at least one...

I belive i have both parts I will have to check though, I do have the mechanical part for sure though. what you need? PM me.

My pleasure :)

All ya had to do was ask ;) I have a complete ignition system, still on the steering rack/column. Pulled it out w/ the steering wheel still on it too LOL. I'll be looking for a PM from ya :D

~Ramy

I can probably find you an ignition switch by next week. Same thing happend to me and I did the same thing (push button with key in at acc mode). Those ignition switches are a pain in the but to get off, I had to use a hammer and this pointed spike to get the screws loose, they eventually came off but it was not a happy experience!!!!

Do a 411 for Maz-Max in Houston. Thats where I got mine

Thanks for all the replies, guys.

I realize I made a sort of blanket statement there with my first post. Obviously there are a lot of them out there, people just tend to overlook them when listing things, and these are low demand items compared to a lot of other stuff.

I have changed a few ignition switches in my life and to a one they were an absolute pain in the ass to change! All the anti-theft techniques such as one way screws that have to be drilled out and other crap like that combined with limited working space makes for a not-so-fun experience.

One reason I am reluctant to ask for switch is that I am not entirely sure it is the problem. I got burned with my starter this way, spent damned near $300 for a new starter only to have the same problems. I'm ASSUMING the problem is in the switch, this has been discussed in many forum threads and no need to revisit it right now. The point being, without being 100% sure I don't want to go to the hassle of changing the switch out.

Once I get my new engine in and have the car back on the road and have worked out whateve bugs that is going to bring, I'll probably PM one of you fine fellow Forum members about that switch. :cool:

That's why you never see them for sale; tough to remove the entire assembly. The trick to removing the non-removable screws is to grind or file a slot in the head and then remove them with a screwdriver.

I bought a new key and lockset for my car and so had to change every single lock along with the ignition switch. I sold the ignition switch a while back.

I changed out some of the ignition components on my old FC. It had the anti-theft "headless" fasteners holding it in place. I just cut a slot with the Dremel and used an impact screwdriver to break it loose. Actually went very quickly and easily, but the column was out of the car :). Dunno how hard it is to remove the FD column, the FC column is a cinch to remove.

I just replaced the bolts with metric allen-head bolts. Worked great and turned out very clean.

Dale