Column ignition switch repair?

[cjgoode]

1980 fj40 ignition switch problem, power in, and all 3 outputs Accessories, Ignition and Starter get power when key is turned to on position.

I see a small Philips screw holding the the wire harness to the back of the switch, can I take that off and fix this? I do not want a new one as I have a key that matches all the doors. Would prefer to try and fix, has anyone pulled it apart, will stuff fly out? Anyone fix these when they start acting up?

 

[Tools R Us]

That small Philips screw removes the switch, it's replaceable without the lock.

 

[skidplate]

I got a reproduction switch new from Cool Cruisers for around 20 bucks. Works fine. As stated above, you can change out the switch without having to re- key it. Very simple job, remove the phillips screw, unplug the switch under the dash. One quick edit, the switch should be in ACC. position when you remove it. (thats what the book says so I'd go with that)

 

[bj40green]

Piece of cake. Remove screw. Pull the switch off, disconnect the connector.
These are pics for a BJ (diesel) with a glow position so there is one extra wire on these but the principle is the same for a FJ.




Good luck!

Rudi

 

[edwjmcgrath]

Ditto to all of the above (except maybe buying from CCOT). It's a simple fix.
I got mine from Cruiser Corps. Works great and I've never been let down by them (can't say the same for those other guys).

 

[poptartz]

Thank you Mud members for this. It just killed a long running electrical gremlin. For me it was intermittent over the last year or so (power would cut out suddenly once every couple of weeks typically when I would hit a bump in the road). Last week it just gave up the ghost almost completely. Upon inspection, the solder on one of the wires was broken and the small inner copper plate within the switch was very worn out. 10 minute fix to replace. No more worries of losing power in Chicago traffic. Love it!