oh crumbs! won't start! 79 midget

[Blackjokr]

so i fixed the cigarette lighter with an original replacemetn and it works. also got the under dash/door light on the console above the radio which works to work. However, in removing the center console and pushing it sideways towards the steering wheel, the ignition will not turn, the yello dash and red dash light and radio now do not work. ugh! I turned the key and after 2 turns instead of only going 1/3 of the way over and cranking the engine, the key does a full 180degrees and sometimes if i wiggle the wires behind the steering column the lights will go on and the radio too. So...questions are:

1. How do i get the darn plastic housing off the steerign wheel to see inside. it's plastic and I am afraid to crack it as everything gets brittle with age
2. Do I need to replace the ignition or something behind it? And if so do i need new car keys?
3. Seems like I may have pulled the wires enough to pull them away from the ignition switch in the steering column. Probably so old that they did not like that very much but am willing to listen to advice at this point because my baby was a runner until an hour ago!

thanks!

Lou

 

[bthompson]

The steering column cover is in two halves, there are deep recessed screws that go in from both sides. The secret to getting at them (if I recall right; it's been a few years!) is to take out the bolts that hold the column to the dash, and the column will drop enough to pull the screws and thread the cover around the stalks.

Sounds to me like you've just pulled a few connectors loose with the console. With the cover off and column down, it'll be pretty easy to see what's amiss. I predict the spinning ignition switch will be pretty easy too; a loose bolt maybe. I've never heard of one that just cut loose and started spinning internally. Cheers!

 

[Jim_Gruber]

There are 4 screws that hold the column surround together. The back two are very hard to see unless you stand on your head. There are 3 bolts that support the column to the underside of the dash. After you get the column surround off, undoing those bolts will allow the colum to drop down and you can get access to a lot of things.

 

[Blackjokr]

thanks I'll try tonigth and get back to you guys!

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Don't force it apart. Those covers are tough to get. It will come loose if you have all of the screws out. And they are really long screws.

 

[Bayless]

And be sure you disconnect the battery before you start.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

We won't ask you how you know.

 

[jhorton3]

There's a multi-wire connector between the switch and the wiring harness. I believe it connects under the dash to the left of the steering column. It could be that a wire pulled loose, or the connector came apart when the wires were strained.

 

[Blackjokr]

Rocking! I'll check. It seemed really close to rear of the column when i "wiggled dem wah-ers..."

 

[Blackjokr]

worse than I thought. Well column came down no problem, got housing off (THANK YOU GUYS!!)..mine opened right up. Man was it filthy in there. GOod news: FOUND THE PROBLEM!! Bad news: need a new ignition key/module. The back of the housing pulled out and i did manage to find allof the springs, miniature ball bearings etc and get it just about back together then saw the plastic "lock" to hold the solder board down is broken. 35 year old plastic has a tendency to do this. Even though I got all the pieces, no matter how hard I squeezed it just would not click in and stay together. Anyone got a spare for sale? I am terrified to see how much Moos Motors is going to bang me for a new one of these!

 

[Blackjokr]

more pics

 

[Blackjokr]

ack..this stinks..Moss motors has them as NOT AVAILABLE. Am I doomed??

 

[Blackjokr]

ok Victoria British has one and its $47/..not too bad,. just need the ignition switch cable B...nice..
https://www.victoriabritish.com/icatalog/sm/full.aspx?Page=89 unles ssomeone has a spare?? hahaha