Thread: ignition switch replacement

I have been having some problems with the ignition switch in my car (1993 b13). Sometimes it does not start the car unless I wiggle the key in the ignition or turn the key on and off like 50 times, at the same time I turn the key I hear the starter click once so i am not sure if it really is the ignition switch either way, It gets very annoying. what goes into replacement of the ignition switch, is this something the average man can do or do I have to take it to the dealer to get it done.

Had the exact same problem myself and even replaced the starter. Then I found out it was the ignition switch, replaced it, never had a problem again.
You can do it yourself, the hardest part is taking all the plastic pieces off the steering column. I ended up removing the front seat just to have some room to work.

Who did the the re keying of the lock? a local lock smith or the dealer and how much did it cost you for everything?

Pretty sure it would be cheaper to find someone parting out and buy ignition switch with matching lock cylinders & keys.

I don't want use used parts that's got me in trouble a couple times in the past. You end up spending more in the long run.

You should not have to replace the whole switch, I know on my car b14 the white part on the left side of the switch is where the electrical contacts are, I have had problems with it myself many times and just took it apart and filed the arced part of the contacts down some, you should be able to just replace that rotary switch part, I have gotten 3 of them from the junk yard and rebuilt them and work just like new
.
As far as I'm aware the main part of the switch assembly, is 3 separate parts, the lock cylinder, the steering wheel lock, and the rotary switch. If you have ever taken it apart you will be amazed at how easy it to steal a car that way
.
All you need to do is take the plastic covers off the column, tilt the steering wheel down, remove the 2 small screws that hold the plastic rotary switch in, and turn the switch with a flat head screwdriver if the car starts when you turn it all the way its the switch, when its all connected together the rotary switch doesn't turn all the way to the stops, and the contacts inside wear out, you can try taking the switch apart (be careful there are parts that fall out very easily, remember how every spring and contact goes) and taking some sand paper to the contacts but that should be temporarily used
.
This is for a b14 I'm not sure about b13 but I believe it should be the same
.
Unfortunatly I can't take pictures of it all right now because I'm at work but its pretty much straight forward, I have been meaning on doing a how to on this, it works all the same for hondas and mitsubishi cars too

I second Mike22487. If you order an ignition switch they usually only include the electrical part. It just plugs in. Shouldn't take more than 30 minutes to replace. No seat removal required.

Yeah they are at rock auto under electrical switch and relay. $17.47 for the cheapest, but they used them on all NX's and 91-94 sentras if ya feel like pulling one at a junk yard

You don't need to worry about the lock and changing keys. The electrical part just unscrews.