tchernobog

Are the ignition switch in 3rd gen camaro's known to be so...well, crappy? I've owned 3 of these cars so far, the first two had problems with the ignition switch where it would randomly decide to not work occasionally, and now my third one is doing it as well.

Is this a common problem?

I am not looking forward to fixing this, because, as I'm sure at least some of you know, changing the ignition switch is a massive PITA.

jaygod8

I'm on my third 3rd Gen Camaro and have had to replace that switch on the previous two that I owned. (87 SC & 89 RS) Most of the people that I know that have camaro's have had to replace it at some point. Just make sure that you've got it lined up right and tightened to the column good or it might go out again! (I didn't get it right on the 89 RS and had to replace it pretty quick...lol)

berlin305

iTrader: (2)

was it easy to fix? and i think i am pretty sure this is the orginal in my camaro 86. are they hard to replace so far my column is about torn down to it.

jaygod8

Yeah, once you get down to it, they're not hard to switch out. You might wanna mark the column where the switch is now as an easy point of reference for where to put the new one (since it has some play). Also, make sure to check the key operation BEFORE you put the column back up or you may end up having to tear into it all over again!!

tchernobog

At least I'm not alone haha. I hate replacing them. Replacing them is like replacing heater cores. 874392754982759823 hours/screws/bolts to get to it, 30 seconds to actually change it.

berlin305

iTrader: (2)

exactly lol i just got mine out. and LOL it was it there was my little smoker. its all burned to hell. now i have another ? the cable that runs to the ignition starter switch to the gear shifter that part is little melted and the pin that is on it was bent. could of that been my problem before i change this and make another smoldering starter switch.

berlin305

iTrader: (2)

and another note finding out i didn't have to freaking take my whole steering column apart all i could of done was drop the steering wheel column lol it would of been a little more easier lol. or is there a reason i had to tear it down.

jaygod8

You're probably done by now but Yes that could have been a problem. Electrical likes good connections...

As for actually tearing your whole column apart, SORRY... I didn't pay enough attention to what you were saying about almost torn completely down to mean that you had pulled apart the column instead of actually Lowering the column....Again Sorry bout that! I coulda saved you some time.

Ca[maro]88

iTrader: (2)

eh hope i dont have to change mine anytime soon. no problems so far.. now that i say that itll break today when i go to champaign.

berlin305

iTrader: (2)

but one thing since i did tear it all the way down i am going to lube everything up clean out the old grease on the tumbler and other connections so they don't wear out anytime soon . its not hard to tear apart but the time consuming bleh. oh well again thanks for the input. yea the yellow wire connected to the ignition starter switch where it connects was bubble mess it got way hot several times over the years which i think is b/c i been easing with a bad starter and it just got to hot. going to replace teh neutral safety switch to. making sure this won't happen anytime soon.