Ignition Switch Problem, Geo Metro
 

New ignition switch?

1990 Geo Metro. When I bought the car, the tip of the ignition key had
already broken off inside the switch, and remains there. No problems
until yesterday when I parked, switched the car off, took the *key* out
.... and the car continued to run.* Even when I can kill the engine
(car in gear, foot on the brake, let the clutch out), the dash lights
remain on. (I was advised NOT to allow this *dash lights on* condition
to continue too long at any one time due to possible coil/car damage:
advice I have taken.)

New ignition switch? (In this case, a *universal* key/ignition switch
for $10, since the replacement switch for the Geo is $140.)

Harry Truman

*Actually, once or twice prior to the above problem and while the car
was running, the keys fell out of the switch and the car continued to
run. Weird.

Harry wrote:
> New ignition switch?
>
> 1990 Geo Metro. When I bought the car, the tip of the ignition key had
> already broken off inside the switch, and remains there. No problems
> until yesterday when I parked, switched the car off, took the *key* out
> ... and the car continued to run.* Even when I can kill the engine
> (car in gear, foot on the brake, let the clutch out), the dash lights
> remain on. (I was advised NOT to allow this *dash lights on* condition
> to continue too long at any one time due to possible coil/car damage:
> advice I have taken.)
>
> New ignition switch? (In this case, a *universal* key/ignition switch
> for $10, since the replacement switch for the Geo is $140.)
>
> Harry Truman
>
> *Actually, once or twice prior to the above problem and while the car
> was running, the keys fell out of the switch and the car continued to
> run. Weird.

I'm thinking that you have two problems:

1) the lock cylinder has a bit of key stuck in it. A good locksmith
should be able to rectify this for you however, and hopefully cut you a
new, complete key. However, you shouldn't theoretically be able to
remove the keys while the engine is running. So I am guessing that the
lock cylinder is toast.

2) the lock cylinder is no longer engaging the electrical portion of
the switch properly, and/or the electrical portion is toast. Or both.
Won't really know until you get it out of there.

now that basically says to me that you have to replace both pieces. I
would stick with the factory switch, unless you also defeat the
steering column locking mechanism somehow... (think about it...)

nate

> New ignition switch? (In this case, a *universal* key/ignition switch
> for $10, since the replacement switch for the Geo is $140.)

You might be able to pick the key out of the lock with bent wire. I've got
a broken key out of a door lock. Leaving a party late at night I tried to
get into the car with the house key. I'd squirt oil generously into the
cyclinder.

If removing the broken key doesn't help, you might try calling wrecking
yards for a lower price on a replacement.

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Ignition Switch Problem, Geo Metro
 

I would not rec. a junk yark for anything but hard parts.

Lets first fix the first thing that we know is bad,.....the cyl.
lock.After installed, make sure the rod controling the ing. switch is
working. If it is and the problem still occures, the replace the switch
with a new AC Delco.