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New ignition switch for 74 bug
Lateral - January 17th, 2013 at 07:59 PM

Hi guys

I'm tracking down a problem with my bug not kicking over reliably when I turn the key in the ignition switch. It may be the ignition switch. I have 3 questions:

1. Is there an easy way to bypass the ignition switch altogether and start the car?
2. If the switch is faulty, where can I buy a new switch?
3. Is it easy to swap out the faulty switch with the new switch?

Thanks for your help

Regards
Greg


Bizarre - January 17th, 2013 at 08:27 PM

g'day Greg

If you meal an L bug - have a read here
http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=76646 

A 74 Standard could be the same - not sure

Pretty sure you can buy a new switch from Vintage at Campsie

To test, it is just a matte of shorting the 3 main wires of the plug

12V, ignition and starter


68AutoBug - January 17th, 2013 at 08:55 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lateral
Hi guys

I'm tracking down a problem with my bug not kicking over reliably when I turn the key in the ignition switch. It may be the ignition switch. I have 3 questions:

1. Is there an easy way to bypass the ignition switch altogether and start the car?
2. If the switch is faulty, where can I buy a new switch?
3. Is it easy to swap out the faulty switch with the new switch?

Thanks for your help

Regards
Greg


do You have a pic of Your key switch?
flat windscreen beetle or L beetle curved windscreen??
both were made in 1974..

LEE


Joel - January 17th, 2013 at 09:00 PM

Both have the same wiring and steering column so it's same process.


Doug Sweetman - January 17th, 2013 at 11:25 PM

If you can't find one at vintage, they are available at cip1.com pretty cheap


Lateral - January 18th, 2013 at 08:28 AM

Hi guys

Thanks for the quick replies!

The plug has 4 pins on it with the following wires:

Red
Red with Black Stripe
Black with Yellow Stripe
Black

Can I just try any three without causing any damage?

Please note that this steering column is from a 1974 (???) and is installed in a 1967 bug. I just recently purchased the car and am coming to terms with its "bits and pieces".

Just as a matter of interest, when the ignition does work, the starter motor seems to crank rather slowly and if the motor doesn't start after about 4 turns then the starter motor seems to slow to a stop....

Regards
Greg


Joel - January 18th, 2013 at 08:37 AM

if the wiring hasn;t been butchered too much Red is live power from the battery, black is power to the coil and ignition side of the fuse box and the red/black is start.

The black/yellow is headlight power, but you won't need that in a 67.

It's just so the headlights turn off with the car and when starting.


Lateral - January 18th, 2013 at 08:44 AM

Thanks Joel,

I'll give it a try and let you know the results.

Thanks again for the quick reply.

Regards
Greg


Lateral - January 18th, 2013 at 09:03 AM

Hi Joel

I just bypassed the switch 10 times and it started each time straight away!

Plugged it back to the ignition switch but no go....

Looks like the switch is the issue.

Thanks again for your help.

Regards
Greg


Lateral - January 18th, 2013 at 01:07 PM

Hi Joel

I just got a new ignition switch and barrel as I was going to replace both just to make sure.

I managed to get everything apart except I can't figure out how to remove the old key barrel as there are no screws or holes etc. When I fitted the new plastic ignition module the problem was still there. I then simply plugged the ignition module but itself and turned it using a screw driver and it works great!

This makes me think that the ignition barrell is the problem b ut I can figure out how to remove/replace it. I Googled it but no luck.

The part number for the 133 905 851 A and I have attached some photos.


Joel - January 18th, 2013 at 01:40 PM

Hi Greg,

There is a hole hidden in that slot on the side.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p174/Buggin_74/Bugwork/Ignition%20switch%20replacement/ignition_012.jpg

There is a leaf spring inside that needs to be pushed in

A small screwdriver or rivet stem will usally do that.

I've had that same problem on one of my other bugs, the barrel just gets so worn after 4 decades that is doesnt turn far enough to engage start.


Lateral - January 18th, 2013 at 01:48 PM

Hi Joel,

I have been looking for the hole for the last 30 minutes but there is definitely no hole :grind:

I have attached a photo

Regards
Greg


Joel - January 18th, 2013 at 01:54 PM

Ah, must be very late 74.
No biggy, just have to drill one.

They stopped putting the hole in them when they realised how easy it was to just pop the barrel out and use a screw driver.

need to drill it in between that slot and 10mm in from the edge of the metal.


Lateral - January 18th, 2013 at 01:58 PM

Thanks mate

I'll give it a go!


Lateral - January 18th, 2013 at 02:22 PM

Joel your a genius!

All working fine and now all I need to do is put it all back together and go for a test drive:lol:


68AutoBug - January 18th, 2013 at 02:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lateral
Hi guys

Thanks for the quick replies!

The plug has 4 pins on it with the following wires:

Red
Red with Black Stripe
Black with Yellow Stripe
Black

Can I just try any three without causing any damage?

Please note that this steering column is from a 1974 (???) and is installed in a 1967 bug. I just recently purchased the car and am coming to terms with its "bits and pieces".

Just as a matter of interest, when the ignition does work, the starter motor seems to crank rather slowly and if the motor doesn't start after about 4 turns then the starter motor seems to slow to a stop....

Regards
Greg


YIKES

someone has done some modifications...

nothing like the 67-68 model cars.. lol

Joel knows everything.. lol

Good One Joel

LEE