Ignition Switch Replacement Recommendations

Juggernaut · #1 (**permalink**) 01-16-2010, 12:50 PM

I'm using a 3 position (Off, Start, Run) ignition switch in my Cobra. It has four wires going to it.

I bought the first one from Finishline when I built the car. I had the car on the road since March 2008. I had to replace it in November 2008 because it wouldn't stay in the "run" position all the time. At times, it would turn itself off if I hit a bump or even accidentally bumped the key.

I ordered another one from Finishline, same part number as before (S-IG) and now this one won't release from the "start" postion by itself, I have to turn it to the "run" position after it starts.

I'm not bad mouthing Finishline by any means, I have very good luck with all the other stuff I got from them & their customer service is great!

But, I'd like to replace the switch with a better one that'll last longer. Any suggestions on where to buy one of better quality?

Also, my strong suit isn't car wiring, a friend of mine installed the harness for me. So, will I be able to hook the wires up to the same terminals on the new switch? I know which wire goes on which terminal, will the new switch have the same configuration or will I have to figure out which wire goes where? The friend that did my harness has moved out of state.

Any help you guys can give me would be great.

Thanks,
Randy

twobjshelbys · #2 (**permalink**) 01-16-2010, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Juggernaut

I'm using a 3 position (Off, Start, Run) ignition switch in my Cobra. It has four wires going to it.

I bought the first one from Finishline when I built the car. I had the car on the road since March 2008. I had to replace it in November 2008 because it wouldn't stay in the "run" position all the time. At times, it would turn itself off if I hit a bump or even accidentally bumped the key.

I ordered another one from Finishline, same part number as before (S-IG) and now this one won't release from the "start" postion by itself, I have to turn it to the "run" position after it starts.

I'm not bad mouthing Finishline by any means, I have very good luck with all the other stuff I got from them & their customer service is great!

But, I'd like to replace the switch with a better one that'll last longer. Any suggestions on where to buy one of better quality?

Also, my strong suit isn't car wiring, a friend of mine installed the harness for me. So, will I be able to hook the wires up to the same terminals on the new switch? I know which wire goes on which terminal, will the new switch have the same configuration or will I have to figure out which wire goes where? The friend that did my harness has moved out of state.

Any help you guys can give me would be great.

Thanks,
Randy

Try the one at Shell Valley.

RICK LAKE · #3 (**permalink**) 01-16-2010, 03:13 PM

Juggernaut Randy take a look at Jeep CJ5 switchs. I Have used them for years. Simple to hook up. Heavy duty and fit and work just like a cobra one. Rick L.

767Jockey · #4 (**permalink**) 01-16-2010, 03:41 PM

Ron Francis Wiring sells a bunch of generic type ignition switches. Give them a call and tell them what you have and they will likely have a quick easy replacement. They also have tech support to tell you how to do it. I replaced my wiring harness with their product and I leaned heavily on their tech support, as I am electrically challenged as well.

Karl Bebout · #5 (**permalink**) 01-16-2010, 04:05 PM

I just use a heavy duty, generic NAPA switch and have had good luck with it. The terminals on the back of the switch will be identified as I would think your present one should be . Just connect your wires to the same terminals. I think the switch was even less than $20, with two keys.

Blittleton · #6 (**permalink**) 01-16-2010, 05:11 PM

you don't need keys, go keyless with Guard Dawg

Juggernaut · #7 (**permalink**) 01-16-2010, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RICK LAKE

Juggernaut Randy take a look at Jeep CJ5 switchs. I Have used them for years. Simple to hook up. Heavy duty and fit and work just like a cobra one. Rick L.

Thanks Rick, what year should I look for?

Juggernaut · #8 (**permalink**) 01-16-2010, 05:23 PM

Thanks guys for the help, I can always count on my friends here on the forum! Let the ignition switch hunt begin!

Blittleton, hmmm, keyless, never thought of that, I'll think I'll check into that too. That is, as long as I can hook it up right!

Thanks again to all!

Randy

patrickt · #9 (**permalink**) 01-16-2010, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Juggernaut

Thanks Rick, what year should I look for?

Jugs, see this thread: ERA Starter Switch The switch I reference is the same one that Rick is referencing (fits Jeeps, ERA uses them, AC/Delco makes them).

Rwillia4 · #10 (**permalink**) 01-16-2010, 05:42 PM

I like the keyless idea also. I guess I need to google it.

This one does the trick and for $11 you can't beat the price
http://www.jcwhitney.com/ALL-PURPOSE...;0;2002189;0;0

Rwillia4 · #11 (**permalink**) 01-16-2010, 05:45 PM

the gaurd dawg is way $$ ...as I thought it would be.
http://www.jcwhitney.com/jcwhitney/p...29&zmap=29675G

Bill do you have an extra good price?

Juggernaut · #12 (**permalink**) 01-16-2010, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

Jugs, see this thread: ERA Starter Switch The switch I reference is the same one that Rick is referencing (fits Jeeps, ERA uses them, AC/Delco makes them).

Thanks for the info. Checked out the thread too. The only thing I'd have to do is to change the ends on my wires from the push-on type to the eyelet since my switch doesn't have the posts but I guess I can handle that.

You guys are alright!!

Rick 427 Cobra · #13 (**permalink**) 01-16-2010, 07:00 PM

As posted in the linked thread, I use an early Mustang switch assembly. All chrome and can't be removed from the dash by simply turning the bezel.

RICK LAKE · #14 (**permalink**) 01-17-2010, 03:57 PM

Juggernaut Randy these are the years I have used on alot of different cars and trucks. easy wiring siumple to install. Some switched have eyelets and others have spade connections. Rick L.

Juggernaut · #15 (**permalink**) 01-17-2010, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RICK LAKE

Juggernaut Randy these are the years I have used on alot of different cars and trucks. easy wiring siumple to install. Some switched have eyelets and others have spade connections. Rick L.

Thanks Rick, I'll look into those years, maybe even find one with the spade connections so all I have to do is unplug my old one & plug in the new one.

This place is great! I only hope I get to meet some of you folks somewhere down the road, it'd be nice to put a name to a face.

See ya,
Randy

patrickt · #16 (**permalink**) 01-17-2010, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Juggernaut

...it'd be nice to put a name to a face.

That's what you think.

CobERA · #17 (**permalink**) 01-18-2010, 07:55 AM

Here's a good basic ignition switch from Watsons Streetworks - #L47S

http://www.watsons-streetworks.com/i..._switches.html

However, I've got a Digital Guard Dawg push button switch now, and like it alot.

Juggernaut · #18 (**permalink**) 01-18-2010, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

That's what you think.

Maybe I'll rethink that.......................

Juggernaut · #19 (**permalink**) 01-18-2010, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CobERA

Here's a good basic ignition switch from Watsons Streetworks - #L47S

http://www.watsons-streetworks.com/i..._switches.html

However, I've got a Digital Guard Dawg push button switch now, and like it alot.

Wow, a lot of choices since I opened this thread! Now all I have to do is make up my mind! I like the push button switch.

Thanks!