Ignition switch problems

[rbray]

Hi guys,
Today I had an interesting/scary problem come up.
It seems that when the key is in the ignition and turned to the on position ( not start ) and I reach under the dash and put a little pressure on the casing of the ignition switch the starter motor will crank.

This was a real surprise!

I put my head under the dash and all of the wires are securely connected to the switch.

Any ideas as to what is cause this. Is the switch bad? I think it’s an Autometer.

BTW. My dash is aluminum and is grounded to the frame. Could this have anything to do with my problem.

[tcrist]

Sounds like a bad switch. Although when you stuck your hand back there and pressed you could have moved a wire or two and shorted something.

Terry

[Ron61]

Rbray,

What were you looking for in the first place that caused you to find this? Though it shouldn't, it is possible for the outer case of the ignition case to move just enough for it to make contact inside with the starter contact. I agree with Terry that it sounds as if your ignition switch could be bad. But check the wires as he mentioned to be sure none of them are close enough to short. Weird things can happen when you start moving wires on switches or steering columns.

Ron

[Rick Parker]

This should not occur. Any type of potential electrical short circuit should be investigated and any questionable part repaired or eliminated regardless of what it is. An electrical short circuit is capable of causing a fire with devastating results and if it happpened at an inopportune time (while driving) could cause panic with dire results. Find the faulty part and replace it with the best quality you can find.