ignition difficulty on my 1990 miata

Iva wrote:

> There is a part of the ignition switch with contacts on it that can be
> replaced separately from the part that takes the key. I'm not at home and
> cannot look at my manuals right now but I'll be happy to check on same and
> get back to you later today. I know that I have some .pdf diagrams on my
> home computer that should show what I'm talking about here.
>
> Iva & Belle.)
> '90B Classic Red.)
> #3 winkin' Miata


Thanks, there is always something else to learn about on these
things....I will have to remember that. I thought that there was only
one part to replace.

Do you happen to know if the parts with the contacts get replaced when
chaging out the whole unit? (I guess I will see in the diagram)
I am wondering if I have replaced an entire ignition assembly when only
this one part was needed.

Pat

Pat wrote:
> Iva wrote:
>
>> There is a part of the ignition switch with contacts on it that can be
>> replaced separately from the part that takes the key. I'm not at home
>> and
>> cannot look at my manuals right now but I'll be happy to check on same
>> and
>> get back to you later today. I know that I have some .pdf diagrams on my
>> home computer that should show what I'm talking about here.
>>
>> Iva & Belle.)
>> '90B Classic Red.)
>> #3 winkin' Miata
>
>
> Thanks, there is always something else to learn about on these things....I
> will have to remember that. I thought that there was only one part to
> replace.
>
> Do you happen to know if the parts with the contacts get replaced when
> chaging out the whole unit? (I guess I will see in the diagram)
> I am wondering if I have replaced an entire ignition assembly when only
> this one part was needed.

Well, of course when I got home and checked the computer, I could NOT find
those freaking diagrams. I found wiring diagrams but not the parts diagrams.
They must be on the old computer which went to the great recycling place in
the sky - or wherever it is that old 'puters go. <G>

Anyway, I got the part from Trussville Mazda, part number D00166151, for
$91.81 including shipping back in August 2003. It replaced only the
contacts part, not the key part. According to the Enthusiast's Manual, you
take apart the steering housing, unplug the wiring connector on the back of
the switch and then take out the retaining screw to remove the switch. I
wasn't anywhere near replacing the part where the key goes. They're
apparently two separate units.

Wait a sec - I just found the diagrams. Of course they're in .pdf format
and I can't just send you one page! If you want the whole 141 pages of
that section, let me know and I'll send it to you. Be aware that it's for
1990-93 models.

Iva & Belle.)
'90B Classic Red.)
#3 winkin' Miata

"Iva" .> wrote in message
...
> Chris D'Agnolo wrote:
>> Don't give up that easy! I've had success with several car ignition
> switches
>> by spraying lubricants into the keyhole. White lithium spray grease might
>> work nice but could be a bit messy in your pocket. WD-40 or a silicone
> spray
>> lube will usually work although you may have to redo it a couple of time
>> a
>> year. Give it a shot, changing the ignition never sounds like a good idea
> to
>> me unless all else fails!
>
> Replacing the ignition switch was a relatively easy job. You're not
> changing the part where the key goes in, you're just changing the rest of
> it. IIRC it only took me about 45 minutes, from start to clean-up.
>
> Iva & Belle.)
> '90B Classic Red.)
> #3 winkin' Miata
>
>

But how does Belle feel about it?

Frank Berger wrote:
>Iva wrote:
>> Replacing the ignition switch was a relatively easy job. You're not
>> changing the part where the key goes in, you're just changing the rest of
>> it. IIRC it only took me about 45 minutes, from start to clean-up.
>>
>
> But how does Belle feel about it?

Oh, she was *very* happy about it since replacing the switch got her out of
the garage and back on the road where she belongs! <g>

Iva & Belle.)
'90B Classic Red.)
#3 winkin' Miata

yes, i think graphic is the appropriate lubricant. the problem with oils
(wd-40 and the like) is more than just the mess but that they attract dirt
that become impregnated in them and act as abrasives that end up wearing out
the lock. graphic does not do this.

"Justin Case" <.> wrote in message
u...
>
> "Chris D'Agnolo" > wrote in message
> ...
>> Don't give up that easy! I've had success with several car ignition
>> switches by spraying lubricants into the keyhole. White lithium spray
>> grease might work nice but could be a bit messy in your pocket. WD-40 or
>> a silicone spray lube will usually work although you may have to redo it
>> a couple of time a year. Give it a shot, changing the ignition never
>> sounds like a good idea to me unless all else fails!
>>
>> Chris
>> 99BBB
>>
>> "Frank Berger" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>>
>>> "Trent" > wrote in message
>>> oups.com...
>>>> I just bought a 1990 Miata and we are having problems with the
>>>> ignition key not wanting to turn over, the key acts like it's not the
>>>> right key, if you jiggle the key long enough, it will eventually turn
>>>> over...does anyone have any suggestion on how to loosen up the ignition
>>>> switch... thanks for any help... Trent
>>>>
>>>
>>> Amazing. That problem just started occuring on my '96. I figure we'll
>>> need a new ignition switch.
>>>
>>
>>
>
> a puff of graphite powder might just do the trick.
>
>
>

Iva wrote:

> Wait a sec - I just found the diagrams. Of course they're in .pdf format
> and I can't just send you one page! If you want the whole 141 pages of
> that section, let me know and I'll send it to you. Be aware that it's for
> 1990-93 models.
>
> Iva & Belle.)
> '90B Classic Red.)
> #3 winkin' Miata

Thanks, it sounds like it was the starter each of the two times I have
replaced one. Are the symptoms the same? I am wondering how you knew it
was the one switch and not the assembly itself.

Mine is a 1991, at least the starter is still from then as far as I know....

If, (and when), I have starter problems, I might hit you up for that
section, but I would want to return the favor.
I'll tell you what, if you end up sending me the information, I will let
you borrow Leon's 2006 for a month. :-)

Pat

Pat wrote:
> Iva wrote:
>
> > Wait a sec - I just found the diagrams. Of course they're in .pdf
format
> > and I can't just send you one page! If you want the whole 141 pages of
> > that section, let me know and I'll send it to you. Be aware that it's
for
> > 1990-93 models.
> >
> Thanks, it sounds like it was the starter each of the two times I have
> replaced one. Are the symptoms the same? I am wondering how you knew it
> was the one switch and not the assembly itself.

I did some research in the garage section of miata.net and asked questions
on our club's website. The symptoms indicated it was the switch -
particularly the "jiggle the key and things work again" part.

> Mine is a 1991, at least the starter is still from then as far as I
know....
>
> If, (and when), I have starter problems, I might hit you up for that
> section, but I would want to return the favor.
> I'll tell you what, if you end up sending me the information, I will let
> you borrow Leon's 2006 for a month. :-)

Check your e-mail - I was able to scan in the one page and sent it off to
you.

Where do I pick up Leon's car? <G>

Iva & Belle.)
'90B Classic Red.)
#3 winkin' Miata

Here is a quote off of the Mercedes newsgroup on the same topic:

"I am a locksmith and have seen many locks apart and on the bench.

A couple of observations. First WD40 is mostly solvent and does not
turn to
a hard gum.

Graphite works great as a lock lubricant, but if you apply it to a lock
that
has grease inside, you get carbon impacted grease that can be a
mechanical
problem as it takes up space that the tumblers need to wiggle and
slide.

The big advantage to WD40 is that it is cheap and everyone seems to
have a
can or two around the house. If the lock is gummy, flushing with WD40
until
the outflow runs clear will not hurt anything. Once the solvent
evaporates
then a puff or two of powdered graphite is great.

The real gummy stuff are products like 3 in One oil they will suck up
dust
and then dry to a sticky goo."


Chris D'Agnolo wrote:
> Don't give up that easy! I've had success with several car ignition switches
> by spraying lubricants into the keyhole. White lithium spray grease might
> work nice but could be a bit messy in your pocket. WD-40 or a silicone spray
> lube will usually work although you may have to redo it a couple of time a
> year. Give it a shot, changing the ignition never sounds like a good idea to
> me unless all else fails!
>
> Chris
> 99BBB
>
> "Frank Berger" > wrote in message
> ...
> >
> > "Trent" > wrote in message
> > oups.com...
> >> I just bought a 1990 Miata and we are having problems with the
> >> ignition key not wanting to turn over, the key acts like it's not the
> >> right key, if you jiggle the key long enough, it will eventually turn
> >> over...does anyone have any suggestion on how to loosen up the ignition
> >> switch... thanks for any help... Trent
> >>
> >
> > Amazing. That problem just started occuring on my '96. I figure we'll
> > need a new ignition switch.
> >

You do "Do White", I assume...


--
I work for the ILEC ...." stuff happens! "



"pws" > wrote in message
...
> Iva wrote:
>
>> I did some research in the garage section of miata.net and asked
>> questions
>> on our club's website. The symptoms indicated it was the switch -
>> particularly the "jiggle the key and things work again" part.
>
> Ahhh, research, I see....
> For what it is worth, that switch is connected to the ignition lock
> assembly and comes free with it, I just didn't know that it was a separate
> part that could be removed from the entire lock assembly as well.
>
> I also don't know if the entire assembly comes with a new switch like the
> one you replaced because both of mine were from donor cars.
> In any case, what that means for me is that it may have been this switch
> alone in both cases.
>
>> Check your e-mail - I was able to scan in the one page and sent it off to
>> you.
>
> Thank you much, I will be checking this first next time, and there will be
> a next time.
>
>> Where do I pick up Leon's car? <G>
>
> His driveway, of course, quickly when he isn't looking. I already managed
> to dupe his key and I can send you a mapquest link. ;-)
>
> Pat

pws wrote:
> Iva wrote:
>
> > Replacing the ignition switch was a relatively easy job. You're not
> > changing the part where the key goes in, you're just changing the rest of
> > it. IIRC it only took me about 45 minutes, from start to clean-up.
> >
> > Iva & Belle.)
> > '90B Classic Red.)
> > #3 winkin' Miata
>
>
> Iva, what part are you referring to?
>
> I have always known the ignition switch as the assembly that surrounds
> the steering column, attaches with self-shearing bolts, has a lock and
> takes the ignition key.
>
> Pat
I have broken a key off in the ignition of my '90 Miata and had a
locksmith attempt to get it out, no luck, does anyone know of a link
that could show me how to remove the ignition switch so I can get it
replaced with a new one.. Thanks for the help..> Trent, Waco, Texas