I know this has been covered, but how do you change the ignition switch?

[LuckyScott]

Okay, stupid question, but how do you change the ignition switch in a 72 suburban.
I did the trick where you put the key to the left and stick a paper clip in the little hole, and that worked to get it apart.
Then I changed the ignition part in the back, but the back side bezel on and for the life of me, cant get it back together.......
Then I thought, hey, lets try putting the key lock part in the old switch so I can see how it goes together, and now it is stuck in the old ignition on my bench.
Of course, its saturday night, and no where to buy a new key lock until monday.
Please, somebody, tell me how it goes back together.

[dmack91]

NAPA should be open. They carry them for around $6.

[LockDoc]

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Did you make sure the new switch was in the "Off" or "Accessory" position before you tried to put the lock cylinder in it? To do that you put a screw driver in the hole that the lock cylinder goes in, making sure the blade of the screw driver is in the slot at the bottom and "gently" turn to the left to make sure it is in the "Off" or "Accessory" position. Insert the lock cylinder into the hole with the poke hole just to the left of the brass spring loaded pin, push in on the lock cylinder and turn it to the right, to the center position and remove the key.

The reason that you can't get the lock cylinder back out of your old switch may be because the switch is not solid like it was when it was mounted in the dash. "Gently" mount it in a vise or have a friend hold it down tight on a bench or table and try it that way.

The reason I emphasize "gently" is because most people tend to get heavy handed with this stuff and it's not like you're working on a transmission or doing a brake job. You shouldn't have to force anything. Oh, and when you push in on the spring loaded pin with the paper clip, please do it "gently".....

LockDoc

[LuckyScott]

LockDoc,
Thanks so much for the help. I think the part about making sure the switch was in the off position before putting in the new lock was the info I was lacking.
I will give that a try.
I did finally get the lock out of the old switch, and I think I have the technique down purty good for removing the lock now.
Now I just need to learn how to put it back together..........

Seems like the chrome ring does not want to engage the new switch, but I will try it again after it cools down a little.

Thanks again!

[LockDoc]

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The threads on those are real fine and they cross thread easily. Try turning it backwards until you feel it drop in or click a little bit then try screwing it on. It should screw on easily.

The spacer has three notches in it and they are not spaced evenly. These notches fit into tabs around the hole in the dash. Make sure they line up.

LockDoc