1992 Ford Escort ignition switch help

DOLL841

MEMBER
1992 FORD ESCORT
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
143,000 MILES

I pulled into a store, everything running fine. Turned off the car and couldn't turn it back on. The switch is very free with no "bump" like it has always had to start the car. All the warning lights work and other battery cable things. The key turns and nothing. I unhooked the cables when I had it towed home. I have called several locksmiths in the area, and they say it is a Mazda switch and they don't change them! How is that different and is it a huge undertaking? Although I am a woman I am willing to try instead of having the car towed to the garage as they suggested. Just want a heads up before I start and to know what to do. Thank you in advance

2 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

This will require the removal of the air bag, if it has one, the steering wheel, the multifunction switch, thats the turn signal stick, both column covers, then the switch! And the switch is the easy one! Negative battery cable MUST be disconnected before any work is done! Wait 2-3 mins so air bags dont deploy. The reason the locksmith won't do it is because, the switch is NOT the key tumbler, that's called the cylinder. Trhe switch plugs int that, and the wiring harness of the car.