Thanks for all this info, extremely helpful. My backing plate looks like a biscuit on the side, looks like it’s starting to separate maybe from moisture? Very flaky, and I had to be careful with it. It does seem the plate is “swollen” and the contacts aren’t level with the exterior of the plate. I’ll pull it off and do some more cleaning and light sanding perhaps I can repair. The contacts on the ring if I remember looked more “cone” shaped than round, and a little distorted. I’ll take a look and see if I can find a replacement backing plate. I haven’t driven the car yet or got it to move but by bump I mean any movement to the switch and the key moved left or right a hair…the most minute change it loses contact.TRDxB2 wrote: ↑Sat Mar 12, 2022 2:00 amIgnition switches can be repaired (I have done several) and some parts are available. Repro ones are expensive...
You said that going over a bump knocks it off might be an issue with the fiber backing plate or the ends of the contact rings being worn. This is a picture of good contacts both on the rotating rings and the backing plate. Notice the roundness of the contacts, how do yours look after cleaning?
The ignition switch is actually two switches in one - the key turns the inner ring to select the voltage source. The handle is used to operate the lights by rotating the outer ring
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T suppliers sell backing plates and switches and rivets for the style that needs them remove in order to replace the tumbler. That's the type you have. They do not sell the rotating rings. Sometimes the fiber backing plate warps and a light sanding solves some problems. Bending the metal contacts, is not advised as they can break, and doesn't help if the corresponding brass socket on the backing plate is blocked. In other words the contact needs to nestle into the brass pocket. Those tracking lines caused by rotating the switch are normal.
I need to pull the panel and switch apart anyway again cause if I am gonna keep this switch I need to repaint. The previous owner painted the entire thing GOLD and it looks terrible. I’d like to get it back gloss black but that’s just the housing though. Lol
Edit: Went and found the plate, I didn’t know they sold just this piece. I think this will do it and fix my switch and ignition woes: