[sglemans]

Hey, back in the Pontiac fold after a few years!

1968 GP, the ignition switch in the dash does not spring back when starting. Is this an issue with the key tumbler, or is there an internal switch issue causing this?

[sglemans]

Anybody??

[RAJNWDY]

The switch is down on the steering column and it has the internal spring in it, if it is hanging up then this will prevent the rod from returning your Key tumbler. the ignition switch is held by 2 screws down on the side of the column.
in this picture you can see the ignition switch down lower on the column on this GM set up in a hot rod.
OK I see that yours is in the Dash, this is the tumbler and switch as one piece. with your key, turn the switch till you can use a straight pin to push the tumbler lock out of the way, and remove the Key tumbler, then you can unscrew the Basel and remove the switch. My 64 did the same thing, was hanging up and if your careful with a little sewing machine oil you can possibly get it loosened up to work again. they don't like a lot of lube but after 50 years, I don't like Cortisone either but, a little lube may not be a bad thing!

[A390GT]

I found another key. Not sure if it’s a 64 or 68??? You can try it out if you want.
But I’m not sure if it will help.

I have another on my dash hanging on the wall but no key.

John

[sglemans]

If I remove the key tumbler will I see the return spring behind it, or is it inside the switch? Just wanted to know before I tackle this thx

[64-3Deuces]

If you haven’t already, go back to your previous thread about this issue and see my response at #14.

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...=1#post5836115

To answer your question, NO you will not see the spring The switch is a sealed unit. The lock cylinder has a tang that fits into the “D” shaped hole in a piece that moves the internal contacts as the cylinder is rotated. If you are able to move the cylinder from accessory to start, freely and with no binding but it doesn’t return to run then it sounds like the spring is shot. That said, nothing to lose by removing the cylinder and squirting in some contact cleaner if it is “hanging up”. Also, with the cylinder out you can put a screwdriver in that hole and turn the switch through its range and see what happens.

Theoretically, you could open up the switch from the back and try to repair it but I’ve never seen that done, you might not get the internals back together properly, and you’ll never get the crimps factory tight which will lead to problems.

[sglemans]

Will the switch from any full size Pontiac work (Catalina, Bonneville, etc.)? Do they all have the same switch or do they all have different terminals?

[64-3Deuces]

Originally Posted by sglemans

Will the switch from any full size Pontiac work (Catalina, Bonneville, etc.)? Do they all have the same switch or do they all have different terminals?

GM 60's era ignition switches are make/model/year specific. They are not interchangeable unless noted in the parts book or interchange manual. You need a 68 switch, #1116692.

This is the same as a different listing which stated that it also fits GP.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1968-68-Pon...RYdAYA&vxp=mtr