MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGB Technical - ANOTHER Another ONE !!!

Filled the car with fuel and returned home. Turned the key to the "0" position and the starter engaged, the engine restated with the starer still engaged. Turned the key to the "1" position and the engine shut down. However I cannot remove the key from it's cylinder without returning it to the "0" position.

The key positions "0" is off and locked steering, key can be removed. Position "1" key in, steering column unlocked, position "2" electrical systems on. Position "3" starter engaged.

Is it the switch part of the key mechanism that is failing or is it the entire key/lock/switch assembly?

This is the fourth time I've had an ignition key/switch failure.

Any thoughts on this

Cheers

Gary
79 MGB
gary hansen

From what you say I would think it is inside the switch itself only

willy
William Revit

According to the Parts Catalogues they were always a separate switch, look for a grub screw near the join of the lock and the switch.

Your problem is more likely to be the lock, I had similar problems, replaced just the lock and it's fine. This was on a 73 http://www.mgb-stuff.org.uk/suspensiontext.htm#slock
Paul Hunt

Thanx Paul & Willy,

The first failure occurred in 2003 when the key turned completely around full circle and was unable to get the car started until we hot wired it.

Bought new complete key lock assembly. That one failed in 20013. That unit would suddenly cut out as the car was running

Bought new complete key lock assembly. Now a year and a half later, unit engages the starter on the "0" off/lock position.

Ordered just the switch portion of the assembly. Will post again when I change out the old switch.

Is the replacement switch a plug and play ordeal sor is there any soldering required?

Cheers

Gary

79MGB
gary hansen

Always plug and play, either individual spades on the back or a multi-plug on a short sub-harness. If it's a multi-plug (from 74 on I think) it should just plug together, otherwise you may have to check which spades are connected together in each position of the switch to work out where each wire goes.
Paul Hunt

Replaced the electrical part of the ignition-steering lock assembly. All is well. Obviously I will keep a guarded eye on this.

Thanks to all for your responses

Cheers
Gary
79 MGB
gary hansen

This thread was discussed between 07/03/2015 and 12/03/2015

MG MGB Technical index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG MGB Technical BBS now