Ignition switch help

[jmstige]

Hi all,

I almost had a situation today...The boat wouldn't start and I was slowly drifting toward the damn/rocks...All of the sudden - the key started turning all the way around and not egaging the starter... I finally got it started and back safe to the slip!

I have the switch next to me...Is this a part easily replaced? Has this part failed on anyone else?

[zad0030]

They tend to loosen up over time. There is a bolt underneath, tighten it up with some locktite.

[jmstige]

I'm not seeing anything to tighten?

[dogbert]

It's actually on the back of the switch housing. Same thing happened when I took my boat out for the first time (my dealer had to replace my entire dash when they sent the wrong one from the factory). Luckily, I had a tool kit on board and was able to tighten everything up.

[jmstige]

I actually have the switch removed from the dash and sitting on my desk with the key in it. The problem is that the key spins freely instead of turning to a start position then stopping.

I'm just sitting here waiting for the shop to open and hoping they will have a replacement part.

You guys are referring to the nut that tightens it to the dash, right?

[Fast1911]

That is what dogbert meant, if it is spinning inside its own housing then you will need a replacement. You might find it at an auto parts shop if your dealer doesn't have it.