How much 'older'? I have a '78 Bronco. Ignition switch has a bezel ring that secures the switch to the dash. Simply unscrew the ring from the front, then pull switch assembly from the rear of dash. Once it is free from dash there are plastic clips holding the assy together.
first you have to take all the plastic around the steering column off, next you have to drop the steering column by unbolting the metal bracket that holds it on. The switch sits right on top of the column. its pretty much just plug and play.
A signal from the ignition switch closes the contacts in the relay to allow current to flow to the starter.
Probably not a bad ignition switch, but more likely a bad starter solenoid. It takes a lot of current to get a starter to turn, to much to go through such a small switch like the ignition switch. The ignition switch actually controls a relay(solenoid) which can handle the needed current to get the starter going. On a lot of modern cars the solenoid is built into the starter unlike older cars and trucks where it was mounted on the firewall between the battery and the starter.
Sounds like the starter solenoid is stuck. Another possibility is the ignition key switch is not automatically returning from the start to run position. As the switches get older they seem to get stiff. Could be a weak spring in the switch or just gummed up lubricant. The easy test is to try turning the key counter clockwise after starting the engine and see if the starter motor stops running.
I'd replace the ECM (electronic Control Module). These are often the problem on older GM vehicles. It's fairly simple to replace. It's located directly under the distributor cap and rotor. Costs about $60 for the part.
When the ignition key won't turn in a car or truck, it could be that the pins in the lock cylinder came out and locked the lock. Also, if the key is old, it could be worn down too much. One other thing a person should try is rocking the wheel while turning the key. It also could be that the ignition switch needs to be replaced.
Bronco - a colt is a baby animal
The 1980 Suzuki key code switch is located near the ignition switch. This is the common location for most older models.
A signal from the ignition switch closes the contacts in the relay to allow current to flow to the starter.
buy a Honda
You would have to replace the entire fuel and ignition systems with older types to bypass the computer.
Probably not a bad ignition switch, but more likely a bad starter solenoid. It takes a lot of current to get a starter to turn, to much to go through such a small switch like the ignition switch. The ignition switch actually controls a relay(solenoid) which can handle the needed current to get the starter going. On a lot of modern cars the solenoid is built into the starter unlike older cars and trucks where it was mounted on the firewall between the battery and the starter.
If it is a newer model (no distributor) then it sounds like the Ignition Control pack is bad. If it is older (with a distributor) then replace the Ignition coil inside the distributor cap.
the only way i found that you can replace the ignition switch is to take it to somebody who has a strong enough drill bit, they will then have to drill out the rods that appear to be welded in, the guys at the dealership ended up really struggling and i got stuck with a big bill, by the way any auto parts store charge you about $100 for the ignition switch as well as $100 for the lock cylinder which chances are you will need at that point, especially if you have the problem any of the older toyotas have, which is keys broke off in the ignition, for as great of vehicles as Toyota has made you would thinnk the keys would be stronger, but my previa van is the third i have owned and is the third that had a key that broke in it, and this one eventually stopped turning with only have a key, and $300 later and after every homie of mine who was a mechanic telling me they were lost on this ignition, and it is running again, so best of luck to any who check this out mcl
Santa Fe is older
This is a problem with the ignition swtich assembly becoming worn on an older vehicle and the contact points that power-up the accessory circuits as well as the engine electrics fail to make good electrical contact. The resolution is to replace the ignition switch assembly, which would run about US$300. maybe it could be the alternator? this won't go on for long before requiring replacement.
the newer bulbs that replace the older ones draw more power and overheat the headlight switch. buy a new headlight switch and try that, it worked on my 67.
If it's not a diesel, it's probably the ignition switch. Older non computer controlled engines can continue to run (badly) after the ignition is shut off due to a very high idle or a badly set timing.