GSA ignition switch question.

[uhn113x]

Hi folks,

Subject is my 1982 GSA Pallas.
I have a problem with the ignition switch contacts - for years it has had the occasional failure to operate the starter but when I have tried to stick a meter on, it's started to work OK! Typical.
Now, it failed to start at all so I found it was the contacts in the switch and have temporarily hooked up a switch so I can use it - it's our only means of transport.

As the switch is the same sort as our Dyane I'm quite au fait with repairing it if I can just remove it without having to get the complete assembly with the lock barrel out.

Up to now, I have taken the column shroud out and removed the slotless screw holding the switch but cannot seem to slide the switch out though it's now loose - how can I do that?

I have looked on the web including youtube and all I can see is how to get the entire switch out by removing the removing the instrument panel - something I certainly don't want to do as last time I tried it took all day!

Any pointers on how I proceed, please?

Mike.

[Gibbo2286]

I have only vague memories of this but I think you need the key in and turned to the on position ??? to get the lock out.

[uhn113x]

Done that! I'll try a further wiggle, though.

[wurlycorner]

Can't quite picture what you're looking at here/what you have done and am not at all familiar with a GS, but...
Does the Haynes manual not help?

If it's like a CX, then the switch probably has an integral steering lock part, which means you can't just slide the switch up 'along' the column. You have to unwrap the clamp holding around it and then pull the switch away from the column, directly outwards.

[uhn113x]

Hi Iain,

Dunno what the CX part is like, but the GSA steering lock has a bolt that slides in free of the column when unlocked. Haynes, Autobooks, Autodata and official Citroen manuals don't help.
However, I think Gibbo (see above) is on the right track; as it's a bit warmer today and the damn white stuff is going I'll have another look. Apart from the extra contacts it's just like the Dyane switch.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Citroen-GSA- ... 2240776028

[Mandrake]

The lock has an integral steering lock tongue and definitely has to be in the on position to remove it - unless you want to cut the steering lock tongue off with a grinder! It is close to impossible to remove if it is stuck in the fully off steering locked position.

If you can get it to the on position then from memory you need to remove the plastic dashboard cowling that covers the front of the lock and the lock comes out towards the driver. As long as it is in the on position its not that hard to remove. There may be an allen grub screw in the side somewhere that retains it - can't quite remember as it is nearly 20 years since I replaced one.

I remember the one we replaced the key had broken off inside the lock and we spent hours getting it to turn into the on position but once we managed that and the steering lock tongue retracted it came out fairly easily!

[uhn113x]

Thanks, Simon, I thought as much. The screw is the one without a slot which I replaced with a normal hex one years ago. The switch comes out towards the back as I remember.

I'll have another go when my new switch has arrived; watch this space!

Now I need to sort a misfire as it's a few degrees warmer.

[wurlycorner]

Yes, that's very similar to a CX keyswitch (albeit I recall the lock-tongue on a CX being longer and constant width rather than widening out).

[uhn113x]

The lock has an integral steering lock tongue and definitely has to be in the on position to remove it - unless you want to cut the steering lock tongue off with a grinder! It is close to impossible to remove if it is stuck in the fully off steering locked position.

Already done that!

If you can get it to the on position then from memory you need to remove the plastic dashboard cowling that covers the front of the lock and the lock comes out towards the driver.

Not possible as the plastic is the entire dash so it must come out towards the back.
With the security screw out the lock will wiggle but won't come out. The steering lock is working as it should.

However, after sorting out my misfire (choke butterfly link had a broken plastic bit) I need to get to the throttle cable inner end as it's suddenly jammed, but cannot see how to get to it! As it's a RHD car the cable end is nowhere near the pedal. It never rains ...

[uhn113x]

I ended up putting a push-button switch on the dash facing the A_post.. It looks neat and could be a theft deterrent.