The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

Hello there everyone!

Been getting a bit of trouble lately when I try to start my car, warning lights come on fine, but if I turn the key to start the car, nothing happens. However if I push the key inwards into the barrel more, the engine turns and she starts no trouble. I'm thinking I've got a dodgy connection somewhere but I've been reading about sheared bolts to stop thieves and all sorts, so was wondering where to start? Is it all contained (inaccessibly?) within the barrel?!

Thanks in advance!

There is a bit of good news here, the ignition switch can be removed without the need to remove the actual steering lock barrel.
From experience I would try the switch first.

With the steering column shrouds removed, the ignition switch will be visible. Little grub screws hold it in place.
The wiring is more tricky to deal with since the s/column has a sleeve which prevents the switch's plug from passing
through




Ian.

Thanks very much Ian, will have a good look and see what the problem is! Just good to grab some advice before I crack into it really.

Thanks!

sprint95m wrote:The wiring is more tricky to deal with since the s/column has a sleeve which prevents the switch's plug from passing

Are you sure? Both stalks can be changed without removing plugs, what is different about the switch?

tinweevil wrote:

sprint95m wrote:The wiring is more tricky to deal with since the s/column has a sleeve which prevents the switch's plug from passing

Are you sure? Both stalks can be changed without removing plugs, what is different about the switch?

Thanks for pointing that out Julian, I had forgotten that the plugs are detachable on intermediate and later cars.



Ian.

You can get the plugs through the sleeve, you just need to unbolt the top of the column to drop it down then push the sleeve down to the thinner lower column. The parcel shelf needs to be removed too. Or the column removed from the car.

It can be tested without putting it in the proper column sleeve first. I would try the new one to see if it fixes the problem.
Then you can dismantle the column and fit it in the sleeve/shroud at your leisure.
It can be done in situ with practice but I find it less grief taking the column out.

Jonners