Spider Ignition Switch Alternative & Upgrade

[tomf]

My 79 Spider's engine died with no ignition voltage so I swapped out the ignition switch with a FORD Motorcraft part. Since the FIAT switch is double pole, and the Motorcraft is single pole, I added 2 relays. One relay for the start circuit (red/black wire) and another for the Fuse B & Lights (ltblue wire & ltblue/red wire). For the run circuit, Coil & Fuse A (pink & pink wire) I wired to the terminals in the Motorcraft switch.

PARTS USED,
SWITCH MOTORCRAFT # SW417 {# C5AB11572C, C5AZ11572B} $11.66

LOCK CYLINDER & KEYS MOTORCRAFT # SW814 {# C9AZ11582A, F6HT11583AA, XS2E12405AA} $14.93

BEZEL SCOTT DRAKE PART # C60Z-11584-A $15.50

WASHER Black-Oxide Steel Oversized Flat Washer M30 Screw Size, 31.0mm ID, 48.0mm OD McMaster # 98040A112 (need increase the washer ID a few mm to approx 34mm) $3.05

RELAY (2) HELLA 40A High Current Relay, SPST-NO, 5 Terminals, 12V DC Control, with Tab, McMaster # 9672K29 $7.89

Connectors & WIRE as required

The switch goes in from the back. A washer is used in the front as a spacer and the bezel screws on the switch barrel to hold in place. Also, I had to open up the washer ID a few mm in order to fit over the switch barrel. The switch is tapered in diameter so as you tighten the bezel from the front the switch it locks in place. Of course no steering wheel locking function.

Just an alternative to used or substandard switches.

Also, have some pics if interested.

Tom

[RRoller123]

Welcome aboard! That is a clever solution to a common problem with these cars!

You will find plenty of knowledgeable and friendly people here.

Post some pictures! They help a great deal when trying to help diagnose problems, inquiries, etc that you may have.

Here is a thread on how to post pictures directly to the forum:

http://www.fiatspider.com/f15/viewtopic ... 13&t=32169

And here is another picture-posting thread:

http://www.fiatspider.com/f15/viewtopic ... 12&t=23084

This short instruction covers how to resize pictures so that they don’t get cut off at the right side:

http://www.fiatspider.com/f15/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=30441

And here is a link to a map of Spider owner’s locations. Many forum members have listed their locations.

https://www.zeemaps.com/map?group=191825


Pete

[tomf]

Thanks Pete

Here are some photos and my wiring diagram,

1. FORD MOTORCRAFT INGNITION SWITCH COMPLETE

https://www.flickr.com/photos/143278068 ... res/k2i8nm

2. BEZEL AND WASHER

https://www.flickr.com/photos/143278068 ... res/89J37h

3. SWITCH WITH MY WIRING & CONNECTORS

https://www.flickr.com/photos/143278068 ... res/zV4K23

4. INSTALLED IN VEHICLE, 79 SPIDER

https://www.flickr.com/photos/143278068 ... res/255Jt4

5. WIRING

https://www.flickr.com/photos/143278068 ... res/eV1017

Tom

[divace73]

the original sipea switch can be pulled apart and cleaned, a little work, most probably the same amount as putting an aftermarket unit in.

There is a thread on the mirifiori forum some time ago that explained the process. http://www.mirafiori.com/faq/content/switch/

I used long screws from a hobby shop to screw mine all back together

[joelittel]

Tom, in the picture group labeled 4. INSTALLED IN VEHICLE the last photo shows a black box with two dials. What is that, a cooling fan control?

[ORFORD2004]

last photo shows a black box with two dials

Air conditionning

[tomf]

Correct, that is the air conditioning control, temp & fan.

Tom

[klweimer]

That's a sweet fix you put together. And you used my favorite store on the internet, McMaster-Carr!
Kirk

[tomf]

And RockAuto for the motorcraft parts!

[spider2081]

I thanks for a clever and economical alternative for the common ignition switch problems