12 replies to this topic

[sambrown1992]

Anyone got a guide from to change my key ignition switch from the colum to the instumant panel thx

[Dan]

  It would be pretty hard to mount the steering lock itself there, there is no real way to mount the switch assembly other than having it bolted to something similar to the column.  It doesn't have a threaded boss or anything like that.  You could replace it with one of the earlier panel mounted ignition switches quite easily, but it will need a separate starter switch as the panel switches were fitted along with the floor starter and so don't have a start position.  The wiring would be straightforward, but you will have to tell us what sort of switch assembly you are using and then we can give you exact instructions.  You will have to fit a suitable system that satisfies the requirements for immobilising the car under the C&U regs if you are removing the steering lock.  This is now an MOT requirement I believe.  Whatever you do, you must not leave it with a half converted system so that it would be possible to have the ignition on with the steering lock engaged.  That would be illegal and extremely dangerous obviously.  

[lrostoke]

You could replace it with one of the earlier panel mounted ignition switches quite easily, but it will need a separate starter switch as the panel switches were fitted along with the floor starter and so don't have a start position

 
Not totally true on that one Dan, brother in laws 1970 as the dash mounted key and it incorporates the starter position also. It is original
 
http://www.somerford...roducts_id=4164

 

You would also need the corrisponding lock and key to fit in that unit

Edited by lrostoke, 21 May 2013 - 06:05 AM.

[Dan]

  Oh wow I didn't know that had ever been used.  The good thing about these is you can have the same key for the doors and ignition of course.  Or is that only the case with the earlier type? 

Edited by Dan, 21 May 2013 - 07:35 PM.

[rodandtom]

 

You could replace it with one of the earlier panel mounted ignition switches quite easily, but it will need a separate starter switch as the panel switches were fitted along with the floor starter and so don't have a start position

 
Not totally true on that one Dan, brother in laws 1970 as the dash mounted key and it incorporates the starter position also. It is original
 
http://www.somerford...roducts_id=4164

 

You would also need the corrisponding lock and key to fit in that unit

 

 

So how does the steering lock operate when you have a dash mounted switch? I would like to fit one like this but I can't get my head around how it would operate.

 

Rod

[Dan]

It doesn't, you MUST remove the steering lock if you fit another ignition switch panel that could bypass the column switch. It would be stupidly dangerous (and illegal) to build it in a way that you could have the engine running with the lock engaged obviously. You will have to find an alternative way of disabling the car that satisfies the same rules as the steering lock does. If you want to keep the lock then the switch panel would have to be wired so that it can't do anything until the lock is opened with the key, which makes it kind of pointless. You can keep the lock as the ignition switch and just have a push button start. Quite a few people choose to do that as a way of making their car less convenient and more complex to use because they want the look!

[rodandtom]

Interesting. What are the regs around disabling the car? Where can I go read them?

 

Thanks,

 

Rod

[Dan]

It will be in Road Vehicles Construction And Use Regulations, which is all online. It's quite specific about what is needed but I think an immobiliser might fulfil it.

[ado15]

I don't believe there is anything in the C&U act about requiring a column lock.

 

In practice, you can remove the entire lock assembly as Dan says, but you would end up with a column shroud with a superfluous hole in it. If you retain the twin stalks, you cannot fit an earlier shroud.

 

The factory fitted combinations were:

Mk1 up to 1964 ish - Dash ignition switch with floor start button. Wipers on toggle switch on dash. Lights on toggle switch on dash. Indicators on column (green tell tale lamp on end of stalk.

Later Mk1's are as above, but with dash switch that included starter.

Mk2 as above but with different indicator stalk (tell tale light in speedo).

Mk3 - As above, but with rocker switches replacing the toggle type. Late Mk3's had steering lock, but at right angle to the column.

Mk4 - Wipers move to column along with later type steering lock that is angled up towards driver.

 

I believe the MOT requirement to have a steering lock fitted only applies to cars first registered after 2001, but don't take my word for that!

 

[rodandtom]

Ok so I've looked through the Road Vehicles Construction And Use Regulations. What a thrilling read that was  !

 

​I can't see anything in there relating to a steering lock requirement.

 

Rod

[Dan]

Steering locks (or sometimes transmission locks) were the first thing introduced to fulfil the need to disable or immobilise the vehicle, at the time an electronic immobiliser wouldn't have been possible. As I said above an immobiliser should fulfil the need if it complies with everything required.

[rodandtom]

perhaps I'll have a chat with a local MOT man - see what he will accept.

 

Thanks,

 

Rod

[surfblue63]

From the MOT testers manual

 

http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_210.htm

 

 

 The inspection of the steering lock only applies to passenger cars with:

. a steering lock fitted as standard by the manufacturer, and

. four or more wheels, and

. not more than 8 passenger seats excluding the driver’s seat, and

. first used on or after 1 September 2001

The check does not apply to quadricycles.

If there is doubt as to whether a steering lock was originally fitted, the benefit of the doubt should be given.

It is acceptable for a steering lock to be removed if it has been replaced with another immobilisation device.
 

 

 

 

My Mk2 Traveller has a central key switch which operates the starter. It is operated by the same key as the door lock and the rear door.

 

All Mk1 Coopers have a key operated starter as well as Mk2 998 engined Hornets and Elfs. This is due to the remote gear shift being fitted to these cars.

Edited by surfblue63, 27 February 2014 - 07:38 PM.