ignition transformer

Posted: Sun Dec 15, 2013 12:39 pm

hi folks, merry xmas, my ignition barrel and switch broke last week, whilst fitting the new ones i was turning the engine over, start stopping alot, as the new parts wheren't working 100 percent then the engine would not fire up. i have tried bump starting it and no joy. this morning checked to see if i was getting a spark as it stinks of petrol so no problem with fuel, there is no spark, i checked the ignition trasnformer and there is resistance to spec with 1 and 15 (see pic) but nothing with 4 and 15 so is my assumption correct that the transformer has failed but the module is ok? i am getting battery volts to the module with ignition on. engine is abk 1992, many thanks for any advice. is there any other reason i wont get any resistance between 15 and 4

Site Moderator Joined: Jan 31, 2003 Posts: 9144

you did fit the correct ignition switch I hope.

There are different versions available.

Posted: Sun Dec 15, 2013 4:25 pm

hi mike, yes, matched part numbers, car started fine a few times. do you think it could have something to do with the switch, tried with the old switch and no joy. the new one does what is should, its just not clicking back from the start possition on its own when all the ignition lock,barrel and switch are fitted together, the old switch was doing this aswell but the housing has broken where the barrel end fits in to it.(the spring mechanism broke and cracked the plastic housing) it all started with the end of the barrel breaking off.

Site Moderator Joined: Jan 31, 2003 Posts: 9144

I suspect it may be switch related.

Aftermarket parts by any chance ?

Bet your steering lock doesn't work either. been there myself.

I ended up getting a 2nd hand barrel and lock cylinder housing. Means you have a different key but it works far better than the non genuine stuff

Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2013 10:55 am

finally got the beast back on the road again! you are right about the aftermarket parts, the new barrel was making the mechanism stiff so i used the original barrel, took the broken part from the new aftermarket one greased it all up and alls well. the new switch works ok, must have been bad luck the coil failing at the same time. the steering lock mechanism seems ok, just tends to jam if the securing bolt is done up tight, but its has done this since i owned it. I took the spark plugs out to let the flooded engine evapourate the petrol, had a look and 1 2 and 3 pistons were very dirty nuber 4 was clean, i suppose there is no way of telling if its valve stem oil seals or rings or head gasket without compession or other checks

Site Moderator Joined: Jan 31, 2003 Posts: 9144

That's a result then.

Some of these aftermarket parts really are sh1t. On mine the steering lock didn't work after using the ignition barrel was replaced. Fitted a genuine one - sorted

Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2013 1:54 pm

i can tell somebody has had a problem before with the car as the lock had been drilled before so the barrel can be removed. i find it hard to justify the price for genuine parts, i know there not over priced as a rule, because the car is old and nothing special i just want to keep it running for a little while, its cost me a lot compared to its value but i do the work myself and i can only afford another banger so i will be working on whatever i have, maybe it will give me a couple of months peace one day Laughing