Ignition switch Connector Removal? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

70c10 · 10-23-2002, 10:37 AM

How do you remove the electrical plug on the back of the ignition switch?. Mine doesn't slide off like a regular connector. Do you have to pry it off with a screwdriver?

71GMC_3/4T · 10-23-2002, 10:44 AM

There should be two tabs you press in on the sides to remove it. Usually, you can press one of the tabs, rock the connector enough to keep the tab from clicking back into place and then do the other side. You will find this much easier if you remove the switch and harness from the dash before trying to pull the connector off.

70c10 · 10-23-2002, 10:53 AM

I tried this method and thought maybe I needed the screwdriver. I guess I'll try it again. Thanks

71GMC_3/4T · 10-23-2002, 12:19 PM

It wouldn't hurt to try a screwdriver to press the tabs in. They're pretty old and plastic, so they may even break. If they do, I wouldn't worry about it too much. I think the only reason they are so hard to remove was to prevent someone from stealing the truck with their own ignition switch.
Usually when I use a screwdriver to pull things apart I end up stabbing myself.

70c10 · 10-23-2002, 01:11 PM

Me too,LOL, that's why I haven't tried that yet.

TERRYP · 10-23-2002, 01:57 PM

You actually have to lift the tabs away from the switch. I use a medium flat screwdriver to raise one tab, rock the plug, then pry away the other tab. You can cut off the tabs if you need to pull the swutch a lot, but it is hard to align the connectors then.

wcdrake · 10-23-2002, 03:46 PM

I may be misunderstanding your question but after you get the electrical connector unplugged, are you still wanting to remove the ignition switch? If so, this requires a small paper clip and some patience. There is a very small hole on the front where you insert the key. You have to insert the paperclip here and press in as you turn your key to the accessory position. This should essentially disconnect the switch from the containing ring so it can be removed. This took me a bit to get it but is the way to get it apart. Maybe somebody else has a better idea.

10-23-2002, 10:37 AM	#1
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,856	Ignition switch Connector Removal? How do you remove the electrical plug on the back of the ignition switch?. Mine doesn't slide off like a regular connector. Do you have to pry it off with a screwdriver? __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

10-23-2002, 10:44 AM	#2
71GMC_3/4T Weapons Of Construction Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 1,095	There should be two tabs you press in on the sides to remove it. Usually, you can press one of the tabs, rock the connector enough to keep the tab from clicking back into place and then do the other side. You will find this much easier if you remove the switch and harness from the dash before trying to pull the connector off. __________________ 1971 GMC 2500, 402/TH400 4.10 Daily Driver Lafayette, CO

10-23-2002, 10:53 AM	#3
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,856	I tried this method and thought maybe I needed the screwdriver. I guess I'll try it again. Thanks __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

10-23-2002, 12:19 PM	#4
71GMC_3/4T Weapons Of Construction Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 1,095	It wouldn't hurt to try a screwdriver to press the tabs in. They're pretty old and plastic, so they may even break. If they do, I wouldn't worry about it too much. I think the only reason they are so hard to remove was to prevent someone from stealing the truck with their own ignition switch. Usually when I use a screwdriver to pull things apart I end up stabbing myself. __________________ 1971 GMC 2500, 402/TH400 4.10 Daily Driver Lafayette, CO

10-23-2002, 01:11 PM	#5
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,856	Me too,LOL, that's why I haven't tried that yet. __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

10-23-2002, 01:57 PM	#6
TERRYP GYRO GEARLOOSE Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Nevada City, CAEverett, WA Posts: 361	You actually have to lift the tabs away from the switch. I use a medium flat screwdriver to raise one tab, rock the plug, then pry away the other tab. You can cut off the tabs if you need to pull the swutch a lot, but it is hard to align the connectors then. __________________ Nevada City, CA Everett, Washington 57 3/4 rat, 235, 3spd 66 C-10 Panel, SWB. 350 from '68, 200R4 tranny, 3.07 rear ratio, restoring 68 C10 LWB 350 4spd, 4.56 rear dump runner 82 Camaro, 305, THM-200-R4 84 Monte Carlo 305 TH350, land tuna 85 Tercel SW, snow runner DISGRACED OUTLAW MEMBER OF THE DRUM BRAKE CLUB

10-23-2002, 03:46 PM	#7
wcdrake Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 14	I may be misunderstanding your question but after you get the electrical connector unplugged, are you still wanting to remove the ignition switch? If so, this requires a small paper clip and some patience. There is a very small hole on the front where you insert the key. You have to insert the paperclip here and press in as you turn your key to the accessory position. This should essentially disconnect the switch from the containing ring so it can be removed. This took me a bit to get it but is the way to get it apart. Maybe somebody else has a better idea.



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