How to Replace the Ignition Switch on a Dodge Intrepid
by Dan Ferrell
The ignition switch on your Dodge Intrepid is located on the steering column and serves as a power bridge for the ignition and electrical systems of your vehicle. However, if the internal contacts wear out or burn, the switch may fail to transfer battery power to the starter solenoid, which prevents your car from starting, or may cause a short and fail to cut power to the starter system, making your motor run until you disconnect battery power.
Remove the Switch
Step 1
Detach the black battery cable (the ground) using a wrench. Wait at least 2 minutes before attempting to remove the ignition switch. Disconnecting the ground cable will disable the air bag system on your Dodge Intrepid.
Step 2
Remove the tilt lever from the steering column using a Phillips screwdriver.
Step 3
Detach the upper and lower steering column covers using a Phillips screwdriver.
Step 4
Remove the Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) from the top of the steering column using a ratchet and socket.
Step 5
Unscrew the multifunction switch blocking the ignition switch. Use the ratchet and socket.
Step 6
Note the exact mounting position of the ignition switch. Then proceed to unplug the switch electrical connector.
Step 7
Remove the ignition switch using the ratchet and socket.
Install the Switch
Step 1
Set the new ignition switch in its mounting position. Note that the switch has a tab that fits into a notch on the ignition-lock cylinder housing. Also, the switch has a slot at the end that fits over the shaft at the end of the lock cylinder housing. Turn the ignition switch with the key to align these two switch features with the cylinder.
Step 2
Tighten the ignition switch with the ratchet and socket.
Step 3
Plug the ignition switch electrical connector.
Step 4
Install the multifunction switch using the ratchet and socket.
Step 5
Install the SKIM module using the ratchet and socket.
Step 6
Attach the upper and lower steering column covers using the Phillips screwdriver.
Step 7
Mount the tilt lever to the steering column using the Phillips screwdriver.
Step 8
Connect the black battery cable (the ground) using the wrench.
Things You'll Need
- Wrench
- Phillips screwdriver
- Ratchet and socket set
Writer Bio
Since 2003 Dan Ferrell has contributed general and consumer-oriented news to television and the Web. His work has appeared in Texas, New Mexico and Miami and on various websites. Ferrell is a certified automation and control technician from the Advanced Technology Center in El Paso, Texas.
