Changing ignition switch

DrJbhm

New Member
Aug 18, 2014
2
Alabama
Boat Info
2001 225 Weekender 5.0L EFI, Pretty basic one, I think
Engines
5.0L EFI Mercruiser I/O
The key to my 2001 225 weekender broke off in the ignition switch. The half key still works, but I want to replace it. Even though the switch is not on the main control panel but is on its own backing, I'm thinking I need to get access to it by dropping the main control panel and reaching down to unscrew the switch. Is this correct? The boat is at the marina and I'm at home. The main panel has 8 screws but I didn't see any screws for the ignition switch backing.
Thanks,
Jack
 
Pull the cables off the battery while working on the switch. Switch is secured into position with nuts & washers around the main shaft. Might be a slot for a keyway or maybe it's in a "D" shaped hole, most I've seen are simply round holes. Once the front nut is off you can pull the assembly out the back of the panel it's mounted to. Make note of how the old one is wired & transfer the wires to the new switch. Easy job.
 
m-489-bp.jpg
 
Do you have a trap door under the steering wheel on that boat? Go through that. If not, yes, pull instrument panel by removing the screws. The key switch mounting plate will be secured with captured bolts that extend through the fiberglass and are secured by nuts on the back side. But, you can probably do it w/o removing the mounting plate. You may or may not still have a little, black, rubber protective boot with a slot for the key. If so, just pull that off to expose the front nut as shown in the picture above.
 
I need to replace my ignition switch too. Where is a good source to buy one?

They're very inexpensive. Any marine store will have them. Certainly the interweb will work - but a local place is often easier to deal with -- asking questions, returns, etc.
 
Thanks Dennis. I need a 4 position switch with screw terminals which made it hard to find here. However I finally found one online at FP. The switch was inexpensive, but they have a minimum $25 charge, so I had to buy some trinket to add up to $25, then pay shipping. So it quit being inexpensive when all was said and done. Wish I could have found one locally.
 

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