ignition switch replacement on 250 sundancer

[chazaroo]

I bent the key in the hatch to the cabin and now it won't work in the ignition switch. Anybody know how big a deal it is to replace the ignition switch?

 

[Stray Cat]

I had to change 2 switches on my 99 270DA, this is how I did it....

Disconnect the batteries, purchase an ignition switch with the same number of positions as your current one, remove the old switch but don't disconnect any wires from it. Then remove 1 wire at a time from your old switch and install it to the new one matching it up to the same terminal letter as the old one.

I gained access to the switch by removing the rocker switch panel on the left side of the steering wheel. The ignition switch was right under the rocker switch panel, I believe it is in the same location on your 250DA.

No spare key huh?

 

[Nehalennia]

Most decent locksmiths can duplicate the key even though it's bent. It's a simple blank. It's a Perko ignition and your key may even have the original code stamped on it. They can be made from that code as well. You shouldn't have to replace the ignition.

 

[temptress]

Wow! I just replaced the ignition switch on my 270 sundancer! I got the replacement switch from my local marine max parts department for about $18. It came with two keys. I got some good advice on this forum to take a digital photo brfore i removed the old switch.

It was a cinch! it took about 20 mins to do and the only tool I needed was a phillips head screw driver!

The switch has a threaded cap on the key side that can be removed by holding onto the switch from the back and unscrewing it.

The switch should then be able to be pushed through the dash and now it is just a matter of onscrewwing the wires and reattatching thiem to your new switch.

I had a three post ignition switch so I just matched up the new switch posts with the old and attached the wires one post at a time to prevent screw ups. as soon as I onscrewed them form the old switch they went straight onto the new switch.

Once I had all of the wires atached to the new switch I postitioned the new switch through the dash and tightened the threaded cap on the key side.

Started right up on the the first try!

Oh make sure youdisconnect your battery of turn your battery switch to off before your start!! :thumbsup:

 

[temptress]

I bet the new switch with two keysis cheaper than a replacement ke from a locksmith!

 

[Nehalennia]

I bet the new switch with two keysis cheaper than a replacement ke from a locksmith!

I charge $2.85ea per duplicate or $7.50 for a code key + $2.85 for a duplicate. If he's got the key that will be cheaper, but I'm glad your project went well.

 

[chazaroo]

I got a switch from West Marine, brought it back, connected the wires and then found the shaft would not fit through the panel cover. Shaft is perfectly round, cover is flat on two sides. Plan B, locksmith, plan C will be Marine Max for a new switch. What's really annoying is that it is completely my fault. I've done this twice now. Unlock the hatch to the cabin and open it without taking the key out first. Bends the key every time. On top of that, I have to get this resolved by Monday. We're having a boat lift installed and io need to move the boat so the installers can work. Oh well. Thanks to all for the advice. Happy New Year!

 

[mwph]

Sorry to hear about your troubles. Time + $$$ + agrivation + it still isn't fixed== !@#$%^. For $20 @ a locksmith you could have been done with it & had a spare to boot. As far as moving the boat, you can still start / run it without the switch fully mounted right?

ps.....I put my cabin door key on a seperate floatable keychain.

 

[chazaroo]

I hadn't thought about the locksmith concept until I already attempted to install the West Marine switch. I'll give the locksmith a try tomorrow or first thing Monday. That would actually be better because the key to the cabin is also the ignition key. With a new switch, I'd be dealing with two separate keys.

 

[mwph]

Interesting. My keys are totally different. Not even close! I'm guessing now that my ingnition key is a replacement.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Chaz, if you're in a bind for time, just hotwire it. The yellow/red wire is your starter.

Or, like said above, just let the ignition switch dangle.

 

[chazaroo]

Thanks everybody. I'm off to the locksmith and/or Marine Max. I expect this adventure should end today.

 

[temptress]

good luck! Thanks to all for the price list on locksmith key replacements. I will be sure to show them to my local locksmiths the next time I goof up and loose a key! :smt043

 

[Nehalennia]

good luck! Thanks to all for the price list on locksmith key replacements. I will be sure to show them to my local locksmiths the next time I goof up and loose a key! :smt043

On the pricing I stated, I was talking about the ignition ones. They are simple blanks commonly found use for file cabinets and cam locks. Perko uses the same blanks. The Mobella(Southco) keys that are usually found on the cabin door locks can be ordered directly through southco.com for $10 ea plus shipping. Many locksmith use Harley Davidson blanks as they are similar, but I recommend the originals. Just call Southco and tell them the 8XX or 9XX number on your key. Write it down somewhere before you lose them.

 

[chazaroo]

Took bent key and ignition switch to a locksmith. As it turns out, the bent key is not for the ignition at all. It's just for the hatch to the cabin. He made a new one from thebent one and it works perfectly. Then I went back home and found the ignition key on another key ring. It works fine. Lessons learned: Do not open hatch without removing key first. Do not try to start engine with hatch key. Take boat out more often so I remember which key is which.