dafix
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Posts: 76
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Post by dafix on Nov 6, 2018 17:13:23 GMT
Hi, In the DAF 46 I recently bought, the ignition/anti-theft block has a problem (I had been informed about that when I bought the car): the ignition position does not work (but the steering-locked and starter positions do). The previous owner fixed it by using the (unused) rear-window defrosting switch for the ignition . I would like to change the whole block, but I cannot find any for sale on dafhobby.nl. To make my search easier, I think that perhaps this part was not DAF-specific and was also used by other car manufacturers. If so, any idea of the brands and models ?
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andrew
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Posts: 1,097
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Post by andrew on Nov 6, 2018 18:26:56 GMT
Without examining the car it sounds like an electrical, as opposed to a mechanical problem with the switch itself, given that the starter and steering lock work. I've dismantled several steering column locks used by Dafs in the past and there are 2 parts to them; the mechanical locking and unlocking of the steering and the electrical switching, which is bolted onto the end of the mechanical lock. I'd be looking closely at the wiring around the ignition switch and checking the continuity of the connections.
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dafix
Likes DAFs
Posts: 76
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Post by dafix on Nov 6, 2018 19:13:09 GMT
Hi Andrew, thank you for your suggestion. However, I think the problem is mechanical because I don't "feel" the ignition position when I turn the key. There will be a flea-market for vintage car parts, near my place in 10 days from now. I hope I will find something there (so far, I haven't found anything on the Internet).
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Post by Richard DAF Webmeister on Nov 6, 2018 19:37:56 GMT
It's quite common on 44/46/55/66s ignition switches to fail, usually the "springy" bit that you feel when starting the engine.
The other switch positions remain OK - i.e. lock and ignition lights on.
I had this on my 55 years ago and the Volvo 66 I had a couple of years ago, and I know several other DAF owners over the years had the same.
What I and most people did, was to keep the faulty switch in place - it's probably a awkward job to remove and replace - but install a separate after market flick switch or push button switch wired into the starter motor circuit from the original switch. In other words, use the existing key switch to unlock the steering and turn on ignition, and use the new flick/push switch to power the starter motor.
My 44 also has this arrangement already in place, just in case the original switch fails one day.
It would be like many modern cars that have a separate "start" button.
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dafix
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Posts: 76
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Post by dafix on Nov 23, 2018 14:24:08 GMT
Hi. Unfortunately I could not find an ignition switch for my DAF 46 at the auto-part flea-market (in Redon, Brittany / France) last Sunday. I still wonder which provider manufactured them (Bosch ? Hella ? Valeo ?, etc...), unless they were actually made by DAF itself. This does not help me to find something on the web . Now I am thinking to buy a standard 3-position switch with no lock (I never park my DAF in the street and my garage is well locked ), that can fit in the sleeve (30 mm across) under the steering column.
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dafix
Likes DAFs
Posts: 76
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Post by dafix on Feb 7, 2020 13:04:36 GMT
Hello, I received an offer for an ignition switch, but I am not sure it would fit in my 46. (from 1975) Here is what it is proposed to me: And here is what I have (after I remove the plastic part under the steering column): Indeed, it would be better to remove my switch to better compare (I am a little busy lazy to do it now, even if one the previous owners likely used a Dremel to create a slot, to ease the removal with a screwdriver !), but I would like to know what you think. It is not clear for me whether or not there have been different ignition switches for the 46. Also, the ignition keys are not the same (mine has a black plastic ring with a more recent DAF emblem).
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gromsound
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Everything Must Work
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Post by gromsound on Feb 7, 2020 15:15:29 GMT
Hi! The one that is offered is clearly not the same. Yours will have a constant diameter along the whole length. Daf66 and V66 are the same as D46, probably more scrap parts available.
But after i changed it 3 times(! they all failed within short time) i did put an extra press switch next to the ignition key in the dashboard (for starter contact) like Richard explained above. I've got it from a Bosch service, explain that it should operate the starter solenoid so you get one with enough amp capacity. Never went wrong again, is even more handy when restarting in front of a traffic light que.
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dafix
Likes DAFs
Posts: 76
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Post by dafix on Feb 7, 2020 15:56:04 GMT
Hi Gromsound. Thank you, this is also what I thought, they really look different. I could install a switch on the dashboard for the starter, but I am not sure this is legal where I live (France). The rules for the vehicle inspection specify that an anti-theft device shall be installed and operational, so I would have to keep the ignition switch installed to keep this function. I could put a starter switch in parallel, but it would not be very useful because I can still use the key to start the engine (it is the function to put the circuit on that fails on my ignition switch, this is why the previous owner wired the back window defogging switch on the dashboard as a replacement. Not very sure it is legal...).
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Post by daydoodler on Feb 7, 2020 16:18:31 GMT
Hi I am on my second ignition switch it seems to be a common fault. Mine works on the unlock and ignition stages but when the key is turned to the start position the lights dim and nothing happens, so must be a short. I fitted a heavy-duty flick switch wired directly to the solenoid with a substantial wire. No more problems. It had the added advantage that it's an anti-theft device as no one can figure out how to start her
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