Ignition Switch removal Continental R
Discussion
It all seemed straight foward but...... Does anyone know the best way to remove an ignition switch from a Continetal R 1994. I think that I might have a short circuit through the ACC position which is completely draining down the battery so I need to check it out. The manual I've got says 'remove the switchbox' but doesn't say how. I'm a bit new to fiddling with classic cars so any advice other than don't buy one would be most helpful. Regards
It's been a while since I've done this but you probably need to remove the lower leather knee roll, below the horizontal switch-box panel trim right of the steering column, and the veneered fascia above it. Once you've done that you'll see the switch-box trim panel fixings and, after removing it, the fixings for the switch-box itself. The light switch lever should just pull off against a spring detent but just check underneath first for alternative fittings.
You'll find the lower knee roll fixing screws easily. The veneered fascia is secured by the chrome "organ stop" surrounds. First you'll need to remove the "organ-stop" and you do this by simply rotating them anti-clockwise. Once you've done that push the thread portion in below the surface of the surround.
The surround is secured by a tiny bayonet lug that is easily broken. The best way to release them is to get a pencil eraser/rubber and press it against the surround to provide grip. So as not to strain the tiny bayonet pin, push forward on the veneered panel (there's a spring behind) until you see clearance at the back of the surround then use the eraser/rubber to rotate the surround anti-clockwise. It's a very clever but very simple method.
Once both surrounds have been removed you can remove the veneered trim by gently easing the top edge backward. The only grip you'll be able to get is around the instrument and bulls-eye vent apertures but be warned they fit tightly and often need to be worked back a little at a time. As the clear lacquer coat crack easily make sure you don't let the veneered panel twist. Be careful around the apertures as this is where the lacquer usually starts to fail.
Be equally careful when refitting and be sure to push the veneered panel forward into place without twisting. Once in place push forward close to the "organ-stop" to prevent straining the surround as you twist it clockwise.
You'll find the lower knee roll fixing screws easily. The veneered fascia is secured by the chrome "organ stop" surrounds. First you'll need to remove the "organ-stop" and you do this by simply rotating them anti-clockwise. Once you've done that push the thread portion in below the surface of the surround.
The surround is secured by a tiny bayonet lug that is easily broken. The best way to release them is to get a pencil eraser/rubber and press it against the surround to provide grip. So as not to strain the tiny bayonet pin, push forward on the veneered panel (there's a spring behind) until you see clearance at the back of the surround then use the eraser/rubber to rotate the surround anti-clockwise. It's a very clever but very simple method.
Once both surrounds have been removed you can remove the veneered trim by gently easing the top edge backward. The only grip you'll be able to get is around the instrument and bulls-eye vent apertures but be warned they fit tightly and often need to be worked back a little at a time. As the clear lacquer coat crack easily make sure you don't let the veneered panel twist. Be careful around the apertures as this is where the lacquer usually starts to fail.
Be equally careful when refitting and be sure to push the veneered panel forward into place without twisting. Once in place push forward close to the "organ-stop" to prevent straining the surround as you twist it clockwise.
Don't know if you have tried this, but in the workshop CD go to:
File> Select Database> Publication Index> Workshop manual TSD5000> Chapter S Body> Continental R> Interior Trim Passenger Compartment.
Once in that section you can rummage around for details about trim removal. It doesn't tell you the pencil rubber tool though, very useful trick from Byteme. It just says "special tool" - maybe the official tool is a pencil eraser!
File> Select Database> Publication Index> Workshop manual TSD5000> Chapter S Body> Continental R> Interior Trim Passenger Compartment.
Once in that section you can rummage around for details about trim removal. It doesn't tell you the pencil rubber tool though, very useful trick from Byteme. It just says "special tool" - maybe the official tool is a pencil eraser!
matt5791 said:
Don't know if you have tried this, but in the workshop CD go to:
File> Select Database> Publication Index> Workshop manual TSD5000> Chapter S Body> Continental R> Interior Trim Passenger Compartment.
Once in that section you can rummage around for details about trim removal. It doesn't tell you the pencil rubber tool though, very useful trick from Byteme. It just says "special tool" - maybe the official tool is a pencil eraser!
As that advice was imparted at a factory training seminar I guess it really was the official tool. File> Select Database> Publication Index> Workshop manual TSD5000> Chapter S Body> Continental R> Interior Trim Passenger Compartment.
Once in that section you can rummage around for details about trim removal. It doesn't tell you the pencil rubber tool though, very useful trick from Byteme. It just says "special tool" - maybe the official tool is a pencil eraser!
There are two other must have "special" tools. The first is a short section of screen wash tubing and is used to remove and refit the tiny gear change indicator light bulb on pre '90 spec cars. The bulb fits nicely into the end of the tub and provides just enough grip to unscrew it. The second is a 12" long section of fishing line (or similar) and is used to remove the horn push on bakelite steering wheels. Feed it into the small gap around the centre push and arrange the ends so they're 90 degrees apart, take up the slack and give a quick tug.
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