04/17/2024
Cross posted in relevant groups in part of, thank you.
CONVERT 2 POSITION KEY SWITCH TO 3 POSITION KEY SWITCH
this is an interesting mod i discovered, this mod only works if your key lock switch has the 3rd pin, you can tell cuz 1 pin is on the opposite side of the other 2 pins. You'll need some dexterity to perform this mod so it won't be for everyone, what are the benefits? The first position is off, the second position pairs the power line to the ignition line to turn the pev on, the 3rd position allows the power positive line to send power to another area such as lights or another that needs a power that is independent and needs an on off but you do not want to but an extra switch, how ever this also means that the pev itself must be on for the 3rd position to function, let's get started...
1) you'll have to look for the 3 pins, 1 pin will be singular and across from it you'll see 2 pins side by side, this is the first confirmation.
2) using what ever tool you see fit, remove the white "cap" which is actually the holder for the copper contacts. Turn it over and you'll see something like a smiley face, this is the second confirmation, you'll also see the copper conductor plate that will have 3 nubs that corresponds to the contact plate, that's the third confirmation.
3) now under the copper contact plate you'll see some springs, for this one it's 4, but this is subject to change, remove the springs and set then aside, DO NOT LOOSE THE SPRINGS. after you remove them gently pull out the index core, BE CAREFUL, there will be 2 or 3 or 4 bearings that may fly out because they are being pushed by another set of springs, do not let them fly away. Once you remove the index core you will see the key tumbler core this is where you will see the last confirmation.
4) if you look you will notice there is 2 barely descript notches, one notch is larger than the other that larger notch is the 3 position notch, if you do not see it then you can stop right here as your key switch will not support the rest of this mod.
5) you will see that the key tumbler is held in plate with a brass plate, insert the key to bring the tumblers into position, this will help facilitate the removal of the tumbler core. There are 2 things to note, the my entry is held in plate with a metal cap, you can just pull it off, it's only set with friction. The next thing to do is to use a pointed object to push the brass retention pin down in order to slide out the key tumbler, BE CAREFUL, that retention pin has a tiny spring if you lose it then you'll be F'ed in the A do not lose that spring. Once the renting pin is depressed, pull in the key and the tumbler will slide out.
5a) if you need to for any reason you could change the tumbler pins at this time.
6) this is the tricky part you'll see the cylinder that held the key tumbler, it has a notch for alignment, you need to slide the cylinder out and flip it around so the 3 position notch is now where the 2 position notch is, after you do that it's just s matter of reassembling in reverse.
7) this part is tricky and requires a bit of thinking cuz now you have to orient the index core so AND the conductor plate into their new position, the white contact holder can only be inserted one way so you don't need to worry about inserting it wrong, and the position of the contact holder will give you an idea of how to present the contact plate itself, once your done run a continuity test to confirm the 3 positions like in the video posted along with this post.
That is all, questions comments etc feel free to reach out, i run a repair shop in Brooklyn New York.
