Just picked up another D1, the key turns really hard, New key as previous owner broke off the old one and had the dealership dig it out and make a new one. If I play with it enough, I can get it to turn. I see on Ebay switches that are for everywhere but USA. something about locking the column?? Any ideas? I soaked it with som penetrating oil and it didn't change much. I was thinking I would try a locksmith and see if they could do anything with it(??)

 

check this out....

https://landroverforums.com/forum/di...ock-fix-35422/

 

I did that procedure that Walt referenced and it worked great. My original key was cracked and I had 2 copies made from it, but they never worked correctly. The old one finally broke off in the cylinder. I removed it and filed down the tumblers swapping out each of the key copies in the cylinder and I now have 2 working keys. I also have a file in my toolbox along with a heap of other tools I'm adding from working on this old beast.

Mine broke off while I had the pups at the park. Walked them home, rode my bike back to the park, popped the cylinder out and drove for 2 weeks using a screwdriver to start the truck.

Fun times!

 

So why is an ignition switch for a discovery Manual Trans $75 and the same switch for an automatic $700???? Anyone make the manual one work on an auto??

 

I believe it can work, but the solenoid lock out is not present on a manual. The risk is in putting that in an auto trans model is that, if you were travelling down the road and someone accidentally slapped the gear selector forward, the transmission would be slammed into reverse while travelling forward at speed....which obviously is pretty fatal for your transmission.

 

Ok, so what about 'Frankenstiening a manual trans mechanical onto an automatic electrical? Seems my electrical works fine, but someone chewed up the key side trying to dig a broken key out. P.O. said it was the dealer, not sure I believe that, but it does have a brand new key that sometimes works..

Might have to try the reverse while going forward trick if I can figure out how without grenading the transmission.

 

So you're thinking of drilling out the pin and using the new tumbler in the old housing? Interesting. I'd have to think about that but it sounds reasonable.

 

I guess I need to strip mine down so I can see what I am working with. What I can see from the outside of the column, it looks pretty beat up. The key feels like it can go too far in and I can make it work if I pull it out a bit and do lots of jiggiling. The wife would never put up with it.

From what I have seen online, there is a solinoid that won't let you remove the key or go to locked position unless the trans is in park.I could live without that, kind of old school!!!! For $500 difference in lock prices...

 

FWIW I used a manual transmission ignition switch on my 95 and my 98 automatics.........it works fine the wiring all fits the same.........and yes , the only difference is the "solenoid" that wont let you pull out the key while driving........I dont normally do that so no big deal...lol