Mercury 5W1Z-11572-AA Ignition Switch Assembly

To remove the ignition switch the following steps was followed; one was to disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery. After that, it is necessary to take off the steering column on both sides and the knee bolster. For models from 1996 and earlier you have to remove the retaining nuts and then lower the column to get to the switch screws. In those models that were manufactured from 1997-2004, the switch lies to the right of the steering column and to get at it, one has to pull out the metal reinforcement panel behind the knee bolster. Disconnect the cruiser multi-function, insert the ignition key to the RUN position, loosen the two switch installing screws; the ignition switch pulls out from the actuator pin. In installation, make sure that the actuator pin slot of the new ignition switch is in the RUN position and simply place the new switch over the actuator pin and tight the retain screws in place while switching the position of the new switch up and down to match the position of the screw holes. I then replaced the electrical connector to the switch, put the upper steering column cover into position and tighten the nuts to hold the steering column into position. Last, reattach the lower column covers along with the succeeding lowering of the insulator panel, and reconnection to the negative terminal of the battery.

The ignition switch is located below the steering column behind the knee bolster and must be removed for checking. Using an ohmmeter or self-powered test light along with the provided diagrams, check for continuity between the indicated switch terminals in each of the specified positions. If continuity is not as required, the switch should be replaced. To replace the switch, first disconnect the negative battery cable followed by the positive battery cable and wait two minutes. Turn the ignition key lock cylinder to the Run position, then remove the center trim panel for 2002 and earlier models along with the driver side knee bolster. Unplug the ignition switch electrical connector and remove the retaining screws; on some later models, a tab retains the switch, which must be depressed to remove it. Disengage the ignition switch from the actuator pin and take it out of the vehicle. Ensure the actuator pin slot in the new ignition switch is in the Run position, as a new replacement switch will be set in this position. Position the new switch on the actuator pin and install the retaining screws, adjusting the switch as necessary to align the screw holes. Finally, the installation process is the reverse of removal, and proper operation of the ignition switch should be checked in the lock, start, and accessory positions.

To remove the ignition switch the following steps was followed; one was to disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery. After that, it is necessary to take off the steering column on both sides and the knee bolster. For models from 1996 and earlier you have to remove the retaining nuts and then lower the column to get to the switch screws. In those models that were manufactured from 1997-2004, the switch lies to the right of the steering column and to get at it, one has to pull out the metal reinforcement panel behind the knee bolster. Disconnect the cruiser multi-function, insert the ignition key to the RUN position, loosen the two switch installing screws; the ignition switch pulls out from the actuator pin. In installation, make sure that the actuator pin slot of the new ignition switch is in the RUN position and simply place the new switch over the actuator pin and tight the retain screws in place while switching the position of the new switch up and down to match the position of the screw holes. I then replaced the electrical connector to the switch, put the upper steering column cover into position and tighten the nuts to hold the steering column into position. Last, reattach the lower column covers along with the succeeding lowering of the insulator panel, and reconnection to the negative terminal of the battery.

Place the new switch in position on the actuator pin and install the retaining screws, moving the switch back and forth if necessary to line up the screw holes.

Remove the upper and lower steering column covers.