I'm working on defeating the anti-theft feature on the ignition switch, since I sometimes have to fiddle with the key and steering wheel for 15 minutes to get the key to turn.

In looking at the "Battery;Starter:Alternator" page out of the XJS electrical manual, the drawing shows that the ignition switch is two parts, the metal part that houses the lock and bar that locks the steering column when the key is removed, and the wiring harness plug that goes to the back of the ignition switch. I'm trying to take the wiring plug off of the ignition switch assembly, but I can't see how its attached. See photos below.

Anyone know how to remove it?

Thanks,
John
1987 XJ-S V12
75,000 miles

 

Here ya go, simple as the rest of the car.

DONT DROP THAT SCREW.

There would NOT be beer fridge full enough to console you.

 

Hi Grant,

Thanks for the reply.

Now my key won't turn the ignition switch at all. So I've decided to ditch the current ignition switch/wheel lock system. I did find another way to get the wiring plug off the back of the ignition switch. I just grabbed the wiring and pulled really hard, it popped right off. I wouldn't have used this method if I intended to use the current ignition key system, but since I'm going to another starting method (I'll post more on that in a few days) I didn't care if I damaged it or not. As it turns out it came off clean, but I never saw a sign of a screw, which probably means its somewhere on the floor. A few pics are below.

Another post on this topic will follow.

Thanks,
John
1987 XJ-S V12
75,000 miles

Ignition switch back with plug removed.

Ignition switch back inside view

Ignition switch back outside view

 

The plug is at the end of the short wiring pigtail that is part of the switch. What you did is separate the switch itself. The piece that is still in the lock housing is secured by a small Pozidrive screw which is hidden by the black ring, which slides off the switch, positioned at about 10 o’clock in your first picture. I found and removed mine by feel.

 

Thanks for that info.

I just converted the car to push-button start so all those pieces went into the trash. The starting switches are in a not-too-obvious location, so I'm not really concerned with someone stealing it. Anyone who were to try might think they can force the original ignition (which I left in place) which would be a big waste of their time. I'm working on another anti-theft measure just in case.

John
1987 XJ-S V12
75,000 miles

 

The easiest anti theft device is to trip the fuel pump inertia switch…