The 'E' Type Forum

The ignition switch on my 1970 S2 has given up.

I cannot really complain - it’s done 55 years!

New one arriving from SNGB tomorrow. Is it an easy job to replace?

One of the rare areas of the car I have never had to work on.

Any advice or tips greatfully received.

Thanks
Ash

Hi Ash....are we talking about the small metal can type switch fitted to the steering lock....if so nothing difficult to replaceing it providing the spade connectors on the replacement are the same....I assume its an after market part...ensure you photo your existing unit and wire positions befor you start....Steve

Hi Ash, do you have a steering lock? The can type ignition switch isn’t difficult to remove, often held in with a small screw. As Steve says label up all wires as you remove, take lots of photos from all angles to make sure you can recognise all behind there. You may find the numbering is different on the terminals but not difficult to identify. Some of the replacement cans can be a tight fit but judicious use of emery paper will take off enough to fit. Also may not have a screw locating hole, just gently drill a hole in the correct location after marking through from the lock barrel.

Good luck

Geoff

Thanks gents.

As always, I appreciate the advice.

Cheers
Ash

Further development to my post regarding the ignition switch.

Having stripped it all down it is the actual ignition switch key housing/cast. The pin that engages into the electrical cylinder has sheared.

I am being told it is not a part that is easy to source any more.

Any ideas anyone?

cheers
Ash

Uh so you mean the complete steering column lock...I'm not sure you can get the key switch part out never tried...the complete lock is attached by shear bolts...I have an xj6 one in the shed will look see of the key lock part comes out whilst we wait for others to chip in
..is yours a Britax or Waso unit....Steve...ps just checked the xj6 unit I have is a Waso..can see no way to get into it...the service manual shows the lock in the S2 electrical section

Bit of a long shot but possibly drill into the broken section and form a new section with epoxy...? Post some photos of your lock

OK got me interested....just found out how to open up a waso unit...Britex is possibly similar I havent searched for it...have a look here and open the pdf file ...Steve Re-Keying / Repairing WASO Steering lock / ignition switches - Elan Discussions - LotusElan.net https://share.google/bcaLIRiNCfkAqPoAr

That’s a good find, Steve. I’ve used an XJ6 lock plus a broken E Type lock to make up a new unit. Off the top of my head I can’t remember the steps but if you get stuck, Ash, I’ll see what was done.
Certainly quite a few locks out there that could be used to repair yours, though with a bit of butchery to get there I’m guessing. Some of the pins from the lock are forked to match a different switch female section. The cast parts are fragile so be careful in modifying the fit.
Good luck and keep us posted.

Geoff

Here you go. It’s the pin that protrudes and engages with the electrical cylinder that has snapped off.

PS It is a Britax

Hopefully it comes apart like the Waso unit...Steve ps have a look here https://forums.jag-lovers.com/t/xke-197 ... ess/407986

Ash,
I'm not sure if you are just wanting to replace the actual electrical ignition switch or the whole ignition/steering lock assembly.

However, I recently had to replace my faulty electrical switch. What I found out is that the switch for the S2 E-type is no longer available from the usuals and if you go to SNGB they will provide you with a switch for a S3 E-type which is different and for me, would take some serious head scratching to work out the correct wiring connections.

However (again), there is a simple solution. The ignition switch for the Landrover or MG is available here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/222338830301 and is the same connections as the S2 E.

What that switch actually lacks is a small lug which provides the alignment of the switch to the key mechanism. I solved that by super gluing one on, easy to see where it should be. Beware also, in my case, the switch was a very tight fit into the lock mechanism. I replaced my switch on the car, did not try to remove the steering lock. See here: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=20702&p=168137#p168137

As always, I appreciate the responses. A closing post.

I sourced a virtually identical unit from Northern Jaguar. Based near York. Mark has an absolute goldmine of parts - new and old.

Really nice guy and could not be more helpful.

Interestingly, the switch I purchased was only different by the electrical plate being held by small bolts, rather than a push fit/screw retainer.

Apparently used in the US market for some reason.

We learn every day!

Cheers
Ash

Its only held together with bolts because someone has stripped it down previously.

Always brave to challenge the wisdom of one Mr Moss.

He did have two identical units (with bolts) so I do think they exist as a genuine part.

I took the one that had two keys.

Hope all well Angus.

Cheers
Ash

Hi Ash, all good thanks. The original units were held together with a ring type rivet never a nut and bolt.

AshM wrote: ↑

Sun Aug 17, 2025 8:12 pm

All I can say is that ignition switch looks nothing like the one on my 1970 S2 FHC which is I believe the original switch.

There were 3 different lock/switches used on the S2 cars as far as im aware.....Steve

Yes, mine was an exact match to yours Jerome. Was guaranteed the original part (car in family since 1973). It even had the original white factory label showing the key number. A nice touch.

All fitted and working now, which is a huge relief.

Three independent contacts believe I have a US version now. Period, but sadly not original.

Thanks all.

Cheers