How to Replace the Ignition Switch in the 1988 Toyota MR2

The 1988 Toyota MR2 was available as a coupe, T-Bar coupe or supercharged T-Bar model. The base engine in the 1988 MR2 was a 1.6-liter in-line four-cylinder engine that produced 115 horsepower and 110 foot-pounds of torque. The optional supercharged 1.6-liter in-line four-cylinder engine produced 140 horsepower and 145 foot-pounds of torque. The ignition switch on the 1988 MR2 is mounted to the steering column, toward the top of the column. You must remove other components to replace the ignition switch.

Instructions

1

Open the engine cover, which is located in the rear of the MR2. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery, using a ratchet and socket. The battery is located at the forward left end of the engine compartment. Tuck the battery cable to the side of the battery so that there is no accidental contact during this operation.

2

Open the driver's door and sit in the driver's seat of the MR2. Remove the screws from the upper steering column cover and lower garnish, if equipped. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws. Remove the upper cover and lower garnish from the steering column.

3

Disconnect the electrical connectors from the ignition switch, which is located on the left side of the steering column, directly across from the ignition lock cylinder. Insert the ignition key and turn the key to the "ACC" position. Pull the ignition lock cylinder and key out of the steering column horizontally, by hand. Set the lock cylinder on the passenger seat gently.

4

Remove the single screw from the ignition switch with your Phillips screwdriver. Remove the ignition switch from the steering column. Insert the new ignition switch, and tighten the screw snug with your screwdriver. Slide the ignition lock cylinder and key into the column, aligning the cylinder with the new ignition switch. Turn the key to the "Off" position and remove the key from the ignition lock cylinder.

5

Install the electrical connectors onto the new ignition switch by hand. Install the upper steering wheel cover and lower garnish. Tighten the mounting screws snug, using your Phillips screwdriver. Step out of the MR2.

6

Install the negative battery cable onto the battery and tighten the cable snug with a ratchet and socket.