What is the difference between an ignition switch for an A/T and one for an M/T?
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 206
Likes: 1
From: Bowling Green
What is the difference between an ignition switch for an A/T and one for an M/T? My 1994 Firebird Formula automatic has been giving me hell about starting and stalling randomly. A friend of mine told me to buy a new ignition switch. We saw one for an automatic transmission and one for a manual transmission. The one for an automatic was $40 at AutoZone. The one for the manual was $15. He said it looks like the only difference between the two was a small black plastic piece. He suggested to buy the one for the manual and use the black piece of plastic off my old one and install it to this one to save $25 (At the time, I was so broke that every penny mattered). I was just wondering if he was right about the difference or if I really need to buy a new ignition switch for an automatic transmission. I REALLY NEED YOUR HELP WITH THIS! I've been having problems with this car ever since I've owned it and I'm sick of it.
TECH Veteran
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,146
Likes: 62
From: Little Rock, AR
Yes, you need one for an auto if you want the brake/transmission shift interlock to work. The extra part (where the interlock cable plugs in) allows the shifter to be locked when the switch is off. AFAIK, you cannot transfer that part to the manual switch.
