ingnition switch?

[spider 83]

Hello alfa guys
My spider has been behaving erratically.
Sometimes I have to turn the key on and off a few time to get the accessories and warning lights on and then fire. It start right away.
While driving the engine sometimes shuts off and all warning lights turn on like when the key is on accessory position.
I try to re-start but no cranking up............all accessories are working fine. battery OK.
When that hapend's and while the car is stil moving with some speed, I move to a lower gear, release the cloutch to get it going again but nothing. It looks like there is no electricity on the spark plugs.
If I let the car sit for a few minutes and play with the ignition switch going back and forward I'll get it running again.
If the car is sitting and running no problems what so ever. Only when it on the road.
Guidance will be greatly appreciated.
ground problems?
faulty switch?

[Tifosi]

Sounds a lot like the switch to me, 'specially the bits about having to fart around with it to even get the warning lights to come on and no cranking.

Still, check the wiring at the starter (if it's got a wonky connection there, it can certainly lead to no-crank) and the harness connector on /under the column for the switch. (fairly easy to chase-n-locate if you remove the clamshell cover from the column)

[spidryell]

I also agree with the bad switch. I had almost identical symptoms. Not fun to be driving on the highway and have the engine cut out. Bad or loose contact inside the switch. Jiggling the key gets it to make contact and something as simple as going over a seam in the road can make it drop contact.

[spidryell]

I'll also bet your engine will crank all the time when the key is turned, but it will only fire and start when after jiggling the key turns on the gauges in the on position before turning it the rest of the way to the start position. Again a good indication of a bad switch

[spider 83]

Thank you so much guys !
That's what I need, a little encouragement to go ahead and order a new switch.

[spider 83]

Now posting pictures of the Italian car history "speed and racing" expo - Torino 2008
follow the link bellow
"Italian speed & racing cars expo" Torino 2008

[Tifosi]

Make sure you get the 'short barrel' rather than the 'long barrel' as that's what fits a pre-86. (well, either will fit, but the long one will look like hell sticking out of your column cover by 1/4" or so)

[spider 83]

thank you Darrin, I will.

[Toro67]

Hi guys

I also need a new switch for my ´86 GTV6. I have read here the original switches are inferior to aftermarket ones. Where do I go to get the best quality switch - preferebly in Europe ?

- Thanks
Claus,
Denmark