1997 Accord - Installation Instructions from Kent

Honda Switch

Part Number 35130-S30-003

Problem: Defective Ignition Switch

I have a 97 Accord EX and my daughter has a 97 Accord LX. The LX is listed in the recall but as yet the EX is not. The EX for no apparent reason without warning has been stalling. I considered this a very serious and potentially deadly problem so I replaced the switch in my 1997 Honda Accord EX. My daughter lives in Florida so I have advised her to get her switch replaced even though she has not experienced the problem yet. My EX has around 78,000 miles and her LX has about 55,000 miles on it. My research into the switch problem indicated that the problem shows up around the 70,000-mile mark.
For reference I have included pictures of the defective switch that I replaced.

Switch Disassembly
After several trips under the dash, scraped knuckles, mashed ribs and a newly found affection for automobile engineers I found that the trick to replacing the switch is that the switch comes apart. It is next to impossible to remove the switch without disassembly of the switch.
This may not be the proper disassembly and installation procedure but it is the way I did it. If there is an easier way I could not find it.

1: Disconnect battery
2: Remove upper and lower plastic cover around and behind the steering wheel.
Note: the two plastic pieces snap apart when the two phillips head plastic retaining screws and three phillips head machine screws are removed.
3: Unplug the wiring connector from the ignition key assembly and the wiring connector from the defective ignition switch.
4: Remove the three screws holding the switch in.
Note: the single screw holding the switch is very difficult to access. I had to bend a screwdriver on a 90-degree angle to access this switch. You may have to purchase a tool for this purpose.
5: You will see that there is not enough room for the switch to come out. This is where you have to disassemble the switch.
Using a knife blade or a small screwdriver, wedge the plastic lock away from the connector plastic housing.

Showing plastic lock removed from plastic housing connector
6: Pull the connector plastic housing away from the seven copper connections. This should allow removal of the switch assembly.
7: As in step 4 disassemble your new switch then install and reassemble the new switch in place.
8: Reconnect Battery

Note: Honda ignition switch part number for the 97 Accord EX is 35130-S30-003
Pictures

Assembled ignition switch for the Honda accord Honda Part # 35130-S30-003

Working angle of switch when installed and in service

Showing plastic cover over copper connections removed

Showing plastic connector housing removed

Showing burned connections in ignition switch

Showing disassembled switch and burned connections