How to Replace the Ignition Switch Lever on a Poulan Chainsaw (Model P3314)

Trouble starting your chainsaw? It's time to face the fix. Whether you are a legendary lumberjack or a weekend woodworker, eReplacementParts.com provides the parts, procedures and facts you need to fearlessly fix what fails you.

The ignition switch lever is your saw's on/off button. It consists of a simple plastic lever with a contact attached to it. When the saw is turned "on," the lever pulls one of the two contacts in the kill-circuit away from the other, and holds it in place so the saw can be started (and run).

When you flip the lever to the "off" position, it brings the two contacts back together, which grounds out the ignition and stops the spark plug from firing, causing the engine to shut off.

The most common problem with the ignition switch lever is accidental damage (often caused while the saw is being started)

This article provides step-by-step instructions for removing and installing the ignition switch lever on a Poulan chainsaw.

Let's get started.   REMOVING THE IGNITION SWITCH LEVER [top] 1. Remove the top cover.

Remove the (3) screws securing the top cover to the saw.

Lift the top cover away from the saw.

  2. Remove the air filter cover.

Remove the air filter cover from the air filter housing.

  3. Remove the ignition switch lever.

Use a screwdriver to disconnect the ignition grounding terminal from the ignition switch lever.

Remove the screw securing the ignition switch lever to the engine.

Slide the ignition switch lever away from the engine.

  INSTALLING THE NEW IGNITION SWITCH LEVER [top] 4. Install the ignition switch lever.

Press (and hold) the ignition switch spring away from the plastic mounting post.

Install the new ignition switch lever onto the plastic mounting post.

Release the ignition switch spring (allowing it to engage the bottom of the ignition switch).

Secure the ignition switch lever with the screw.

Switch the ignition lever to the “on” position.

Slide the ignition grounding terminal into the new ignition switch lever.

Tuck the ignition wire into the holders on the switch lever.

  REASSEMBLING THE UNIT [top] 5. Reinstall the air filter cover.

Install the air filter cover.

    6. Reinstall the top cover.

Install the top cover onto the saw.

Secure the top cover with the (3) screws.

Do-it-yourself repairs like these are easier than you might think: From lawn machines to cordless drills, kitchen mixers to outdoor grills. Our "how-to" articles walk you through each repair from start to finish.

So, doing-it-yourself means never having to do it alone.

Find your next fix here.   [top]