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

Ignition switch stuck? Step-by-step instructions show you how to remove and install the ignition switch lever on your Poulan chainsaw.

replace the ignition switch on a Poulan chainsaw

The Facts

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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.

The Fix

REMOVING THE IGNITION SWITCH LEVER [top]

1. Remove the top cover.

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

Remove the screws

 

 

Lift the top cover away from the saw.

Remove cover

 

 

 

2. Remove the air filter cover.

Remove the air filter cover from the air filter housing.

Remove the cover

 

 

 

3. Remove the ignition switch lever.

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

Pull the ground

 

 

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

Remove the screw

 

 

Slide the ignition switch lever away from the engine.

Remove the lever

 

 

 

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 spring

 

 

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

Install the lever

 

 

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

Release the spring

 

 

Secure the ignition switch lever with the screw.

Secure the lever

 

 

Switch the ignition lever to the “on” position.

Install the lever

 

 

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

Install the ground

 

 

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

Tuck the wires

 

 

 

REASSEMBLING THE UNIT [top]

5. Reinstall the air filter cover.

Install the air filter cover.

Install the cover

 

 

6. Reinstall the top cover.

Install the top cover onto the saw.

Install the top cover

 

 

Secure the top cover with the (3) screws.

Secure the cover

 

The Finish

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

Find your next fix here.

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