can faulty ignition cause fire? (without key?)

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bertbarndoor - 20 Jan 2008 16:11 GMT

Neighbour's 92 Accord burnt down his garage/home during the night.
Fire department investigator ruled faulty ignition caused fire.
Insurance investigator said that the ignition was de-energized at the
time (ignition contacts were open) and that it couldn't have
overheated that way. Thoughts?

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jim beam - 20 Jan 2008 16:40 GMT

> Neighbour's 92 Accord burnt down his garage/home during the night.
> Fire department investigator ruled faulty ignition caused fire.
> Insurance investigator said that the ignition was de-energized at the
> time (ignition contacts were open) and that it couldn't have
> overheated that way. Thoughts?

did he have any financial problems that would tempt him to torch it and
make a claim? the insurance investigator is correct - open contacts
don't start fires.

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jim beam - 20 Jan 2008 16:54 GMT

>> Neighbour's 92 Accord burnt down his garage/home during the night.
>> Fire department investigator ruled faulty ignition caused fire.
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> make a claim? the insurance investigator is correct - open contacts
> don't start fires.

oh, and please learn to cross-post so answers show to all groups.

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Gordon McGrew - 20 Jan 2008 22:08 GMT

>> Neighbour's 92 Accord burnt down his garage/home during the night.
>> Fire department investigator ruled faulty ignition caused fire.
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>make a claim? the insurance investigator is correct - open contacts
>don't start fires.

While the contact may be open, one side is still live. As long as it
is live, it can short out and cause a fire. This isn't just
theoretical, especially if you own a Ford.:

http://flamingfords.info/affohome.html

"On some of the affected vehicles, a short circuit could develop in
the ignition switch that could lead to overheating, smoke and possibly
fire in the steering column area of the vehicle. The condition may
occur while the vehicle is in use or unattended."

From November 29, 1995 Letter to ALL FORD CANADA DEALERS
By J. B. White Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited

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