ignition switch, confused

M

Maz

NAXJA Forum User

Location

LaCanada, CA

• Sep 30, 2008

• #1

I thought I know what an ignition switch is. That's where the key goes, right? Then, I have read references to something called starter ignition switch and it's location being down below the steering column, under the dash, or something like that.

Are these 2 different 'ignition switches?'

If so, does anyone have a picture of the starter ignition switch, and the best way to get to it to check out wiring that reportedly get damaged and cause electrical problems?

Thanks

 

R

RCP Phx

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Phoenix,Az

• Sep 30, 2008

• #2

The key/lock cylinder as at the top,the actual switch is at the bottom of the column its connected to the key by a rod about a foot long.

 

M

Maz

NAXJA Forum User

Location

LaCanada, CA

• Sep 30, 2008

• #3

RCP Phx said:

....the actual switch is at the bottom of the column.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply. What is this switch technically called so I can look for it in the FSM?

 

Yucca-Man

NAXJA Member # 683

Location

Castle Rock, CO

• Sep 30, 2008

• #4

You should find it as the ignition switch. The key goes into the cylinder, as noted earlier.

Jim www.yuccaman.com

 

M

Maz

NAXJA Forum User

Location

LaCanada, CA

• Oct 1, 2008

• #5

Found it in the FSM. Thanks all.

I have read threads where the poster talked about by-passing some of the circuits that go through the ignition switch, without much detail. I can't even find that particular thread. Does anyone have any more detail on this; like, wiring diagrams, links, write-ups, and so on?

TIA

 

A

AZCA jeeper

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Phoenix, AZ

• Oct 1, 2008

• #6

Just replaced mine this weekend. The ignition switch, not the lock cylinder, is located behind the knee panel.

Mine's an '87. You can see the switch just behind the dimmer switch (turns your brights on and off) on top of the steering column. It's that silver lookin thing.

 

8Mud

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Central Germany

• Oct 1, 2008

• #7

The ignition switch is in your FSM. The brown wire to the ignition switch is usually the one that gets crispy. The heater circuit and the resistor pack is often the cause. But most any sub system can short and flash a contact inside the switch. Checking the connector at the switch and the brown wire for signs of heat are a good idea.
The switch isn't actually one switch, it is a stack of switches (sub systems) and actually fairly simple.

PM EcoMike and ask him what he advises.

 

M

Maz

NAXJA Forum User

Location

LaCanada, CA

• Oct 1, 2008

• #8

Thank you a ton

 

M

mlanicca

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Texas

• Oct 1, 2008

• #9

I had a problem with the brown wire melting the switch on mine (1990), so I added a relay.

 

M

Maz

NAXJA Forum User

Location

LaCanada, CA

• Oct 2, 2008

• #10

That's a very useful diagram and what I was looking for. Thanks for sharing it.

mlanicca said:

I had a problem with the brown wire melting the switch on mine (1990), so I added a relay.

Click to expand...