Ignition switch question

[slpro1207]

I have a external fuel pump that runs when I hook up the battery. I have traced in back to the ignition switch. The ig post in the switch is hot even when there is no key. I have double checked wire position.
Red to B, blue to st, orange to ig, and brown to acc. Any ideas? Maybe bad switch?


Additional information. The ignition post to the switch is powered up even when key is in off position. But the wire to it is not feeding it.

[edwardb]

That's how it should be wired. Not meaning to insult, but any chance you're mis-reading the labels on the switch and which terminals they refer to? Of course it's possible the switch could be bad (it's happened...), but seems strange.

[slpro1207]

I double checked. Removed and replaced them just to be sure. This has me baffled. And with the switch off there is no continuity between b and ig. I have removed the org wire and the ig post is hot when switch is off and red battery wire is on B

[Papa]

Is this issue new? Has it worked properly in the past?

[slpro1207]

Is this issue new? Has it worked properly in the past?

This is a new install. My second build. It’s definitely powering the fuse panel with the key removed. I have turn indicaters.

[Papa]

As Paul said, it could be a bad switch. It seems that around the time I was debugging my electrical issues, there were a few guys that had bad switches. Do you have an ohm meter? If so, remove any wires attached and test the switch on its own for continuity in the proper key positions. That will rule out any potential wiring problems. If the switch checks out, start checking for proper chassis grounds at the battery and the main harness.

[slpro1207]

On the bench the switch has no continuity when in the off position. Has continuity in the on position. When the battery wire is connected to post B I have power to the IG post with no other wires connected and in all key positions except ACC. I would suspect bad switch except the fact I don’t have continuity between B and IGN post when there is no power. Also the orange ign wire is dead so it’s not feeding anything.
I’m missing something.

[Papa]

So with nothing connected to the switch you have no continuity in the key off position to any of the IGN, ACC, and ST posts, but you do when you connect the power wire to the B post? I'm leaning toward a ground issue.

[Papa]

I have a brand new switch that I ordered when I thought I fried mine. I was able to replicate the behavior you describe if I connect the power to the IGN vs B terminals (i.e. treat the IGN as the B terminal). I'm not actually applying power, but using a continuity tester. It's possible that the switch was wired internally incorrectly.

[slpro1207]

I have a brand new switch that I ordered when I thought I fried mine. I was able to replicate the behavior you describe if I connect the power to the IGN vs B terminals (i.e. treat the IGN as the B terminal). I'm not actually applying power, but using a continuity tester. It's possible that the switch was wired internally incorrectly.

Brilliant. The switch is wired backwards. I connected battery to IG and ignition switch wire to B and it works properly. I have to order a new switch. Thanks for steering me in the right direction.

[edwardb]

Brilliant. The switch is wired backwards. I connected battery to IG and ignition switch wire to B and it works properly. I have to order a new switch. Thanks for steering me in the right direction.

Glad you figured it out. I suspect there's no wiring inside that switch. Probably some type of rotating contact assembly. Sounds like it was assembled incorrectly and apparently not even the most rudimentary continuity test.

[CraigS]

Brilliant. The switch is wired backwards. I connected battery to IG and ignition switch wire to B and it works properly. I have to order a new switch. Thanks for steering me in the right direction.

heck mark it correctly w/ a sharpie and go!

[Boydster]

heck mark it correctly w/ a sharpie and go!

My thoughts exactly.

[slpro1207]

heck mark it correctly w/ a sharpie and go!

My thoughts too, however further testing shows that the post that is marked ACC is the post that is activated with the key rotated fully clockwise(starter activation). I could switch the acc wire and the starter wires but I found the ST post is also hot with switch in off position. I don’t know if I’m making any sense but I don’t but I don’t think the ACC should be on with key off.

[michael everson]

Sounds like the plastic insert is indexed off 90 degrees.
Mike

[Walt]

Think i would get Factory Five to sent me a new one with keys!

[CraigS]

I go a ColeHersey brand switch online. Most auto parts stores have generic switches also.

[bobl]

Great catch Papa!

I have a brand new switch that I ordered when I thought I fried mine. I was able to replicate the behavior you describe if I connect the power to the IGN vs B terminals (i.e. treat the IGN as the B terminal). I'm not actually applying power, but using a continuity tester. It's possible that the switch was wired internally incorrectly.