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EFV-8 Club Forum / General Ford Discussion / 36 Ignition Switch On/Off Issue

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Discussion Topic: 36 Ignition Switch On/Off Issue -- page: 1 2

rdevarga

03-28-2023 @ 3:44 PM

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For some reason, when the ignition switch is in the OFF position, I am reading 6 volts to the hot side of the ignition switch plate and not though the contacts to the other side of switch, but oddly reading 6 volts though the resistor (both ends) and 6 volts through the coil.

When the Off/On lever is depressed to the ON position (lower position on the assembly), I no longer have voltage at the ignition switch, resistor or coil.

I have taken the recently installed ignition switch apart several times to understand the movement of the contacts by depressing the Off/On lever. The key does move the plunger left/right to lock the wheel. The key in the on position does allow the Off/On lever to move down to the ON position. So I believe the ignition switch to be installed correctly with the plunger pin in the slotted side of the back of the switch contact.

This vehicle is 6volt positive ground.

Off is On and On is Off. I am stumped?

Richard deVarga
Austin Texas

Larry Lange

03-28-2023 @ 5:00 PM

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Is the back of the switch, where the moving part makes the contact, right-side up? Or do you have the right backing plate with the contacts in the right place?

Larry Lange
Puget Sound Regional Group

rdevarga

03-28-2023 @ 5:29 PM

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The backing plate and contacts have the same layout as you flip them. The brass wiring connector nearest the column is always the higher one on the backing plate. I have switched the battery hot wire and coil wire positions on the backing plate. No change.

Richard deVarga
Austin Texas

40 Coupe

03-29-2023 @ 5:22 AM

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With the ignition switch "off " or open circuit, the coil and the resistor should be full battery + (ground potential) You should see full battery voltage across the open ignition switch, one side + and the other -.

This message was edited by 40 Coupe on 3-29-23 @ 5:24 AM

TomO

03-29-2023 @ 8:51 AM

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You said that the ignition switch was newly installed. Are you sure that you have the right switch and not one from a later Ford?

Tom

rdevarga

03-29-2023 @ 9:39 AM

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40Coupe are you saying the ignition switch is acting properly. And "Off" should have voltage to the resistor and coil and "On" should not?

I rebuilt the entire column lock assembly for a '36 pickup. I installed the 33-37 Ignition Switch Parts Kit per the 35/36 Ford Steering Column Lock Assembly Details published online by Don Rogers.

I must admit "positive ground" has me flip flopped.

Richard deVarga
Austin Texas

G Tosel

03-29-2023 @ 5:13 PM

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Although the ignition parts suppliers indicate the switch plate is the same up to 37 Ford, be aware that the ignition switch is reversed in 37 so Up is on and down is Off. That means the contacts are opposite and are not the same as 36. Maybe the issue here.

40 Coupe

03-30-2023 @ 5:16 AM

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Yes there should be voltage (ground +) on the coil and the resistor with the ignition off, if the distributor points are closed. You will also see full battery voltage across the ignition switch. With the ignition switch "ON" you should not read voltage across the switch with a voltmeter.
Do you have the Schematic diagram for the 36, if not you can get it from Mac VanPelt web site. Looks like you have a wiring issue or a small issue understanding what your seeing on your meter or light and why it is the way it is. Do you have electrical experience? Do make sure your reading the correct voltage polarity when checking with the battery connected. It may be good to disconnect the battery and use an ohmmeter to check wiring plus verify the wire color code.
Does your vehicle have the old original wiring, new plastic wires, or a reproduction wiring harness with cloth covered, color coded wires?

juergen

03-30-2023 @ 6:41 AM

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I agree with 40 coupe's explanation of voltage across the switch when open or closed but find the explanation of voltage at the resistor/coil at best confusing. When measuring the voltage across the coil/resistor, I would place one terminal of my volt meter at the resistor/coil and the other at ground (which in this Ford is the + battery terminal). Now with the switch in off position, there should be no voltage across the coil/resistor (or else the battery would drain). With the switch in the on position, you should measure voltage across the coil/resistor which is needed to fire the spark plugs.

Essentially, when discussing voltage, one needs to mention where you are placing the voltmeter terminals.

This message was edited by juergen on 3-30-23 @ 6:44 AM

37RAGTOPMAN

03-30-2023 @ 10:24 AM

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I believe you have the Wrong ignition SWITCH plate, I woulf bet on it, someone installed the wrong one,
is this something that happened,
37 is on when up off when down
I think 36 is on when down off when up.,
did someone use the wrong switch plate when restoring the car ?
is this a car you just bouught ?
hope this helps 37Ragtopman

This message was edited by 37RAGTOPMAN on 3-30-23 @ 3:30 PM

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