Ignition Switch Circuit

[444John]

I've had the usual click problem for a while now but it has gradually got worse and now when I turn the ignition nothing happens. There is no dimming of lights etc when trying to start, so I believe my ignition switch may be at fault. My ignition switch does not automatically spring back when started and you need to do it manually or starter would just continue turning(when it did work). I think this is a separate issue but may be worth mentioning just in case. It was never left on in such a way that it would burn out the starter.

On removing the ignition switch, I see the wires are numbered 1-5. #1 is brown, #2 is white, #3 is red/green, #4 is red and the white/red wire connection is #5. On turning on the ignition 1st phase, I have power at #1 connection. On turning the ignition to phase 2, then 12v is also seen at #2 and #5 as well as #1. On turning ignition to the next phase, as in turning the starter, then the 12v disappears from brown #1 and stays on #2 and #5. Nothing is ever seen at #3 and #4.

Can anyone confirm if this is ok? I would have thought the 12v supply through the #5 white/red connection to solenoid would only be supplied when trying to turn starter?

Thanks in advance of any advice.

[V Mad]

imported post

If power is getting to the WR wire on the switch, but the starter does not turn, you must have a fault in the WR circuit between switch and starter.

On automatic cars a common problem is the inhibitor switch on the gearbox; thisswitchshould be closed when in Park orNeutral.

[singapore stag]

imported post

Hi, The white connection near the starter carries the white/red wires from the ignition switch to the solenoid. If the contacts are dirty or shod then you will get the click, click sound. Clean the contacts and smear with grease or something similar,...also if you have an automatic the inhibitor switch will be spliced onto the wiring so the inhibitor switch needs to be clean as well.



Sukh.

[444John]

imported post

Thanks for the replies guys. I've already cleaned the switch connection near the starter and I've got a manual gearbox - sorry forgot to mention that and it's a mk1.

Is the white/red switch supposed to get a feed, even when ignition switch is not in the start position?

Cheers John

[444John]

imported post

444John wrote:

Sorry - Duplicate.

[singapore stag]

imported post

I hope this is helpful,...MK 1 wiring diagram and same symptoms explained.



The ignition switch is no. 7 on the diagram and the wire to the starter solenoid is WR (white/red). The small double circle above the starter switch (7) is the inline connector, part of the connector block for the wire harness from the starter switch. The connector block is under the steering column cover, disconnect it and check the condition of the WR wire male and female terminals in the connector halves. If they are corroded or burned, then this is the reason for your problem. Otherwise, it is the starter switch itself - you can take it out (remove a small grab screw at the side of the switch housing), then you can carefully disassemble it and clean the contacts inside.

Contributed.

[444John]

imported post

Thanks Sukh,

I've just dis-assembled the ignition module and cleaned the points. Before I do anything else, I'll need to solder the white/red connection again as it's not looking to good - maybe this will be the problem.

Still not sure though if the white/red line should see 12v once the ignition light comes on and sends 12v to the solenoid before putting the ignition switch to the start position to turn starter?

[444John]

imported post

Happy days again - engine now ticking over nicely outside. On closer inspection the white/red wire from switch was actually white/pink and goes to solenoid also and not as mentioned white/red.

I took the white/red from the solenoid and used a screwdriver to turn the starter - it turned and got the engine going. Still need to fix the problem but looks like I'll need to go through all the plugs/connections again.

Anyway 1st time it's been running for 4months or so, due to work and bad weather, but now got the spark back in me that I needed to give it some lovin'.

Cheers guys.