Re: Ignition switch jerry rigged and will not turn off

Posted by Jim On 2008/2/19 1:13:14

Selling a car that starts, but won't shut off shows a certain since of style! I think it's a new low in car sales?
Glad to know I am not the only one who buys a ?running car? that is full of surprises once home.

The first thing I would recommend is get the wiring diagram, and take it to Alpha Graphics, Kinko's, or where ever, and have it blown up. This makes it easier to read and trace the circuits.

The starting problem sounds like a combination of problems. #1 is the charging system is possibly non-functional. #2 hard starting with fully charged battery is often the use of lighter gauge battery cables normally used for 12-volt starting systems. 6-volt systems utilize heaver gauge cables to adequately carry the heavy current flow.

The clock is electro-mechanical. If it is obviously drawing excessive current, until you can have it reconditioned simply disconnect it.

Extra wires could certainly explain the car not shutting off. You will have to attack this in four steps. #1 try to figure out where the wire connects to and from. #2 figure out why they did this (in other words what wasn't working) and #3 what original electrical system stopped working, and why. #4 fix the original electrical circuit.

A multi-meter is certainly handy, but you can do an awful lot with a simple low cost test light.

Another helpful hint is to make sure you understand how the electrical system was supposed to function originally. The owner's manual is a good way to familiarize yourself with the original operation and function. I had a 51 200 years ago, and I remember the starting circuit involving the depression of the throttle to the floor, and a carburetor operated switch controlling the starting circuit.

Best of luck with your electrical trouble shooting!