1968 ignition switch is bad
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2020
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From: San Diego
1968 ignition switch is bad
I think my ignition switch on my 1968 may have gone bad. When I connect the battery, the parking brake light comes on and stays on. The key will start the car but wont shut it off. Also, the battery will drain if I leave it connected. Do these go bad at times and can I get on from the local Autozone or is it special order?
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From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
You can get one from most auto parts stores.
I got one from Napa..get the best one they sell. The repop stuff is no good.
Your brake light switch should be under the dash, follow your brake pedal up youll see it.
May just need an adjustment or tweaking. Those you can buy at auto parts stores also
I got one from Napa..get the best one they sell. The repop stuff is no good.
Your brake light switch should be under the dash, follow your brake pedal up youll see it.
May just need an adjustment or tweaking. Those you can buy at auto parts stores also
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Brake light power is always hot and has nothing to do with ignition switch. key not turning off engine could be switch. could also be another wiring problem.
You may wish to do some testing before just throwing parts at it.
You may wish to do some testing before just throwing parts at it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: myrtle beach sc
Army
Original 68 ignition switches have a built in casting for a light in the switch body to illuminate the key hole at night. I do not think that replacement switches have this cast in light holder. Please be aware of this when purchasing one. Lou.
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Lou is correct. If you want original it has to have the light for the key. I also dont trust the chinese to get the wiring correct. Good luck if you buy it from a parts store
I just had a switch go bad. It would shut down the car and other accessories going through the switch in various combinations and sometimes not starting the car but allowing other items to work. I found a NOS part still in the original box for $100 on ebay. Works like it should
Every
Single
Time
Doubt youll get a chinese switch to work like the original
I just had a switch go bad. It would shut down the car and other accessories going through the switch in various combinations and sometimes not starting the car but allowing other items to work. I found a NOS part still in the original box for $100 on ebay. Works like it should
Every
Single
Time
Doubt youll get a chinese switch to work like the original
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2020
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From: San Diego
So I replaced my ignition switch and its not the switch as the new one works the same. So after research I think it might be an alternator backfeed to the coil that is keeping the car running. I have a one wire alternator. I saw some videos of backfeed from three wire alternators and how to install a diode to stop this but it did not address a 1 wire alternator. Can I install a diode on the + side of the coil to prevent any backfeed or will this damage it?
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I would disconnect the alternator and run the car then shut it off. If it shuts off you may be on the right track.
When this issue started had you changed anything prior to the issue?
Or did it suddenly start happening?
When this issue started had you changed anything prior to the issue?
Or did it suddenly start happening?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2020
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From: San Diego
So I disconnected the alternator and it still kept running so thats not the issue.
i cant really remember when it started to not shut off because I installed a kill switch that I use to shut it off. It basically cuts power to the coil and kills the engine. Ive been using it for a while but it would be nice to use the key.
one oth issue I notice which could be related or not is that the parking brake light remains on even with the key off. I have a battery disconnect installed and always turn it off when I park it.
any ideas?
i cant really remember when it started to not shut off because I installed a kill switch that I use to shut it off. It basically cuts power to the coil and kills the engine. Ive been using it for a while but it would be nice to use the key.
one oth issue I notice which could be related or not is that the parking brake light remains on even with the key off. I have a battery disconnect installed and always turn it off when I park it.
any ideas?
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2020
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From: San Diego
So I was watching some youtube videos on the issue and I assume my MSD is just wired wrong. Someone has mentioned the little red wire hooked to a permanent 12v source as opposed to a keyed hot. I checked mine and the wire for the little red wire stayed on even after the key was off. Doh!!!
So I found a keyed hot and triple checked it. Connected the little red wire tonit assuming that was the issue and then the can would not start. It would crank but no fire. I checked again and it was hot but still no start. I went back to the original permanently hot wire and she fired right up.
Im lost
So I found a keyed hot and triple checked it. Connected the little red wire tonit assuming that was the issue and then the can would not start. It would crank but no fire. I checked again and it was hot but still no start. I went back to the original permanently hot wire and she fired right up.
Im lost
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2020
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From: San Diego
So last night I was brain storming and realized that I connected the wire to a keyed hot but probably not a keyed and cranking hot. So I reconfirmed this morning and that was true. I am going to find a keyed and cranking hot and try again.
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I think I came off the ignition spare on the fuse block and used that as a trip for a relay that powered a direct battery source to a second small fuse panel. And that powered my additional electronics including the MSD So it is hot when both in "on" and "crank"
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
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Perfect...use that lead instead to turn on a relay or 2 and those relays can power a fused line to each or do what I did and add a small block!!
I stuffed it up under the dash but I should have put it in the battery compartment and run the wires up under the center console or something
I stuffed it up under the dash but I should have put it in the battery compartment and run the wires up under the center console or something