C3 Ignition Switch Problem
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3
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C3 Ignition Switch Problem
I have a 73 corvette which has had no previous starting problems.
After standing for 4 months it would not start. If a live wire is placed down to the clutch switch it will start OK.
I have now located the ignition swtich at about 10-11 o'clock on the outside of the steering column under the dash which is very awkward to get to!
Is there an easy way where this switch can be taken off or can I get a wiring diagram of the switch so I can try and get to it with a multi meter to prove the switch is operating.
I have a C3 wiring diagram but the switch connections are not detailed at all - could a fuse be involved??? although I have checked all fuses on the panel.
After standing for 4 months it would not start. If a live wire is placed down to the clutch switch it will start OK.
I have now located the ignition swtich at about 10-11 o'clock on the outside of the steering column under the dash which is very awkward to get to!
Is there an easy way where this switch can be taken off or can I get a wiring diagram of the switch so I can try and get to it with a multi meter to prove the switch is operating.
I have a C3 wiring diagram but the switch connections are not detailed at all - could a fuse be involved??? although I have checked all fuses on the panel.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,274
Likes: 4,366
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi j,
The person who knows THE MOST about the steering column and it's parts is Forum Member Jim Shea.
If you for search his name you'll see the links to all his info and diagrams.
I'll bet what you need will be there!
Regards,
Alan
The person who knows THE MOST about the steering column and it's parts is Forum Member Jim Shea.
If you for search his name you'll see the links to all his info and diagrams.
I'll bet what you need will be there!
Regards,
Alan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,426
Likes: 1,559
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Did you check if the NSS (clutch) switch is good?
I don't have a 73 schematic but on the 74:
With the key ON a purple-white wire brings 12 volts to the NSS and when you step on the clutch the switch closes and sends 12 volts to the starter on a purple wire.
I don't have a 73 schematic but on the 74:
With the key ON a purple-white wire brings 12 volts to the NSS and when you step on the clutch the switch closes and sends 12 volts to the starter on a purple wire.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,426
Likes: 1,559
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Correction: With key in "START" (not just ON) you should get 12 volts on the purple-white wire.
There are only 2 terminals on the clutch switch, power in and power out.
On the ignition switch:
Red is hot all the time.
Orange, brown and pink hot only in ON.
Purple-white hot only in Start.
Is that the wires your asking about?
There are only 2 terminals on the clutch switch, power in and power out.
On the ignition switch:
Red is hot all the time.
Orange, brown and pink hot only in ON.
Purple-white hot only in Start.
Is that the wires your asking about?
