Ignition switch test (out of car)

[bull]

Rather than put the old ignition switch in the car and winging it I figured I'd try bench testing the original with a meter. The problem is I'm only getting a reading in one position. With the black lead to the ground terminal and the red lead to ignition 1 I get a reading of .6 ohms when the key is turned one notch to the right (on); and then of course it cuts out to 0 when I turn it one more notch to the right for start. Shouldn't I get a reading at the ignition 2 terminal when the key is turned to start and a reading at the accessory terminal when it's switched one notch to the left? Seems to me there shouldn't be a need to be any other componants involved just to test the switch.

[Troy]

If I remember right, that's about it. I just use a continuity tester. Luckily you can still buy 62-68 switches new for under $30. I probably have some working ones laying around here (probably no lock cylinders though).

Troy

[bull]

Which brings up another question. If I buy a new one how difficult is it to swap the cylinder? Also, does anyone reproduce the chrome spanner nut?

[Fred]

It's very easy. Just insert the key into the cylinder. Turn the key to the right as you would to start the car, press the little brass button (encircled) and pull the cylinder out with the key. 

[bull]

That sounds easy. I bet I can screw it up though. This car isn't going without a fight every step of the way.

[Highbanked Hauler]

That sounds easy. I bet I can screw it up though. This car isn't going without a fight every step of the way.

  You got one of those also ? I thought I had the only one..

[Chryco Psycho]

you should have continuity from BAT termianl  to IGN & acc in the on position , &  bat to ign 2 in start position

[bull]

you should have continuity from BAT termianl  to IGN & acc in the on position , &  bat to ign 2 in start position

Ok, that's what I'm missing. I was thinking that terminal didn't figure in on a bench test for some reason. Any idea what resistances I should have at each terminal? And which two terminals are redundant, or is one not used? There are more labels than terminals.

[John_Kunkel]

With the key in RUN there should be continuity between BAT_IGN1_ACC, with the key in START there should be continuity between BAT_IGN2_ST and IGN1 and ACC should lose continuity to BAT. With the key in ACCESSORIES there should be continuity between BAT_ACC.

I believe the GRD terminal is used only on some bodies and there should be continuity between the GRD terminal and the switch housing in START.

[bull]

I'll test it again a little later but IIRC I got nothing between GRD and start but I did between GRD and on. Maybe I need to figure out for sure which terminal is which first because the labels aren't all that clear. I'll dig out the FSM when I test it...

Is this the correct terminal ID?

[Chryco Psycho]

you have 6 terminals & 6 names beside them
to me it looks like Grd is upper left , Bat below at lower left , Ign 1 lower center , Ign 2 to the right of that , Acc at the top  & ST in the middle in your picture

[bull]

Like this?

[bull]

With the key in RUN there should be continuity between BAT_IGN1_ACC, with the key in START there should be continuity between BAT_IGN2_ST and IGN1 and ACC should lose continuity to BAT. With the key in ACCESSORIES there should be continuity between BAT_ACC.

I believe the GRD terminal is used only on some bodies and there should be continuity between the GRD terminal and the switch housing in START.

Based on the above instructions and the last graphic I posted, the switch works fine in all postions. I seem to have it figured out. Thanks to all.

[Chryco Psycho]

 

[Bob T]

I'd put a new one in anyway just for peace of mind, the resistance will be lower and the action will be more precise.
The colour coded diagram below was a good help for me sorting out wiring issues when I changed mine out and sorted the existing wiring ratnest out, just how it was thats all, 40+ years of hack jobs. I made a folio of all the diagrams to refer to while working on it and made notes

[bull]

Thanks. More info can't hurt.